What is "Field Curvative"?

Field curvature means the spherical shape of the focus field. Theoratically, we would assume that the depth of field (the sharpness zone dependent on the object magnification and focus distance) starts at some focus distance x in front of an focused object and ends at some distance y behind. The difference between x and y is called the depth-of-field.

In the real life there's no perfection though and the focus field can be rather distorted (as opposed to flat) with consequences for the depth of field. For sure this isn't overly field relevant but at the image borders the focus field turns inwards (towards you). In infinity focus situation this may cause some focus blur for distant object located at the edges of the image field. It is also relevant for flat objects.



Exaggerated sample :

nikon micro-nikkor AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED-IF NANO

Nikon Micro-Nikkor AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G ED IF Nano (2008 Release)

FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. It is compatible with D40, D40x and D60.
Aperture: f/2.8 . Nine-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/32
Optics: 12 elements in 9 groups. That includes one ED glass element (shown in yellow) and two aspherical elements shown in blue.

Closest Focus: 18.5 cm(0r 7.2 inches)
Macro Ratio: 1:1 (real Micro lens)
Filter size: 62mm
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Barrel-shaped HB-42 Bayonet Lens Hood Supplied
Dimensions: 73 mm(2.9") diameter. Extension from lens flange (length excluding rear mount extension) is 89 mm (3.5").
Weight: 425 grams (15 oz)

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G Nano is extereme sharp and silent lens. Build quality is excellent. Lens glass quality is very high and together with Extra-low Dispertion coating and Nano coating, all flares ang ghosts are successfully eleminated. According to IMATEST results, barrel distortion level is only 0,06% ,could be called as "DISTORTION FREE". Vignetting is seen moderately ay f/2.8, but after that, it is not field relevant. MTF Resolution results are very good, even excellent starting from widest aperture up to f/11. The results seen at f/22 and f/32 are quite soft, which is not a surprise. Chromatic Aberrations are higher than expected, could be called as a shame for a brand new lens in the market with Crystal Nano coating. CA's are 1.6 pixel down to 1 pixel respectively with aperturesettings starting from f/2.8 (1 pixel is limit)


It is a relatively cheap lens and not so heavy that can be also used for candid photography.

But, if you are shooting products not smaller than 20-30 cms, this lens is an excellent macro for you. I have faced some problems to shoot mugs with my 105mm VR as i need to move back to fit the mug in the frame.



PAY ATTENTION :
- This lens' weakest point is Chromatic Aberrations (blue/purple color shadows at harsh contrast transitions) which are around 1,4-1,0 pixel .

VERDICT : Very high sharpness (i was expecting better results, but it does not mean bad ofcourse) and macro abilities with very fast focusing makes this lens a desirable high budget fast macro lens in the market. But over limit CA's (could be deleted by new softwares and Nikon's built in processors) does not fit this prime lens. Recommended (8/10)

nikon micro-nikkor AF 200mm f/4.0D ED-IF

nikon Micro-Nikkor AF 200 mm f/4.0D ED IF (1993 Release)

FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical Film SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. (fits all of digital nikon models except D40 , D40x and D60 )
Aperture: f/4.0 . Nine-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/32
Optics: 13 elements in 8 groups. That includes two ED glass elements (shown in yellow below).

Closest Focus: 50 cm(0r 20 inches)
Macro Ratio: 1:1 (real Micro lens)
Filter size: 62mm
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Barrel-shaped screw-in type HN-30 Bayonet Lens Hood (optional). CL-45 flexible lens pouch supplied
Dimensions: 76 mm(3") diameter. Extension from lens flange (length excluding rear mount extension) is 193 mm (7.7").
Weight: 1.190 grams (42.3 oz)

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D is very sharp lens with a very good build quality. According to IMATEST results, barrel distortion level is only 0,05% , not even negligible in lab conditions. Vignetting is almost non-exsistant, even at widest aperture setting of f/4.0.

MTF Resolution results are excellent (at f/4 to f/11). Chromatic Aberrations are increadibly low, even at lab. This lens shows no signs of lateral CA's. Exceptionally rare characteristics.
The focusing speed iseems very slow, if you do not switch off -very handy- "full" switch on the body, which starts from 0,50m to infinity. After "limit" switch, focusing become regular. There is no Silent Wave Motor on this lens. It uses old style -loud and slow- focusing motor.

