lens question...

VJ · Jun 28, 2002

I recently got a price list (Belgium, include 21% VAT) for lenses with the range I'm looking for (at least 28-70), from the store where I intend to order my D100:

1) AF Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D IF € 888.00 incl.
2) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 G € 531.00 incl.
3) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 28-70 mm f/2.8 D IF-ED € 2108.00 incl.
4) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-80 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 165.75 incl.
5) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-100 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 187.00 incl.
6) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-105 mm f/3.5-5.6 D IF € 505.75 incl.

Lens 3) is simply too expensive for me; while 1) is really pushing it and I feel somewhat uncomfortable (I need to have some money left to purchase CF-cards, bag, AC-adapter, ...

).

Lens 2) is the only remaining AF-S lens, and seems to have my preference, both because it starts at 24 mm (fov crop 1.5x !) and because it is an AF-S lens (faster AF). Could someone just confirm the following:

The lens has no aperture ring, but it is possible to set aperture on the D100, right ?
3D matrix metering is possible with this lens (G-type), right ?

Any other comments/opinions on this lens (is it sharp ? ...) ? Are there reasons to opt for another lens in this list (I have heard good things about 6), the 28-105) ?

Thanks !

Jörg

David Lane · Jun 28, 2002

VJ said:
The lens has no aperture ring, but it is possible to set aperture
on the D100, right ?

Yes, but only with the control dials on the camera.

VJ said:
3D matrix metering is possible with this lens (G-type), right ?

Yup! the d100 instructions say "Type G or D AF Nikkor-all functions supported"

VJ said:
Any other comments/opinions on this lens (is it sharp ? ...)

I have not seen one yet, but, I have read mixed reviews about this lens. I am going to wait to purchase it untill I can play with one at the local camera store.

--
Dave

Toralf Sandker · Jun 28, 2002

Jörg,

I have used the AF-S 24-85 G for a week now, and find it very good for the price. It has its weaknesses, though. It shows heavy barrel distortion at the wide angle, and visible pincusion distortion at the tele end. It needs to be stopped down a bit to show its best. However, for a zoom, otherwise it is amazingly sharp for landscapes as well as portraits.

The AF-S seems quite fast, but I haven't tested the camera with any of the more expensive AF-S lenses (I am well familiar with the 17-35, the 28-70 and the 80-200 AF-S lenses, and these combined with the D1x or F5 are much faster, probably because of the camera). The build quality is on par with my AF 18-35 D, which, by the way also focuses very quickly on the D100 though it is not an AF-S lens (it has IF).

To read more about the D100 and the AF-S 24-85, go here:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2_nPC.html

Toralf

VJ said:
I recently got a price list (Belgium, include 21% VAT) for lenses
with the range I'm looking for (at least 28-70), from the store
where I intend to order my D100:

1) AF Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D IF € 888.00 incl.
2) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 G € 531.00 incl.
3) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 28-70 mm f/2.8 D IF-ED € 2108.00 incl.
4) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-80 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 165.75 incl.
5) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-100 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 187.00 incl.
6) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-105 mm f/3.5-5.6 D IF € 505.75 incl.

Lens 3) is simply too expensive for me; while 1) is really pushing
it and I feel somewhat uncomfortable (I need to have some money
left to purchase CF-cards, bag, AC-adapter, ... ).

Lens 2) is the only remaining AF-S lens, and seems to have my
preference, both because it starts at 24 mm (fov crop 1.5x !) and
because it is an AF-S lens (faster AF). Could someone just confirm
the following:
The lens has no aperture ring, but it is possible to set aperture
on the D100, right ?
3D matrix metering is possible with this lens (G-type), right ?

Any other comments/opinions on this lens (is it sharp ? ...) ? Are
there reasons to opt for another lens in this list (I have heard
good things about 6), the 28-105) ?

Thanks !

