New Nikkor 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5G ED FX lens

[Deleted User]

Nah...people invent all kinds of new lenses every day here...

JJ_SO

wait 'til I come up with my 24-400/1.2 :ar!

[Deleted User]

@JJ_SO
Corrected 24-400 f/1.2 VR

Postman

@darkslide
Corrected 14-400 f/1.2 VR

[Deleted User]

@Postman Oh yes, I'd like that one - I'd probably buy two...

shawnino

$750: roughly the same price as the Tokina 16-28 f/2.8. I had 20 minutes with the Tokina...great IQ IMO. Potential knock on the Tokina is that the build felt awesome but in the process it probably weighs two full pounds.

If the quality on this 18-35 is up to snuff, I think the choice will be pretty clear: fixed 2.8 vs. less than half the weight for a variable 3.5-4.5.

PB_PM

18/1.8? Did I miss something?

I think that is a CX lens for Nikon 1 cameras.

Msmoto

@ darkslide

Is there a failure on the tripod mount for the new 70-200mm f/4?

[Deleted User]

@Msmoto

Not that I know of. (See the thread relating to the f/2.8 v f/4 comparison)

Someone seems to consider the barrel a possible weak point, and after extensive laser testing concluded...well, nothing conclusive to my mind.

The tripod mount is a ridiculous amount of money - possibly due to the fact that the lens doesn't really need it**, and so it's likely that Nikon priced accordingly.

(** Being lighter, advanced VR etc.)

JJ_SO

18/1.8? Did I miss something?

I think that is a CX lens for Nikon 1 cameras.

Can't be. There's only a 18,5/1.8 what I just learnt 17 seconds ago. No wonder, I'm confused. Again. But getting used to it.

ageha

18/1.8? Did I miss something?

Nope, it was a typo. There aren't that many recent FX lenses. I think it's pretty obvious.

PB_PM

Hmm, well now that we have that out of the way, lets refocus on the purpose of this thread... the new 18-35mm F3.5-4.5G. I think I might place a pre-order, not sure. I might wait until the price slips a bit in a few months.

moreorless

I suspect you maybe waiting along time for a price reduction given Nikon's recent history, rebates are I'd guess the only way it'll be any cheaper in the next few years.

Personally it doesnt really look as good a deal as the 24-85mm VR to me, if you compair both lenses with the 24-120mm and 16-35mm its less of a saving and loses both VR and more of the better performing wide end. The 16-35mm might have alot of distortion and softness in the very extreme corners at 16mm but otherwise is a good performer where as the 24-120mm is dropping off in terms of sharpness all round at 120mm.

Actually copying Tokina with a 16-28mm(but in a small package without f2.8 and with a filter thread) seems like it would have been a better move to me. It would cutout the weakest part of the 16-35mm's range and give more of the UWA range most users will want.

PB_PM

Nikon Canada doesn't force MSRP on dealers the way Nikon USA does, so street price is often $20-100 lower than Nikon's suggestion.

The Tokina isn't a very good deal here in Canada, coming in at $889.99. I'd be using the lens for landscapes, so I'd rather have the option to use filters.

moreorless

Even without an enforced MSRP though Nikon lenses don't really seem to be dropping in price after a few months. I'm guessing that besides rebates the main savings will probabley be on the grey market were prices of comsumer level lenses seem to vary alot more than professional lenses.

The Tokina perhaps shows you why the price is what it is, even the Tokina 17-35mm f/4 is 600g so Nikon are to the best of my knowledge offering the smallest/lightest UWA zoom with modern performance.

sevencrossing

I am looking at the Nikon 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 AF-S G ED VR to go on my little used D700. The idea is a second camera, I can always keep in the car

my main camera is a D800 with all the lenses I need

the 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 cost £430 in the UK ( this already pushing the budget for this project )

the 24 -70 and the 24 -120 f4 are both too expensive

the other option

sell the D700 and get a D7100 with the kit 18-105mm

any other suggestions

spraynpray

I now have the D7100 seven, it is an excellent camera - if you get one, it would be interesting to see what you think of it. Another option would be the D7100 with the new 18-140, but the price is creeping up for that combo.

As you have the D700, and if I were you, I would do what you said and get the 24-85 kit lens for it.

Happy New Year.

Photobug

No its a different lens

Like I said evolution, not innovation...

90% of the lenses Nikon has released in the last 10 years are evolutionary, not innovative. There is nothing innovative in modern lenses, aside from some coatings and computer designed elements. The optical design of the new lens is different, plain and simple.

+1...totally agree about the new lens. Developing a F/4 model for a lower price point and improving the image quality is good planning.

ads

I've read a couple of decent reviews on the 18-35 - does anyone here have any opinions on it?

Need to get an FX wide angle zoom for landscapes after stepping up from DX. Looking at my current shots most are in the 20-35mm (FX equiv) range, so I'm looking at the 18-35, 17-35 and 16-35. Tried a 16-35 in a store and found the corners a bit soft, but that could have been a demo lens that's seen better days...

Any advice on what to go for?

I shoot mostly f8ish for depth of field so max aperture isn't as critical, and it'll go on a D3x.

PB_PM

Another option is the old 20-35mm F2.8D, but that's only available on the used market. It's a little soft wide open, but otherwise it is decent. It doesn't handle flare well. The best thing about the 20-35mm is the compact size and weight compared to modern wide aperture wide angle lenses.

I used to own that lens, but moved to the 16-35mm F4G VR, because the VR is outstanding for hand holding. Sharpness for landscape shots is no problem, and the lens has great flare resistance.


Larger version


Large Version | Hand held, with VR, at 16mm at ISO 100, 1/25s, F10.


Large Version | Hand held, with VR, 28mm, ISO 100, 1/20s, F8.

Parke1953

PB_PM nice pics. I have been reading about the 16-35mm and think I will save for that one.

ads

Thanks PB_PM, those shots are a great advertisement for the 16-35 :-)

Photobug

PB_PM...those are very nice pictures. A good wide angle lens is the only way to capture these images. Nice work.