For makro photographers, this lens is "the lens" you are looking for.

Frankly Suggestion : If your budget is not enough to buy this lens, my personal suggestion is to buy a Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro lens for only-macro-obsessed enthusiasts.

PAY ATTENTION :
- This lens' weakest point is being heavy and slow/loud focusing.
- Relatively high price and 1993 release pushes me twice before purchasing this lens. (But now I own it- February 2010). I believe that nikon will announce a new nikon 200mm nikkor-micro f/4G VR IF ED Nano in few years. But it will be a "G"elded lens and more plastic and Made in Thailand :( ... So, before being a classic, i recommend you own one if you can afford...

VERDICT : It is an expensive and a heavy lens but the build quality, sharpness and almost no CA's are excellent. This lens is indispensible for "more micro" searchers. Highly Recommended (9/10)

nikon mount budget sigma super telephoto zoom lenses

There are two questions:

1) What is your purpose of buying a super telephoto zoom?
2) What is your budget?

If you want to shoot professionally birds or F1 racing cars, a zoom lens will not serves you appropiately. If you are shooting at hand, you need a lot of light and a fast aperture. Please check my comments for budget sigma lenses found in the market..


Sigma 50-500 mm f/4.0-6.3 EX DG HSM
1160 US$ > 1840 gr > 20 optics> optical quality 6,5
Pros:
Wide range covering from 50mm to 500mm
Cheap
Recommended for general purpose and tripod use

Cons:
Heavy
Very Slow
Not recommended for fast moving object shooting
Not good for handheld usage

************************************************

Sigma 100-300 mm f/4 EX DG HSM APO
1200 US$ > 1440 gr > 16 optics> optical quality 9,5

Pros:
Very fast aperture
Excellent quality of optics
Could be used at handheld
Recommended for sports and wildlife shooting
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED LENS

Cons:
Telephoto finishes at 300mm (could be used with 1.4x teleconverter > 420mm)

*******************************************

Sigma 150-500 mm f/5.0-6.3 OS HSM
979 US$ > 1910 gr > 21 optics> optical quality 6,5

Pros:
Telephoto upto 500mm
OS (Optical Stabilisation) - Sigma's VR
Not so expensive for a 500mm telephoto zoom with OS

Cons:
Very heavy (Because of OS)
Very Slow Aperture
Not recommended for fast moving object shooting like race cars and birds
Not so good for handheld although OS gives 2 stops advantage
Not so sharp optics

************************************************
Sigma 170-500 mm f/5.0-6.3 APO HSM

769 US$ > 1345 gr > 13 optics > optical quality 7,5

Pros:
Only for ultra long telephoto purposes
Very cheap
Lighter than its rivals
Reasonable optics

Cons:
Very Slow Aperture
Not recommended for fast moving object shooting , only tripod usage recommended
Not good for handheld usage

************************************************

Sigma 120-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM
849 US$ > 1750 gr > 21 optics> optical quality 7

Pros:
OS (Optical Stabilisation) - Sigma's VR
Not so expensive for a 400mm telephoto zoom with OS

Cons:
Only upto 400mm
Quite heavy (Because of OS)
Very Slow Aperture
Not recommended for fast moving object shooting like race cars and birds
Not so good for handheld although OS gives 2 stops advantage

************************************************

Sigma 135-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG
NA as brand new > 1245 gr > 13 optics> optical quality 7

Pros:
Not so expensive for a 400mm telephoto zoom with OS
Light, can be used handheld under strong light

Cons:
Only upto 400mm
Quite loudy because of old style focus motor
Very Slow Aperture
Not recommended for fast moving object shooting like race cars and birds
Will be replaced with a new model soon


************************************************

Sigma 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 EX APO DG OS
999US$ > 1750 gr > 20 optics> optical quality 7,5

Pros:
OS (Optical Stabilisation)
Not so expensive for a 400mm telephoto zoom with OS
Wide covering range

Cons:
Only upto 400mm
Very heavy (Because of OS)
Very Slow Aperture
Not recommended for fast moving object shooting like race cars and birds
Not so good for handheld although OS gives 2 stops advantage
Loud focusing motor

D60 with nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens - 16-85mm vs 18-200mm

Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gearporn/2311682098/

Because of my business trips to Taiwan, i have a lot of chance to stop by photo shops. As the prices in Taiwan are considerable low - compared to Europe and just a little higher then BH Photo, i usually buy my lenses from Taiwan.

