18 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
Lots of Quality for the Money
Date of Review: Nov 8, 2002
The Bottom Line: Well worth the money spent and offers a large saving over the equivalent lens from the camera manufacturers
PLEASE NOTE: This is a review for the NIKON version of this lens. Currently there is no listing for it here at Epinions.
I am a recent novitiate to the world of Nikon AF 35 mm photography after years of using Minolta X-370s and X-700s. Consequently, after getting a Nikon N80 and an N90s shortly thereafter, I needed to re-equip myself with all new AF lenses.
As I gained experience, I also knew that I didn't need Nikkor lenses for every application I'd need a lens for. First of all, I am not a pro (not yet, anyway) and secondly, my budget wouldn't support all Nikkor lenses at this stage. I knew I wanted something in this focal range and I was leery of buying from the stores in NYC due to all the negative publicity they've received. I live in NJ and went to my local photo store to buy it. I paid more than one would in NYC, but I could return it hassle-free (if need be) and the store was nearby.
The lens is well manufactured, with the slightest bit of distortion near the edges at 19mm. However, that it to be expected in a lens of this focal length and what distortion does take place generally lends a pleasant overall effect to the picture (especially when shooting in small rooms indoors).
The gripping surface is easy to work with and I have no problems focusing (either manually or on auto). AF is quiet and almost always on the money.
The lens is considerably less money than the brand names sold by the camera manufacturers, so if you don't do a real lot of wide angle, then this is a very viable and cost effective lens for this focal length. It has not let me down and I am pleased with the results. It is a better constructed lens than the Phoenix and Vivitar equivalents, the optical quality is better and I believe it could handle more rough handling than the comparable Tamron or Sigma lenses of the same focal length.
