The
AF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Zoom Nikkor
by
Victor F. Newman tell
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Being
an internal-focus (IF) lens, the length does not change length
during focus. The front element does not rotate during focusing
or zooming...a big plus to anyone using a polarizing filter or
a modular filter holder. The 62mm filter thread matches
that of many other Nikkors.
Falloff
and some distortion are evident, but not objectionable.
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The lens at 200mm on Nikon D100; Focal
Length: 95mm
Exposure Mode: Programmed Auto; Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern
Sharpening: Normal; 1/100 sec - f/5.6. |
Background
rendering is smooth. The lens uses rounded aperture blades,
giving out-of-focus highlights a nicely-circular shape.
Note
in the frame below, which is an enlarged detail of the top-right
corner of the shot above, the outer edge of the highlights is
noticeably brighter than the inner part. This is a likely
consequence of overcorrection of spherical aberration in the
design of the lens. By doing this, sharpness is improved,
but at the expense of this side effect. Whether or not
this is objectionable is a highly individual preference.
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photographers are fanatic about this quality, or "bokeh",
others could not care less. I'm willing to accept
it to some degree in exchange for its improved sharpness.
Even high-end lenses like the AF-S 24-120 VR-G lens
is subject to this, by no means a sign of poor lens
design. |
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At
right, the lens capturing a spider on Nikon D100
Focal Length: 200mm
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern
Sharpening: Normal
1/160 sec - f/5.6 |
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In use, the lens yields very nice results. I
did comparison shots with a 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4,
105 f/2.8, VR 24-120 f/3.5-5.6, and 80-200 f/2.8.
The 28-200 did not better the other lenses, but again
I was very pleasantly surprised at just how well it
performed in comparison.
This
will make an excellent general-purpose lens for many
photographers. It could very well satisfy all
one's needs for an entire vacation in one lightweight,
miniscule package. For those that carry a camera
constantly, waiting for any shot opportunity that
might present itself, this would make an excellent
choice. The picture quality still amazes me.
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