My collaguaes start to ask me to buy a camera and lens from Taiwan, and this trip, i have bought two nikon D-SLRs and two lenses.

The first one is a nikon D60 with nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

As a D300 owner, i usually use my "tourist lens" - nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR with my camera. But, since the 16-85mm VR has announced, a little bit wider 16-17mm made me itchy , and this time, i have cought the chance to try.

When i check my photos, i have seen that, i usually use 18-100mm range of my lense. +100mm rarely i have used. So, 16-85mm VR looks like a deal for me... Was it?...

When you compare the lens optical quality, 16-85mm VR is better than 18-200mm VR; by means of distortions and resolution. The distortions on 16-20mm is very well controlled. Chrommatic Abberrations are around 1 pixel level on the ultra wide end of the lens, also acceptable.

Lighter weight is also an advantage compared to 18-200mm VR, but not a big deal for a D300 owner as well.

Using the 16mm end of the lens gave me a lot of chance to compose my photos as i like and very few times i have missed my 18-200mm.

About D60:

After D300, this was like a mouse in my hand, but after a while, i have get used to it as a nikon user. But only 3 AF points, small screen, limited menu and slow recording speed made me feel strangled. But, D60 is a quite good camera, considering the price. Its simple LCD info screen, self cleaning image sensor, 10.1 MP CCD sensor make it a good starter D-SLR in the market.

OOOPPSSS:

Second day i try the 16-85mm VR, i have discovered some white dusts inside the 16-85mm VR lens. What is going on??

The weather in Taiwan is quite humid and hot, is it because of this? Can not be.. I have used lot of lenses here for weeks, even months, but nothing happened to any of them.

The scenery above ruinned my visit, because i was in HuaLien and there are no nikon dealers here and there is no way to go back to Kaohsiung to hand the lens and go back home with a D60 body only. I will try to do it from Turkey, but this is not the important part. How come a brand new lens get some dust inside the lens???

I will inform you in the future about the result and cause of this incident...

PS: 22 April 2009 > I still have these dusts inside the lens. Not effecting the quality of the picture but makes me sick... I am still waiting for my next trip to Taiwan...

NEW! nikon D90 released with a new kit lens

"I can not afford a D300" , "I want to buy a CMOS sensor, semi-expert D-SLR" , "I do not want to buy a D80"

Here is your answer.

12.3 MP, DX format CMOS Sensor, Live View, ISO200-3200 or 100 (Lo1.0)-6.400 (Hi2.0), very low noise, 4.5fps, 3" LCD screen, D-Movie Mode, GPS Geo-tracking, 1005 RGB Matrix metering, in camera image editting, self cleaning sensor,11 point AF Area.

This camera is a revolution in Dxx series compared to all "CCD sensor"ed D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s and D80.

Another revolution for nikon D-SLR's is capability of recording 720 pixel HD movie clips. This may sound weird for SLR users, but do not be spider head and enjoy the fruits of technology. I believe you will not use this mode often, but in case of need, this will eleminates to carry to cameras for recording/photographing purposes. I would like to remind you that this mode will suck your battery to the bones for sure.

Power up is 0.15 second, which is faster than a blink of an eye.

Compared to D80, D90 has new advantages like:
3inch LCD screen (D80 has had a 2,5inch LCD screen)
Having Live View mode
Video capture speciality
12.3 MP sensor (D80 has had a 10MP)
50% faster shutter - 4,5 fps (D80 has had 3fps)
GPS Geo tagging (optional with GP-1 GPS unit)
HDMI
Better battery life
Upgraded software and in-camera properties

Are you still reading? C'mon... Leave your computer and get one asap...

(Price tag - body only 990 US$/Euro)

Not finished !!!
A new DX lens released together with the D90 too.
AF-S Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
I do not have any test or review note at the moment, but i may guess that it would be a cheap solution for zoom and kit lens seekers. My favorite is still 16-85mm VR and 18-200mm VR as a kit lens, but hope this one will have better results than this low-quality 18-135mm supplied together with D80's. But looking to price (300US$ in US), i may consider this lens as a regular kit lens with a plus only (VR) compared to 18-55mm and 18-70mm kit lenses...

