Nikon Lens Review
One of the primary advantages of a digital SLR camera is the ability to replace the lens. In particular, you should consider replacing the kit lens, since the included kit lens is rarely the best quality.
There are many different types of lenses suitable for different situations. Not least, there are lenses in all sorts of price ranges. There are almost no limits to how much you can pay off if you want the very best. And it is usually the brightness of the lens which increases the price the most.
However, it is not all that need the most expensive lenses, fortunately. We have tested some of the Nikon lenses you should have, whether you are amateur, hobby or professional photographer.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Portrait Photo in the Front
A short focus depth requires a large aperture, and Nikon delivers with conviction on that point - and that even with moving subjects.
Like Canon, Nikon produces a whole bunch lenses in this category. What makes Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G different from the others, is that it is Nikon's first 50mm lens for Digital SLR Cameras with built-in autofocus motor. Now many of Nikon camera bodies has its own autofocus motor, but the owners of Nikon's previous models, such as D40, D40x and D60, have not. It is a bit of a disadvantage when you talk about shooting with an aperture of f/1.4 outside the studio environment. Focus depth is so short that it is difficult to see properly without the auto focus if your subject moves a little. Finally, a portrait lens that is also suitable for users of Nikon's slightly older DSLR cameras!
Image Quality
Based on our previous experience of lenses from the camera giants, we expect to see almost the same image quality as with the Canon equivalent lens. We find indeed great similarities, but also some differences. Auto focus is the notch better, and is a delight to work with - owners of a Nikon camera can consider himself lucky on the level. However, we see surprisingly, somewhat more geometric distortion than what you would on a fixed lens. It is marginally, but if we photograph repeated patterns or buildings, it can disturb a little. Just as with the Canon lens, we find optical blur at the corners at large apertures, and the images become soft. However, at smaller apertures - from f/4 - the images are razor sharp.Another improvement over previous similar lenses from Nikon, we find when we look at the Bokeh character. Rounder shapes than before, and steadily over a Bokeh that is perfect for most occasions.
Conclusion
We can virtually duplicate the conclusion from the Canon equivalent lens. Nikon lens is both good and affordable, but has its weaknesses, mainly at full aperture. The lens has a little barrel-shaped distortion, but we excuse it as the lens is intended to capture the organic designs rather than straight and even. Nice Bokeh character and very good autofocus motor means that we can not help but recommend this lens for portrait photographers.The difference between the Nikon AF-S 50 f/1.4 and its smaller brother Nikon AF 50 f/1.8 is quieter and faster AF motor, brighter and better build quality. In Nikon's case, the difference in picture quality is substantial. The new AF-S 50 f/1.4 has only a modest visible vignetting at maximum aperture.
Technical Data
| Focal Length: | 50mm (equivalent to 75mm DX) |
| Aperture: | Maximum f/1.4. Minimum f/16 |
| Minimum focusing distance: | 45 cm |
| Image Stabilization: | No |
| Autofocus Motor: | Yes |
| Weight: | 239 grams |
Plus
Very good autofocus motor
Bright
Minus
A minor line distortion
Optical blur at full aperture
******
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Portrait Photo in the Front
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II is equipped with Nikon F lens mount and can therefore only be used on cameras with this lens mount. In practice, this means Nikon's own models, and digital SLR cameras from Fujifilm. Moreover, the term "DX" means that the lens is exclusively adapted to digital SLR cameras, not cameras with film. Since the image sensor in Nikon's SLR's offer 1.5x crop factor of the image surface in relation to the 35mm format, the zoom will give the picture angle equivalent to 27-300mm. It will cover virtually all normal photographic assignments.
The focal length range is wide, and with this lens, we get both a wide angle and a proper telephoto. The misgivings we always have to the picture quality when it comes to extreme zoom lenses set in, of course, but the first impression is good. Construction quality feels very good for the price range, and the construction of plastic and metal with water-resistant rubber feels durable, if not quite perfect for the real wilderness photographers. There are small switches to turn off and on auto focus, image stabilization, and to put the image stabilization in a particular level to shoot from a moving point, for example, from a car.
Image Quality
Once again a comparison with Canon's lens shows that the manufacturers use similar techniques in the development of their lenses. The purple color casts appear in the tele end of the zoom, but the problem is still controlled relatively well with regard to the object's large zoom range.However the problem of geometric distortion is prominent throughout almost the entire zoom range. It is more visible here in an all-in-one lens than a portrait lens with fixed focal length, you will then be able to photograph scenes such as the horizon from the hotel room window with a sea view without the horizon bends in the wrong direction. We had hoped for a better result here, but we are not surprised.
Nikon 18-200mm draws very sharp in the center of the shortest focal lengths and it is hardly measurable differences between the apertures from the largest aperture down to f/8.0. Sharpness in the corners are, as always, somewhat weaker, and here it is the largest aperture that provides the poorest results. Strangely enough the lens provides less sharpness in the corners at 35mm than 18mm and 50mm.
