gear

THE DIGITAL SOAPBOX OF ANDY CLEAVENGER

35-70mm AF D

CONTACT::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Email:  graycard18@gmail.com

become a fan:  my facebook page

If you’re into mid range zoom lenses this is a good one to check out.

This was Nikon’s top of the line mid range zoom back in the mid 90’s and it is still a viable alternative when compared to its progeny. The image quality of this lens is very good and completely acceptable for real photography. Yes, if you compare the results with a loupe you will notice better image quality from the 28-70mm f2.8 or the recently released 24-70mm f2.8, but at 3 times and 4 times the price respectively you better be able to notice a difference. The point is, unless you’re photographing test charts you will be perfectly happy with this lens.

I don’t find myself using this lens a lot. The few times a year that this lens gets a lot of use are when my company hosts technology trade shows. In such cramped quarters, I find that I really need the flexibility and speed of a zoom lens, because it so happens that engineers hate having their picture taken. Go figure. If I were to use a prime lens and zoom with my feet I would give myself away before I got the shot, and thus, come home with nothing. This zoom allows me to be quick and get the shot I need before they realize I’m there.

A nice little side feature of this lens is its macro ability. At the 35mm end of the zoom range you can press a little silver button, twist the zoom ring to the left and BAM... macro focusing. You can focus down to a few inches away, however, auto focus won’t work in this mode. Occasionally, I’ll drag this lens out for that ability as well. Since all of my macro primes are in the telephoto range (60mm, 85mm PC, and 105mm), this one gives me the ability to focus very close but also show more of the background.

The rest of the time this zoom sits in my bag. I prefer primes when I have the luxury of being creative.