I have been playing with Lightzone 2.3 and have been finding it a pretty good raw converter for NEFs. I also really like the control with the ToneMapper and ZoneMapper. I did some prints direct from LZ using my custom Premium Glossy Photo Paper profile that I created for my Epson 1290, and the results were very good indeed. Here is a raw NEF converted with some tone and zone mapping done: The detail, saturation and general look I find to be very good compared to Capture One Pro and NX.
I agree, and am often most pleased with LZ, but some photos call for LZ, some for DxO, and some get opened in PS Elements, where most all wind up. Since I don't shoot that much sometimes I'll try all three. I'm glad there are now so many tools for so many things and the software seems to keep coming.