Predictions > nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR ED Nano

I have heard rumors about the new updated 70-200mm VR with Nano coating to be released in the fourth quarter of 2008. It is no surprise that nikon will upgrade all its Golden Series lenses together with all primes in a very near future. As they have started to do that with 600mm VR Nano, 500mm VR Nano, 14-24mm f/2.8G Nano, 24-70mm f/2.8G Nano and the next will be no surprise that 70-200mm f/2.8G VR Nano.

I am expecting nikon to release 50mm f/1.4 Nano, 85mm f/1.4 Nano soon. After these admiral primes, the next step will be Ultra Wide Angle Primes which have considerably level of chromatic abberrations. ED was a good solution in the past, but it is time for Nano Crystal Coating now...

As you all know, 70-200mm VR has very high levels of resolution values, very low vignetting but some CA's which do not fit such a high level lens. With nano crystal coating, it will be a flawless lens like its brothers 14-24mm and 24-70mm's.

For small budget nikoners, wait a while, you will see "OLD" 70-200mm VR's very soon in the second hand market with lower prices.

Expected price tag of the new nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR Nano will be around 1700US$/Euro

Predictions > nikon D400

4 LOONGG YEARS PASSED... WHERE ARE YOU ??

Everybody asking me about , what will happen when the new D400 released. Nothing. As nothing happened they released D200 over D100 and D300 over D200. At the moment, a lot of D200 users are not able to buy a new D300 and waiting for the price drop down and second hand market.

Going back to D400, here are what will you face (more or less)

D400 will be FX format with a FX sensor inside. DX lenses will be recognized automatically.

5 fps at FX, 6,5 fps at DX format.

16 MP in FX, 6.9MP at DX format.

A new LCD, with 3,5" two fingered touch screen (wow)

1080p HD video is also possible.

Possible release will be May 2009

Extreme predictions : May have a GPS and wireless system onboard

Expected price tag will be around 2500US$/Euro

Buying a second hand nikon ?

If you are buying a second hand lens for your nikon - nikonos - nikkormat camera and not sure about its orginality, you may take a look below website for all original serial number lists :
Nikon Lens Serial No's

Lens Review - Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED

nikon nikkor AF 180 mm f/2.8D IF-ED (1994 Release)

FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. But on a D-SLR camera, it will effect like 270 mm.
Aperture: f/2.8 . Nine-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/22
Optics: 8 elements in 6 groups. 1 ED glass element.
Closest Focus: 1.5 m(5 feet)
Macro Ratio: 1:6.6
Filter size: 72mm Non-rotating, Internal Focusing
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Barrel shaped, Bayonet Lens Hood . Lether Lens (CL38S)case is included.
Dimensions: 79 mm diameter. Length is 144 mm.
Weight: 760 grams

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D is extereme sharp with showing NO flaws. Build quality is excellent. Lens glass quality is very high. According to IMATEST results, pinchusion distortion is only 0,3% , not negligible in field conditions. Vignetting is almost non-exsist. You may shoot without worrying even at widest aperture setting of f/2.8. MTF Resolution results are excellent starting from f/2.8 reachest peak values at f/5.6. Chromatic Aberrations are not field relevant. (limit is 1 pixel, test results do not exceed 0,64 pixel)

180mm f/2.8D is a very good lens for outdoor portraits and wildlife photography. Some may consider to buy a 70-200mm f/2.8 VR or 80-200mm f/2.8 instead when price is considered. But the weight is an advantage for this lens for hendheld shoots.
PAY ATTENTION :
- Not so fast Auto Focus (but not slow for sure!)

- Be careful about second hands. There is no lens in the back side of the lens to protect the diaphragm blades. They may be filthy !!

VERDICT : It is not a cheap lens. I may recommend 80-200mm f/2.8 instead if you are not a prime lens addictited. All test result are almost excellent. It is compact telephoto lens with good performance. Recommended (8/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

What does PC-Nikkor means ?

PC-Nikkor means a lense which features a Perspective Control ability, to be more clear, they are wide-angle lenses with extended film plane covering ability. These lenses are used to cover large rectangular subjects, for i.e., a tall building, the photographer has to tilt his camera upwards to include the top of the structure; generally, the resulting image portrays in the photograph will have walls of the building appear to converge, as if the building were falling over backwards. With the PC Nikkor lenses, you may correct this convergness.

