Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

[Roadrunner]

Anyone got one of these or any other suggestions in that range ?
The reviews are good but some question if its worth $700 for the lense.

I have real problems with sharpnes with my old Sigma 28-70 2.8 AF and need something to replace it. 18-105 and 18-200 don't have the best reviews.

Matt

[Chucaro]

Did you considered the Nikon 24-70?

[dmdigital]

Haven't seen one of these lenses so can't comment.

Thom Hogan's review: 16-85mm AF-S DX Lens Review by Thom Hogan (http://www.bythom.com/Nikkor16-85lensreview.htm)


Did you considered the Nikon 24-70?
Somehow I think if he's asking if $700 is worth it the 24-70 is outside of the budget by another $1600. Mind you I wouldn't part with mine. It really is a fantastic lens.

[Roadrunner]

Same with this review. Nothing really bad about the lense apart from the price tag. Might just have to bite the bullet and order one.

Matt

[dmdigital]

What camera are you putting it on Matt?

[Roadrunner]

D90.
I just want something that works. Will import it so can't test it and most other lenses have mixed reviews.

Matt

[dmdigital]

I think you'll find it better than the reviews indicate. The reviews tend to be rather too "in-depth" sometimes. The 16-85 is rated more highly than the 18-105 and a little wider lens can be handy.

Having started with an 18-200 on my D200 I still actually consider this to be a good all-round lens, it doesn't excel at anything but it does the job just like the kit lenses do but a little better.

[timaus13]

Hello
Just a thought?
I have just found a second hand Tamron 28-300 MM lens F3.5-F6.3 at our local Second hand store for $180.00.
Whilst I have a Nikon D60 and it requires the AF-S lenses I can still manualy focus this lens, so I am very very happy with it. Stooge has the Nikon D70 and it has the built in Motor so this lens will auto focus with his camera.

The idea is second hand shops usually have no idea what they have on their shelves and you can get a bargain.:D

Just a thought.

Cheers Tim AKA Gadgets:D

[Butts]

Anyone got one of these or any other suggestions in that range ?
The reviews are good but some question if its worth $700 for the lense.

I have real problems with sharpnes with my old Sigma 28-70 2.8 AF and need something to replace it. 18-105 and 18-200 don't have the best reviews.

Matt
Matt, what sort of sharpness issues are you specifically having with this lens?
I personally don't have it, but........
I have read a couple of reviews (not dinky di ones) which rate it quite highly for crisp/sharpness. Some have even found it comparable to quality lenses costing 3 times the price.
It could just need a service, as I have noticed a few comments within fredmiranda pointing to a "sticking" focus ring, or autofocus motor issues.
Might be worthwhile getting a reputable shop to check it out for you.
Moving from 2.8 to 3.5-5.6, I would have thought is not ideal???

[Roadrunner]

Tim your local store would be my local store as well :)

If you take 100 shots I guess 70-80 are not sharp. The lense is from my S801 and maybe 15 years old but not used a lot. I thought a new lense with inbuilt motor and anti reflect coating and whatever they have these days might do the trick. It's just that if I spend $700 I want something that works. There are some Sigmas with 2.8 as well in that price range but found the Nikon got the best reviews.

Matt