Jörg

--
---
Toralf Sandåker, writer and consultant, Norway

VJ · Jun 28, 2002

Toralf said:
I have used the AF-S 24-85 G for a week now, and find it very good
for the price. It has its weaknesses, though. It shows heavy barrel
distortion at the wide angle, and visible pincusion distortion at
the tele end. It needs to be stopped down a bit to show its best.
However, for a zoom, otherwise it is amazingly sharp for landscapes
as well as portraits.

Thanks for your comments !

Do you have pictures that show the barrel/wide angle/pincusion distortions ? At first glance, it seems quite a good allround lens... (which was what I was looking for)

Toralf Sandker said:
To read more about the D100 and the AF-S 24-85, go here:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2_nPC.html

Hmm, it gets a score of 3.5-5, guess it scores very good on some points, and less on others. Nevertheless, the comments do look fine (and the reviews of other lenses are also very interesting).

Thanks again !

Jörg

VJ · Jun 28, 2002

David Lane said:
David Lane said:

The lens has no aperture ring, but it is possible to set aperture
on the D100, right ?

Click to expand...

Yes, but only with the control dials on the camera.

Are there any specific disadvantages to that ? (apart from perhaps the less inuitive way of setting the aperture, and the fact that not all cameras allow it - latter not important for me, though)

Jörg

Jono Slack · Jun 28, 2002

Hi Jorg

I can't see why one would possibly want the aperture ring - unless you plan to get an old manual film slr as well. I can honestly say that after 3 months and 5000 photos with my D1X the aperture ring has stayed absolutely and firmly on 'locked' (meaning that it's controlled by the camera).

kind regards
Jono slack
http://www.slack.co.uk

VJ said:
David Lane said:

VJ said:

The lens has no aperture ring, but it is possible to set aperture
on the D100, right ?

Click to expand...

Yes, but only with the control dials on the camera.

Click to expand...

Are there any specific disadvantages to that ? (apart from perhaps
the less inuitive way of setting the aperture, and the fact that
not all cameras allow it - latter not important for me, though)

Jörg

--
Jono Slack
http://www.slack.co.uk

VJ · Jun 28, 2002

Jono Slack said:
Hi Jorg

I can't see why one would possibly want the aperture ring - unless
you plan to get an old manual film slr as well. I can honestly say
that after 3 months and 5000 photos with my D1X the aperture ring
has stayed absolutely and firmly on 'locked' (meaning that it's
controlled by the camera).

I thought that would be the case, but I just wanted to see this confirmed. (as I have no intetion of going back to a manual SLR; and my sister-in-law her F5 can handle G-types properly, so that is also something I needn't think about)

Thanks for confirming !

Jörg

Jono Slack · Jun 28, 2002

Hi VJ

I've been through all this anguish as well (and made mistakes too).

When I first got my D1X I felt very strongly that there was a lot of snobbery about lenses, and I went against the trend and bought some cheap lenses as a result - now they've all gone!

I've played with the AFS lenses, they are lovely, but apart from the 24-85, they are BIG.

I have the 24-85 f2.8/f4 lens mentioned here, and I'm really pleased with it. It seems to be very sharp, with no CA visible and with a useful 'macro' facility. I dithered about waiting for the AFS lens, but truth be told this lens focuses very quickly anyway.

I've also heard good things about the 28-105, but, remember, this gives you an 'effective' 42-157 - the longer end is fine, but if you're anything like me, the 42mm at the wide end really isn't enough.

I've 'ended up' with three lenses, all of which are compromises, but useful ones.

1. Sigma 15-30 f3.5 (effective 22-45)

this is a little subject to flare, but it does give you a real wide angle, isn't terribly expensive and has had some very good write-ups

2. Nikkor 24-85 f2.8 (effective 36-128)

I think this is a little beauty. But if the quality of the new G series is as good then the silence of the AFS sounds attractive (I really don't see focusing speed as an issue here).