Technically, there is an other trick to minimize effect of converging perspectives.By using a wideangle lense, you shoot the subject in the middle but you have to compromise with a loss of useful negative space with inclusion of large unwanted foreground in the photo while cropping to eliminate undesirable elements in a wide-angle negative. With the new D-SLR crop factor 1,5x cameras, you will have less problem.

Pic No:1 > CONVERGED

Pic No:2 > CORRECTED

nikon D90 D-SLR > Is it a speculation or truth?

Altough a a lot of bloggers consider this is a big baloon, i will use my sixth sense and share my prediction:
First of all , nikon's tradition will change about two digit models use CCD sensors. As you all know, D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80 uses CCD sensors.
D90 will have a new developed Sony CMOS sensor, with 12.3 MP. Speed will be 3-3.5 fps different from D300. This will be an answer to Canon 450D for sure.

For latest news, check latest nikon releases , USA.

How to Create Such a Photo?

Simple steps:

1) All of your camera settings must be MANUAL.. No exceptions !
- Focus
- White Balance Setting
- ISO
- Exposure Mode (M)

2) You ust use a tripod

3) Use a remote shutter or cable shutter. If you do not have these, shoot with 5 sec delay to avoid camera shakes.

4) Spend long time with preperation, less time with shooting as the light conditions will change.

5) Take a shot without the model for fixings

The rest is simple, put them together on PhotoShop.
This is our next lesson :)

NEW Nikon D700 FX Released

D3 dreamers!!! Here is your answer for a relatively low cost new FX model of nikon.This is a good answer to famous expert canon 5D. If you were walking on the edge of buying a full frame but do not want to give up your nikon lenses, here is your solution.
12.1 MP, CMOS censor, up to 25.600 ISO (Hi2.0), extra low noise, 5fps, 3" LCD screen, 51 Point AF, 1005 RGB Matrix metering and FULL FRAME D-SLR.
If you also have DX lenses, do not worry. D700 automotically recognizes the DX lens and crops the frame to 1,5x and get a 6.1MP resolution with your DX lenses.(Hey, if you say this is stupid, why are you looking for a full frame with your DX lenses, go and buy a D300 then)
Some new pics of D700 FX.
Enjoy it...
(Price around 3.000 US$/Euro)

Links

For the newest innovations and releases in the market:
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/index.html

Biggest photo shopping center with the best prices:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Can not beat me, but OK :) ... For SLR and accessories tests:
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php

For nikon fans... THe history of nikon :
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/

Official web site of nikon :
http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/index.htm

My favorite web site for real reviews :
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/overview

Lets earn some real money :
http://www.istockphoto.com/index.php

What else shots do the world take?
http://www.deviantart.com/

Exhibitions

5th of May 2008, exhibition of "..and the eyes said "SEE!"


24th of December 2007, "Ezogelin Soup" Mixed Exhibition

I have attended two exhibitions during the last 5 months. Had a lot of chance to meet new enthusiasts of photo art. I have sold some photos too, imoprtant for me, not for earning my life but as an honour :)

I have a show two weeks ago, at an club in Izmir with 25 spectators. During the 1 hour show, some photo experts made me sweat with their classified questions. It was hard but enertaining for me to reply all and have applause in the ned of the night :)

See you soon with some D300 reviews...

Lens Review - nikon AF nikkor 20mm f/2.8D

nikon nikkor AF 20 mm f/2.8D (1994 Release) FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a Ultra Wide FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. But on a D-SLR camera, it will effect like 30mm.
Aperture: f/2.8 . Seven-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/22
Optics: 12 elements in 9 groups. No ED glass elements or aspherical elements.
Closest Focus: 25 cm(0r 10 inches)
Macro Ratio: 1:8.3
Filter size: 62mm Non-rotating
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Barrel shaped, plastic HB-4 Bayonet Lens Hood (optional) . CL-30S Lens case is optional.
Dimensions: 69 mm diameter. Length is 43 mm.
Weight: 270 grams MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 is quite sharp but equipped with some flaws. According to IMATEST results, barrel distortion is 2,3% , very high for field conditions. Vignetting is also high at widest aperture, but not field relevant after f/4. MTF Resolution results are excellent starting from f/4. Chromatic Aberrations are field relevant. (limit is 1 pixel, test results are around 2 pixel)

PAY ATTENTION :
- Very high barrel distortion for a fixed focal length lens.

