28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF on FX?

[GSloan]

Does anyone have experience with the Nikkor AF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF lens on a D3? I'm looking for a good 'vacation' or carry-around lens for use on the D700 when it comes out...I haven't seen many samples off of this lens.

It seems nowhere carries the lens either...so some of you out there have to be taking pics with 'em.

Thanks,
Geoff

 

[mneary]

I just sold one that my wife wasn't using anymore... it's a nice little lens, but sharper at the 200mm end than the 28mm end. As a general purpose walkaround lens I would prefer the 28-105 3.5-4.5 D - that lens is a real optical bargain and can be had for under $200 in like new condition these days!

Cheers

Mike

 

[GSloan]

I've already got a 24-85mm AF-S, so if it's not as sharp at that range, I'm fine. I was mainly curious about how it is from 85-200.

Thanks,
Geoff

 

[mneary]

I see. For the tele range the 28-200 G is a good budget choice (the 55-200 DX is slightly sharper at 200mm, but won't work on FX). Alternatives would be the 70-300 VR and maybe the new Tamron 28-300 VC, but both are bulkier and more expensive.

Cheers

Mike

 

[fks]

it's discontinued IIRC. it's a much better lens on a DX body because of the pincushion distortion at the long end on an FX body:

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for the price, it remains a good lens, sharp and with good contrast.

ricky

 

[GSloan]

Anyone else have other samples?

 

[Randy]

i shot one on a d50 a few years ago...great lens, as good as the 18-70

 

[papafoxtrot]

I did a quick sampler on the D3. This was hand-held going from 28mm to 200mm using the lens indices. Very noticeable pincushion distortion beyond 85mm. Otherwise this lens can be a good light, snapshot lens...but don't set your expectations too high.

http://homepage.mac.com/paulfrye/28to200 mm G Lens test/large-1.html

As mentioned above, IMHO, it works much better on a DX camera where it is actually just a little short of amazing for such a small lens.

Regards,

Paul

 

[GSloan]

Thanks, Paul. Still doesn't look too bad.

 

[ultimind]

Anyone have any comments on how this compares to other 28-2xx or 28-300's?