3. Nikkor 70-180 micro (effective 105-270)

This is an odd and uncommon lens - I replaced my 60mm micro with it. It is designed as a macro lens, and it's fabulous up to a distance of 100 metres or so - I've found it slightly soft at longer distances, but the full zoom from 1/2 life size up to infinity is really useful. Great for walking as an all purpose lense. Clearly it isn't quite up to the quality of the 80-200 afs, but it's close, and it also focuses close (unlike the afs) and it's considerably lighter (although still a fair chunk of glass).

I KNOW that the afs lenses are better quality, and the three zooms (17-35, 28-70 and 80-200) but apart from dropping €6000 or so, you have to carry about 3kg around with you - and you still don't have any close up facility.

kind regards
jono slack

VJ said:
I recently got a price list (Belgium, include 21% VAT) for lenses
with the range I'm looking for (at least 28-70), from the store
where I intend to order my D100:

1) AF Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D IF € 888.00 incl.
2) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 G € 531.00 incl.
3) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 28-70 mm f/2.8 D IF-ED € 2108.00 incl.
4) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-80 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 165.75 incl.
5) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-100 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 187.00 incl.
6) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-105 mm f/3.5-5.6 D IF € 505.75 incl.

Lens 3) is simply too expensive for me; while 1) is really pushing
it and I feel somewhat uncomfortable (I need to have some money
left to purchase CF-cards, bag, AC-adapter, ... ).

Lens 2) is the only remaining AF-S lens, and seems to have my
preference, both because it starts at 24 mm (fov crop 1.5x !) and
because it is an AF-S lens (faster AF). Could someone just confirm
the following:
The lens has no aperture ring, but it is possible to set aperture
on the D100, right ?
3D matrix metering is possible with this lens (G-type), right ?

Any other comments/opinions on this lens (is it sharp ? ...) ? Are
there reasons to opt for another lens in this list (I have heard
good things about 6), the 28-105) ?

Thanks !

Jörg

--
Jono Slack
http://www.slack.co.uk

VJ · Jun 28, 2002

Jono Slack said:
When I first got my D1X I felt very strongly that there was a lot
of snobbery about lenses, and I went against the trend and bought
some cheap lenses as a result - now they've all gone!

Yes, I'm trying to avoid just that. Several people have told me to be on the lookout for good lenses...

Jono Slack said:
I've also heard good things about the 28-105, but, remember, this
gives you an 'effective' 42-157 - the longer end is fine, but if
you're anything like me, the 42mm at the wide end really isn't
enough.

Yes, I know, 42 mm is quite long... But on the other hand, if necessary, it is always possible to purchase some 15-30-something lens for wide-angle shots, thus allowing one to cover more focal lengts. Yet, as an allround lens, you might be right in stating that 42 mm is too long...

Jono Slack said:
2. Nikkor 24-85 f2.8 (effective 36-128)
I think this is a little beauty. But if the quality of the new G
series is as good then the silence of the AFS sounds attractive (I
really don't see focusing speed as an issue here).

I'm currently considering the AFS-G type, yet it has f/3.5. Still trying to find some additional reviews of the lens (Rorslet has a good comment on it - see elsewhere in this thread for the link - and apparently it also has good and bad points).

Jono Slack said:
3. Nikkor 70-180 micro (effective 105-270)

Well, chances are that I could use my sister-in-laws 80-200 (not sure if it is the AFS though), as she virtually never uses it...

Jono Slack said:
I KNOW that the afs lenses are better quality, and the three zooms
(17-35, 28-70 and 80-200) but apart from dropping €6000 or so, you
have to carry about 3kg around with you - and you still don't have
any close up facility.

Yes, I personally feel those lenses are just too expensive for me to justify their purchase (I'm just a simple amateur).

Many thanks for your insights !

Jörg

GMD · Jun 28, 2002

I was in the same boat...
Had no Nikon glass yet .. want to use it for all sorts of product shots
and fashion .. need the soom for portrait/full length fashion in large
studio, close ups (macro) of products and garments etc.