Distortion
All have optical zooms compromise, regardless of price, and the greater zoom range, the more weaknesses you have to accept. Nikon 18-200 mm provides a distortion at 18 mm which is respectable with an average of 0.71% barrel distortion. However distortion at 35 mm is quite powerful if we compare it with a lens with fixed focal length or a shorter zoom. Distortion is even slightly stronger at 50 mm, but decreases gradually towards full telephoto.Conclusion
Relatively good control of vignetting and very good autofocus motor is some of the lens benefits. The biggest drawback is the distortion, we can almost find it over the entire zoom range. There is also a little pity that Nikon has not added a zoom lock — you run the risk that the lens slides out to its full length when you carry the camera over your shoulder. But if you can live with some negative sides to get a lot of zoom in a single lens, this is a good buy with many strengths.Technical Data
| Focal Length: | 18-200mm (equivalent to 27-300mm DX) |
| Aperture: | Maximum f/3.5-5.6. Minimum f/22-36 |
| Minimum focusing distance: | 50 cm |
| Image Stabilization: | Yes |
| Autofocus Motor: | Yes |
| Weight: | 560 grams |
Plus
Large focal length range
Good construction quality
Built-in Image Stabilizer
Minus
Powerful line distortion at some focal lengths
******
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 G ED VR II
Portrait Photo in the Front
Nikon's new bright Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 G ED VR II telephoto zoom is significantly upgraded compared to the previous edition, with completely new optical design to provide optimum image quality with 35mm full-frame cameras. The optical design is completely renewed to meet the demands of today's new image sensors. In addition, it works better at slow shutter speeds, and is adapted to the new autofocus technology.
Like Canon, Nikon produces a whole bunch lenses in this category. What makes Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 G ED VR II is the first Nikkor lens with a total of seven ED glass lens elements and has been granted Nikon's exclusive Nano Crystal anti-reflective coating. These solutions will reduce internal reflections and color aberration to a minimum and provide higher optical contrast, even under difficult lighting conditions.
It is primarily the increase in sales of Nikon cameras with 35mm full frame image sensor which has forced up the new version. Nikon claims that, "the new lens is designed to deliver the best picture quality in its class, with excellent edge-to-corner quality in today's FX-format cameras" .
The new optical design has made it possible to reduce the lens length, but the robust physics is retained, with the seals that protect the lens from dust and moisture.
It is primarily the increase in sales of Nikon cameras with 35mm full frame image sensor which has forced up the new version. Nikon claims that, "the new lens is designed to deliver the best picture quality in its class, with excellent edge-to-corner quality in today's FX-format cameras" .
The new optical design has made it possible to reduce the lens length, but the robust physics is retained, with the seals that protect the lens from dust and moisture.
Image Stabilizer
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 G ED VR II lens has the latest technology in terms of vibration reduction (VRII) allowing the user to shoot with shutter speeds that are up to 4 aperture step lower than what would otherwise be possible .The lens has two modes: "Normal" for regular photography, and "Active" to reduce the vibrations that occur when shooting from a motorcycle or a plane. Both modes provide a stable image in the viewfinder that allows you to lock the focus point accurately and compose the picture the way you want it.The new lens has three focus modes: A/M, M/A and M. With the new A/M switch, auto focus will be given priority even if the focus ring is touched during shooting.
Conclusion
The new lens is designed to deliver the best picture quality in its class with excellent edge-to-corner quality in today's cameras with FX sensor. The new 70-200 lens is shorter than its predecessor without this providing some form of negative consequences. The lens is very well sealed against dust and moisture and is built in magnesium. With its low weight and compact size this lens is a good option when you're shooting handheld. The new VRII system will make it possible to hand hold at relatively slow shutter speeds.Technical Data
| Focal Length: | 70-200mm |
| Aperture: | Maximum f/2.8. Minimum f/22 |
| Zoom Ratio: | 2.9x |
| Minimum focusing distance: | 4.6ft. (1.4m) |
| Image Stabilization: | Yes |
| Autofocus Motor: | Yes |
| Weight: | 1.540 grams |
Plus
Low weight and compact size
Good construction quality
Excellent Image Stabilizer
Minus
None Found
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Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Macro Lens With Image Stabilization
To have image stabilization in a macro lens is as rare as it is self-evident. It is not always possible to use a tripod and at close-up photography, a small aperture is often used to obtain a greater depth of field. A combination that can easily lead to camera shake.
The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED has Nikon's second generation Vibration Reduction, VR II, which helps to keep the image sharp with up to 4 shutter speeds slower than without the VR.
IF
Thanks to the IF, internal focusing, the front lens does not move at focusing, which facilitates the use of polarizers and flash accessories attached to the lens.SWM
Silent Wave Motor that drives the focus is both quiet and fast and allows rapid switching between manual and automatic focus.ED
ED glass minimizes aberrations and increases image contrast and sharpness.Nano Crystal Coating
Nano Crystal ensuring that ghosting and stray light is reduced significantly. 9 aperture blades make the aperture opening, more circular, resulting in the blurry sections of the image looks more natural.Conclusion
The lens is performing very well. I've used it in many situations and always been happy with the results. Top Class!View Images Shot With a Nikon AF-S 105mm VR
Technical Data
| Focal Length: | 105mm |
| Aperture: | Maximum f/2.8. Minimum f/32 |
| Minimum focusing distance: | 0.314m (1.0 ft.) |
| Image Stabilization: | Yes |
| Autofocus Motor: | Yes |
| Weight: | 750 grams |
Plus
Fast and Quiet Autofocusing
Superior Optical Performance
Excellent Image Stabilizer
Minus
None Found