- Very high CA's for a prime lens.

- A good lens in the film era, but not good for D-SLR's

VERDICT : It is not a cheap lens with a lot of flaws. It's compact and lightweight design can be attractive only.. Recommended (7/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

Lens Review - nikon AF nikkor 35mm f/2.0D

nikon nikkor AF 35 mm f/2.0D (1995 Release) FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. But on a D-SLR camera, it will effect like 52,5mm.
Aperture: f/2,0 . Seven-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/22
Optics: 6 elements in 5 groups. No ED glass elements or aspherical elements.
Closest Focus: 25 cm(0r 10 inches)
Macro Ratio: 1:4.2
Filter size: 52mm Non-rotating
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Barrel shaped, screw-in metal HN-3 Bayonet Lens Hood (not incl.) . Lens case is optional.
Dimensions: 65 mm diameter. Length is 45 mm.
Weight: 205 grams

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Nikkor 35mm f/2.0 is showing excellent sharpness. Build quality is excellent. According to IMATEST results, barrel distortion is only 0,64% , modorate. Vignetting is almost non-exsistant after 2 stop rule. At f/4, vignetting is not negligible. MTF Resolution results are excellent starting from f/2. Chromatic Aberrations are not field relevant. (limit is 1 pixel, test results are 0,4-0,8 pixel) .f/4 is the sweet point of this lens for sure.

35mm f/2.0 is a very good lens for outdoor candids. Unbelievablely light lens to carry, a monster for AF focus speed. Closesest focus length 25cm is good for detail photographers. I f you do not like to carry heavy equipment, this is your lens.

PAY ATTENTION :
- Has one serious and fatal design flaw that Nikon claims to have fixed as of June 2001 . Lenses produced earlier than this date, have lubricant leakage onto the diaphragm blades. Many of these lenses work without any problem with the lubricant on the diaphragm blades, but may be a disaster for detail obsessives like me :)

- Be careful if you are buying a second hand 35mm f/2D. Check the blades carefully.

VERDICT : It is a very cheap and lightweight lens with very good test results.

Highly Recommended (9/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

Megapixel Wars

It is still confusing... Is megapixel everything?

Megapixel comes with dpi (dots per inch). Megapixel is an unit to measure how many pixels per width and length is a photograph. It determines print size !!! that's it.

An example: If a photo is 600 by 800 pixels, it is 600x800=480.000 pixels which is called 0,5 megapixel photo. This size photo can not be printed on a 9x13 paper without any magnifiny on the photo which shows corners of pixel dots.

Megapixel does not show the quality or sharpness of a photo. It only shows how big is the picture...

Picture quality depends on processor, sensor, lens...

If you buy a 3 mp compact camera and think that it will shoot better photos then a small fine jpeg shot (appx 2.5 megapixel) of an D200, you are far beyond reality.

Here are some charts to understand better.

Lens Review - nikon AF nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

nikon nikkor AF 50 mm f/1.4D (1995 Release) FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. But on a D-SLR camera, it will effect like 75mm.
Aperture: f/1.4 . Seven-bladed diaphragm stopping down to f/16
Optics: 7 elements in 6 groups. No ED glass elements or aspherical elements.
Closest Focus: 45 cm

Macro Ratio: 1:6.8
Filter size: 52mm Non-rotating
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, HR-2 Lens Hood optional . CL-30S Lens case is optional.
Dimensions: 64.5 mm diameter. Length is 42.5 mm.
Weight: 230 grams

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 has a small barrel distortion of 0,50% , relatively high but nothing to worry in field conditions. Vignetting is very well controlled even at widest aperture setting of f/1.4. At f/2.8, vignetting is negligible. MTF Resolution results are excellent between f/2.8 - f/8. At wide apertures, center resolution id very good, but extreme borders are soft. Chromatic Aberrations are very well controlled. only at f/5.6-8 increases but still not field relevant.

PAY ATTENTION :
- Lens hood is optional.