My lens choices
28-70 AF-S
50 1.4D AND 50 1.8D will decide on one and sell the other one
105 2.8 AF D Micro
80-200 2.8 AF ED

prices ... locally in OZ ... way out ....
bought the lenses at Adorama .. coming all tomorrow
I combined a shipment with some other stuff to make it worth while
prices are much much better than OZ and I could get all the above
I have another 2 on the list ... but more for fun and after I
verified the above choice. I dont need wide angle that much
but a 20mm may come later.

I expect to buy the next pro level model and I expect it to have
a lower multiplier and then I will see about the wide angle.

http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com I bought a 512MB Flash and a 1Gig MD
at 299 - 50$ rebate (still on until end of June)

We have no duty on photo stuff here only GST and through the business
I can claim that back anyway...

Adoramas shopping cart shows the freight as they charge it.. not like B&H.. its wrong there .. and I had all shipments (3 so far ) within 12 days after the order... Once they have confirmed your credit card its easy..

I took the 80-200 grey market version (doesnt bother me.. I know people who would repair it for me) but the US version of the AFS cause the price difference wasnt justifiable on that one..

I have good experience .. so give it a thought .. If you are a consumer
the VAT/ GST or whatever might be a pain in the a... but may be you
find a way to do it via a business and can claim it back ..

Good luck
gmd

VJ said:
I recently got a price list (Belgium, include 21% VAT) for lenses
with the range I'm looking for (at least 28-70), from the store
where I intend to order my D100:

1) AF Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D IF € 888.00 incl.
2) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 G € 531.00 incl.
3) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 28-70 mm f/2.8 D IF-ED € 2108.00 incl.
4) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-80 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 165.75 incl.
5) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-100 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 187.00 incl.
6) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-105 mm f/3.5-5.6 D IF € 505.75 incl.

Lens 3) is simply too expensive for me; while 1) is really pushing
it and I feel somewhat uncomfortable (I need to have some money
left to purchase CF-cards, bag, AC-adapter, ... ).

Lens 2) is the only remaining AF-S lens, and seems to have my
preference, both because it starts at 24 mm (fov crop 1.5x !) and
because it is an AF-S lens (faster AF). Could someone just confirm
the following:
The lens has no aperture ring, but it is possible to set aperture
on the D100, right ?
3D matrix metering is possible with this lens (G-type), right ?

Any other comments/opinions on this lens (is it sharp ? ...) ? Are
there reasons to opt for another lens in this list (I have heard
good things about 6), the 28-105) ?

Thanks !

Jörg

VJ · Jun 29, 2002

Well, I have narrowed my choice down to 2 lenses:

VJ said:
1) AF Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D IF € 888.00 incl.
2) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 G € 531.00 incl.

I think I'll opt for the the first one (although I have mentioned it is somewhat pushing it).

According to the things I've heard/read, it appears to have somewhat better optics (aspherical lenses, though no ED-element), and the f/2.8 is quite important (esp. when using polarizers, going for short shutter speeds, our traditional grey Belgian weather

, ...).

The IF-aspect is also interesting (e.g. again with polarizers), but it could be the other lens is also IF (apears so in the paper Nikon folder at the dealer).

The fact that it is not AF-S is not that important to me (acoustic noise doesn't matter for me, and the gain in focusing-speed is - for my purpose - not as impacting as the ability to go up to f/2.8).

