Nikkors
Shootout at 70mm
by
J. Ramón Palacios
username jrp
Nikonian in Mexico
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Introduction
Very
pleasing portrait perspectives can be accomplished starting at
70mm. on APS-C DX format, this focal length is equivalent to 105mm,
so the perspective further improves.
Two
zoom lenses providing this focal length, qualify as "pro" Nikkors
as they are both "fast" -constant f/2.8 aperture- quite free of
aberrations and very well built. They are the 28-70mm f/2.8D ED
IF AF-S and the more modest 35-70mm f/2.8D AF. Considering using
just one of them eventually, I proceeded to compare them in a
quick shoot-out at 70.
I
chose as target the front door of my home, at 16 feet (4.9 m),
deep in the shade so as to not introduce artificial contrast.
It has a paint finish that seemed suitable for the purpose and
it is not a flat surface. For film, the very good grain and low
contrast Fujicolor Superia Reala 100. The camera: F100, on a Manfrotto/Bogen
carbon fiber tripod, a large ballhead.
What
follows are the raw scans of a small center section from the negatives,
made with a Coolscan IV ED at 8 bit depth. No unsharp mask was
applied nor any other imaging enhancement made. The lens ID on
the images below comes from a laserjet printed sign at the upper
edge of the negative and was digitally pasted at the chin of the
sun face. The sun face was at the center of the negatives. The
focal length and aperture sign in white lettering was added digitally.
To see them full size, click on the mages below.
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