What do you expect for $129?
Written: Mar 23 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive, Light weight
Cons: Quality, quality, and finally quality
The Bottom Line: Don't do it. Get the 50 MM F1.8 ($100) or 28-105 F3.5-4.5 ($330)
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| manamal's Full Review: Nikon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor 28-... |
I bought this lens with my Nikon N80 about 4 months ago. I have separately rated the camera; this rating focuses on the lens (har har) and my experience. I do not recommend this lens. If money is an object, get the Nikon 50mm f1.8. If you can afford a few hundred more, get the 28-105 F3.5-4.5.
At first I was very happy with the lens. It was the best lens I had owned to date (pity me). The lens focused easily, the pictures were sharp, and the feel was intuitive. However, during the several months, I noticed some quality problems. First, I noticed the lens was developing scuff marks from removing it from the camera. I also wonder about the durability of the plastic mount (which relates to the scuff marks). However, my pictures were coming out fine.
Then, about three weeks ago, I was at a family function, and decided to take some photos. I take out the camera, put in new film, turn it on, and point at my target. Only thing is the camera did not focus. Instead, it was making a click-click-click sound. I then switched over to manual focus, and the focus did not work. Switched lenses, and everything worked fine (except, 100-300 was not useful in doors).
I decided I needed a lens to use while this lens was getting repaired. I figured I would buy a 50MM F1.8 lens,
but also looked at some other Nikon zooms. Once I felt the nicer (read more expensive) lenses, I realized the difference. The focus and controls were much more precise, and the construction felt more solid. Then, I put one on my camera. I could see the difference in optics through the view finder. In the store, I shot a roll, and had much better results. (I used 3 different lenses). I ended up with a 28-105 f3.5-4.5, which is a much better lens.
Bottom line with the 28-80: if that is all you can afford, it is ok. But, consider other Nikon lenses. You might be better off with a 50 MM f1.8 for the same price, or putting in another $200 for a good zoom.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
manamal
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Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 0 members
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