Thanks again for your comments/links,

Jörg

jdavis37 · Jun 29, 2002

Jono,

One of these days I am going to disagree with you on something

Course it might be 100 or so years before that day arrives. Thanks again for sharing your practical experiences in the lnes arena and helping people develop a lens system to cover their needs. All they need to do is visit your galleries and they will quickly know your lens advice is sound ( means Jono takes seriously GREAT photographs ). Your advice is also being heeded here as I put together my system which needs to weigh less than a metric ton and cost less than my house! No matter how good a lens is if you (a) mortgage the family to buy it and (b) never carry it to your son's soccer game because you don't want to use a wheelbarrow to carry it it simply isn't worth it! It's all about fun for me, and some compromise is always needed. As long as I enjoy myself then that's the bottom line. Thx again for sharing your thoughts.. hopefully will save some people from making a mistake upfront!

Jono Slack said:
I've been through all this anguish as well (and made mistakes too).

When I first got my D1X I felt very strongly that there was a lot
of snobbery about lenses, and I went against the trend and bought
some cheap lenses as a result - now they've all gone!

I've played with the AFS lenses, they are lovely, but apart from
the 24-85, they are BIG.

I have the 24-85 f2.8/f4 lens mentioned here, and I'm really
pleased with it. It seems to be very sharp, with no CA visible and
with a useful 'macro' facility. I dithered about waiting for the
AFS lens, but truth be told this lens focuses very quickly anyway.

I've also heard good things about the 28-105, but, remember, this
gives you an 'effective' 42-157 - the longer end is fine, but if
you're anything like me, the 42mm at the wide end really isn't
enough.

I've 'ended up' with three lenses, all of which are compromises,
but useful ones.

1. Sigma 15-30 f3.5 (effective 22-45)
this is a little subject to flare, but it does give you a real wide
angle, isn't terribly expensive and has had some very good write-ups

2. Nikkor 24-85 f2.8 (effective 36-128)
I think this is a little beauty. But if the quality of the new G
series is as good then the silence of the AFS sounds attractive (I
really don't see focusing speed as an issue here).

3. Nikkor 70-180 micro (effective 105-270)
This is an odd and uncommon lens - I replaced my 60mm micro with
it. It is designed as a macro lens, and it's fabulous up to a
distance of 100 metres or so - I've found it slightly soft at
longer distances, but the full zoom from 1/2 life size up to
infinity is really useful. Great for walking as an all purpose
lense. Clearly it isn't quite up to the quality of the 80-200 afs,
but it's close, and it also focuses close (unlike the afs) and it's
considerably lighter (although still a fair chunk of glass).

I KNOW that the afs lenses are better quality, and the three zooms
(17-35, 28-70 and 80-200) but apart from dropping €6000 or so, you
have to carry about 3kg around with you - and you still don't have
any close up facility.

kind regards
jono slack

VJ said:

I recently got a price list (Belgium, include 21% VAT) for lenses
with the range I'm looking for (at least 28-70), from the store
where I intend to order my D100:

1) AF Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D IF € 888.00 incl.
2) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 G € 531.00 incl.
3) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 28-70 mm f/2.8 D IF-ED € 2108.00 incl.
4) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-80 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 165.75 incl.
5) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-100 mm f/3.5-5.6 G € 187.00 incl.
6) AF Zoom Nikkor 28-105 mm f/3.5-5.6 D IF € 505.75 incl.

Lens 3) is simply too expensive for me; while 1) is really pushing
it and I feel somewhat uncomfortable (I need to have some money
left to purchase CF-cards, bag, AC-adapter, ... ).

Lens 2) is the only remaining AF-S lens, and seems to have my
preference, both because it starts at 24 mm (fov crop 1.5x !) and
because it is an AF-S lens (faster AF). Could someone just confirm
the following:
The lens has no aperture ring, but it is possible to set aperture
on the D100, right ?
3D matrix metering is possible with this lens (G-type), right ?

Any other comments/opinions on this lens (is it sharp ? ...) ? Are
there reasons to opt for another lens in this list (I have heard
good things about 6), the 28-105) ?

Thanks !

Jörg

Click to expand...

--
Jono Slack
http://www.slack.co.uk

Jono Slack · Jun 29, 2002

HI VJ

Well, I've been pleased with the 24-85 f2.8. I hope you've made the right decision and enjoy your new lens.

I've certainly no problems with either the noise, or the focusing speed of the non AF-S lens.

kind regards
jono slack

VJ said:
VJ said:

1) AF Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D IF € 888.00 incl.
2) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 G € 531.00 incl.

Click to expand...

I think I'll opt for the the first one (although I have mentioned
it is somewhat pushing it).
According to the things I've heard/read, it appears to have
somewhat better optics (aspherical lenses, though no ED-element),
and the f/2.8 is quite important (esp. when using polarizers, going
for short shutter speeds, our traditional grey Belgian weather ,
...).
The IF-aspect is also interesting (e.g. again with polarizers), but
it could be the other lens is also IF (apears so in the paper Nikon
folder at the dealer).
The fact that it is not AF-S is not that important to me (acoustic
noise doesn't matter for me, and the gain in focusing-speed is -
for my purpose - not as impacting as the ability to go up to f/2.8).

Thanks again for your comments/links,

Jörg

--
Jono Slack
http://www.slack.co.uk

jdavis37 · Jun 29, 2002

VJ,

If price is a concern why not wait a little while longer ( unless TIME is of essence ) on the AF-S version? I'm just bieng a friendly devil's advocate here but consider the following:

(a) At what focal lengths is the 24-85 actually at f2.8? Since it is variable it may only be at f 2.8 at the very bottom end.

(b) f2.8 versus f3.5 is about half an f stop. Since the D100 starts off at ISO200 equivalent you are already 1 stop above the norm as it is. factor in the D100 allows for 1/3 fstop ASA adjustments you an easily gain that 1/2 stop back without any real noise increase. Just food for thought but this is digital and only adds to the flexibility digital offers.

NOT saying don't buy the f2.8-4 version as from all accounts it is a superb lens and maybe/probably better than the new AF-S version ( time will tell ). Ijust noticed in your threads that price is a concern and the price difference between these 2 lenses is real.

On flip side Jono has the 2.8-4 IF version and seems to like it alot so if you can muster the additional cash I'd take his word as gold ( mihgt need more gold to pay for the lens though ). But I wouldn't get too caught up in the additional 1/2 or so fstop on aperture and DOF if that is the driving force. My 2 pennies worth

VJ said:
VJ said:

1) AF Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D IF € 888.00 incl.
2) AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 G € 531.00 incl.

Click to expand...

I think I'll opt for the the first one (although I have mentioned
it is somewhat pushing it).
According to the things I've heard/read, it appears to have
somewhat better optics (aspherical lenses, though no ED-element),
and the f/2.8 is quite important (esp. when using polarizers, going
for short shutter speeds, our traditional grey Belgian weather ,
...).
The IF-aspect is also interesting (e.g. again with polarizers), but
it could be the other lens is also IF (apears so in the paper Nikon
folder at the dealer).
The fact that it is not AF-S is not that important to me (acoustic
noise doesn't matter for me, and the gain in focusing-speed is -
for my purpose - not as impacting as the ability to go up to f/2.8).

Thanks again for your comments/links,

Jörg

VJ · Jun 30, 2002

JDavis37 said:
If price is a concern why not wait a little while longer ( unless
TIME is of essence ) on the AF-S version? I'm just bieng a friendly
devil's advocate here but consider the following:

ok

jdavis37 said:
(a) At what focal lengths is the 24-85 actually at f2.8? Since it
is variable it may only be at f 2.8 at the very bottom end.

Well, a similar argument goes of course for the AFS: it is also variable between 3.5 and 4.5; whereas for the AF it varies between 2.8 and 4...

jdavis37 said:
(b) f2.8 versus f3.5 is about half an f stop. Since the D100 starts
off at ISO200 equivalent you are already 1 stop above the norm as
it is. factor in the D100 allows for 1/3 fstop ASA adjustments you
an easily gain that 1/2 stop back without any real noise increase.
Just food for thought but this is digital and only adds to the
flexibility digital offers.

Yes, but when one considers the use of a polarizer, one ought to take that into account. Also when trying to minimize shutter speed, it might be interesting to have larger apertures... (a photographer told me he went on a trip carrying only a 3.5 lens, and told me he sometimes wished he had taken his 2.8) Living in Belgium implies few days of very bright sunshine, so I have taken this into consideration as well...

jdavis37 said:
NOT saying don't buy the f2.8-4 version as from all accounts it is
a superb lens and maybe/probably better than the new AF-S version (
time will tell ). Ijust noticed in your threads that price is a
concern and the price difference between these 2 lenses is real.

Yes, well, I don't want to make "silly" purchases, but I don't mind spending somewhat more to get proven quality...

I get the impression (from different people) that the AF-lens might give me a thad more freedom and appears to be able to give a slightly sharper image, and several people that use the lens have said it focusses very fast.

jdavis37 said:
On flip side Jono has the 2.8-4 IF version and seems to like it
alot so if you can muster the additional cash I'd take his word as
gold ( mihgt need more gold to pay for the lens though ). But I
wouldn't get too caught up in the additional 1/2 or so fstop on
aperture and DOF if that is the driving force. My 2 pennies worth

Yes, other people have also told me that the difference in aperture is not that big, but considering this, in combination with the fact that it appears to give a slightly sharper image and with the fact that I don't require the AF-S benefits (will most likely focus fast enough for my purpose + the accoustic noise doesn't matter), I got the feeling it was the better lens for me... (a lesser argument is that it has a standard 72 mm filterthread in comparison to the 67mm on the AFS lens)

(yesterday evening I went to a store, and ordered the D100 + the AF 24-85mm 2.8 lens... The countdown has begun !

)

Jörg

jdavis37 · Jun 30, 2002

I don't think you will be disappointed in your choices

I'm still undecided on which DSLR to buy ( until can try each for myself and yes that will be a while ). Enjoy your new system and post some good shots when you can! ON the lens choice, it is hard to argue against a lens which others currently have, are using, and getting great results! And if it does cost that much more one would think it might be made alittle better as well. I know in the Canon line " USM" does not mean the best they have, and have a feeling Nikon is now doing the same with the term AF-S. Nikon has to compete with Canon in this arena. ut it's all about having fun and getting pictures so enjoy!

VJ said:
JDavis37 said:

If price is a concern why not wait a little while longer ( unless
TIME is of essence ) on the AF-S version? I'm just bieng a friendly
devil's advocate here but consider the following:

Click to expand...

ok

VJ said:

(a) At what focal lengths is the 24-85 actually at f2.8? Since it
is variable it may only be at f 2.8 at the very bottom end.

Click to expand...

Well, a similar argument goes of course for the AFS: it is also
variable between 3.5 and 4.5; whereas for the AF it varies between
2.8 and 4...

VJ said:

(b) f2.8 versus f3.5 is about half an f stop. Since the D100 starts
off at ISO200 equivalent you are already 1 stop above the norm as
it is. factor in the D100 allows for 1/3 fstop ASA adjustments you
an easily gain that 1/2 stop back without any real noise increase.
Just food for thought but this is digital and only adds to the
flexibility digital offers.

Click to expand...

Yes, but when one considers the use of a polarizer, one ought to
take that into account. Also when trying to minimize shutter
speed, it might be interesting to have larger apertures... (a
photographer told me he went on a trip carrying only a 3.5 lens,
and told me he sometimes wished he had taken his 2.8) Living in
Belgium implies few days of very bright sunshine, so I have taken
this into consideration as well...

VJ said:

NOT saying don't buy the f2.8-4 version as from all accounts it is
a superb lens and maybe/probably better than the new AF-S version (
time will tell ). Ijust noticed in your threads that price is a
concern and the price difference between these 2 lenses is real.

Click to expand...

Yes, well, I don't want to make "silly" purchases, but I don't
mind spending somewhat more to get proven quality... I get
the impression (from different people) that the AF-lens might give
me a thad more freedom and appears to be able to give a slightly
sharper image, and several people that use the lens have said it
focusses very fast.

VJ said:

On flip side Jono has the 2.8-4 IF version and seems to like it
alot so if you can muster the additional cash I'd take his word as
gold ( mihgt need more gold to pay for the lens though ). But I
wouldn't get too caught up in the additional 1/2 or so fstop on
aperture and DOF if that is the driving force. My 2 pennies worth

Click to expand...

Yes, other people have also told me that the difference in aperture
is not that big, but considering this, in combination with the
fact that it appears to give a slightly sharper image and with the
fact that I don't require the AF-S benefits (will most likely focus
fast enough for my purpose + the accoustic noise doesn't matter), I
got the feeling it was the better lens for me... (a lesser
argument is that it has a standard 72 mm filterthread in comparison
to the 67mm on the AFS lens)

(yesterday evening I went to a store, and ordered the D100 + the AF
24-85mm 2.8 lens... The countdown has begun ! )

Jörg

VJ · Jun 30, 2002

JDavis37 said:
I don't think you will be disappointed in your choices I'm still
undecided on which DSLR to buy ( until can try each for myself and
yes that will be a while ).

Yes, I have asked in the store whether they had any D100s for display, and they responded that every camera that had been ordered was sold immediatly...

My choice was somewhat easier, as my sister-in-law has a Nikon F5 and several lenses (amongst which an 80-200 mm she never uses) and accessories. And the Fuji being quite expensive here in Belgium (approx. € 600 more), I just went for the Nikon.

jdavis37 said:
Enjoy your new system and post some
good shots when you can! ON the lens choice, it is hard to argue
against a lens which others currently have, are using, and getting
great results! And if it does cost that much more one would think
it might be made alittle better as well. I know in the Canon line
" USM" does not mean the best they have, and have a feeling Nikon
is now doing the same with the term AF-S.

Yes, I think the AF-lens has better optical characteristics, whereas the AFS is smaller, lighter, quiter and perhaps faster in AF-speed (the AF lens weighs more and costs more, and has its lenses grouped differently). I see it in the sense that both these lenses are compromises, one just has to decide for oneself which compromises are important.

jdavis37 said:
Nikon has to compete with
Canon in this arena. ut it's all about having fun and getting
pictures so enjoy!

Thanks !
(4 weeks and counting....)

Jörg

Dominique Provost · Jun 30, 2002

VJ said:
(yesterday evening I went to a store, and ordered the D100 + the AF
24-85mm 2.8 lens... The countdown has begun ! )

Jörg

To what store did you go ?

VJ · Jul 1, 2002

Dominique Provost said:
To what store did you go ?

To Grobet (Antwerp, the store from which I posted the prices on to forum

, see http://www.grobet.be ). Not only was the D100 approx. €400 cheaper than in the Fnac (as listed in the digital camera test report), but the AF 24-85 2.8-4 D IF also differed up to €200 with other stores I could find (it is priced €888, the AF-S 24-85 3.5 is somewhere around €512 - not sure though, but it was in the lower 500s).
They didn't have a D100 up for display though...

The wait is approx. 4 weeks... :-(

Jörg

Dominique Provost · Jul 1, 2002

Hallo VJ

I know the wait is approx. 4 weeks... :-(

as I phoned them last friday the have confirmation of the price for the D100 body you talked about...

But I ordered my body via Paul Hotz in Brussels... and my new lenses 18-35mm and the Micro 70-180mm I bought via B&H in New-york just yesterday...
so I'm great expectations (blijde verwachting!)

Dominique

ps; I would like to have (een schoonzusje) a sister in law like yours...

lens question...

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