- Lens has not silent motor, maybe disturbing

- Length change during focusing is annoying

- Corner resolutions are low at widest apertures

VERDICT : It is a lens you must carry in your bag for no light conditions. At least i do so. It has small defects but still an indispensible lens you have to carry in your lowepro. Highly Recommended (9/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

Lens Review - nikon AF nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

nikon nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.8D (1994 Release) FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. But on a D-SLR camera, it will effect like 127,5mm.
Aperture: f/1.8 . Nine-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/16
Optics: 6 elements in 6 groups. No ED glass elements or aspherical elements.
Closest Focus: 85 cm(0r 12 inches)
Macro Ratio: 1:9.2
Filter size: 62mm Non-rotating, Rear Focusing
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Barrel shaped, screw-in metal HN-23 Bayonet Lens Hood . CL-15S Lens case is optional.
Dimensions: 71.5 mm diameter. Length is 58.5 mm.
Weight: 380 grams

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 is extereme sharp with showing NO flaws. Build quality is excellent. Lens glass quality is very high. According to IMATEST results, barrel distortion is only 0,03% , also not negligible in lab conditions. Vignetting is almost non-exsist, even at widest aperture setting of f/1.8. MTF Resolution results are excellent starting from f/1.8. Chromatic Aberrations are not field relevant. (limit is 1 pixel, test results are 0,2 pixel)

85mm f/1.8 is a very good lens for indooe and outdoor portraits. Portrait photographers, this lens is "the lens" you must keep in your backpack.

PAY ATTENTION :
- Screw-in metal lens hood is not so easy to use.

VERDICT : It is a cheap lens with very well build quality, all test result are excellent. It is a flawless lens with lightweight and compact design. Highly Recommended (10/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

Lens Review - Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G II DX ED

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G II DX ED(2006 Release) FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : 18-55mm focal range (3.1x zoom) for use in a popular range of focal length with compact and light weight. (equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in the 35mm format)
Aperture: f/3.5 at 18 mm, f/5.6 at 55mm. Seven-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down f/22 (18 mm) to f/38 (55 mm)
Optics: 7 elements in 5 groups. That includes one ED glass element (shown in yellow) and one aspherical element shown in blue.
Closest Focus: 28 cm(0r 1.0 feet) throughout the entire zoom range.
Macro Ratio: 1:3.2
Filter size: 52mm - rotating
Accesories: Only rear/front lens caps. Barrel-shaped HB-33 Bayonet Lens Hood NOT INCLUDED !!! .
CL-0715 Flexiable Lens pouch NOT INCLUDED !!!
Dimensions: 70.5 mm diameter. 74 mm length.
Weight: 205 grams

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
I have tried this lens for a week on my friend's D80 in Taiwan. It came as a kit lens. Frankly speaking, this lens' resolution surprised me during all the short time i use. But, its rotating front unit stuck me to use it with joy.

Wide angle has a lot of barrel distortion. At wide open aperture, this lens has a lot of vignetting and Chromattic Aberrations. But, but, but... This II version of 18-55mm is quite high resolution graphs even at slowest apertures... Very hard to believe !!

I may recommend this lens only for those with very tight budget. But, this lens will answer your resolution needs perfectly if you do not care about barrelling affect and vignetting at slow apertures.

PAY ATTENTION :
- No focus scala. Might be confusing for the ones who are used to or working manual focus usually. At 18mm, there is quite high positive barrel distortion
- This lens' weakest point is this: Resolution loss in the extreme corners at wide apertures. But, the resolution is EXCELLENT at the center.
- Vignetting is seen only at widest apertures at 18mm, rest is very good.
- Chromatic Aberrations are exceeding 1 pixel limit, even 1,5 pixel. Only 55mm end has no problem. Trouble...

VERDICT : If your bugdet is very very tight, this lens will not let you down. But after a while, you will start to feel the need of an upgrade. Mechanical quality is week and too much plastic feels poor. Among the low budget kit lenss, this lens has the highest point by means of price/performance graphics. NOT Recommended (6,5/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

Lens Review - Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G DX ED IF

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6G DX ED IF (2006 Release)

FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : 18-135mm focal range (7.5x zoom) for use in a wide variety of situations (Better than all exsisting kit lenses starts with 18-xx , except 18-200mm VR) (equivalent to a 27-202.5mm lens in the 35mm format)
Aperture: f/3.5 at 18 mm, f/5.6 at 135mm. Seven-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down f/22 (18 mm) to f/38 (135 mm)
Optics: 15 elements in 13 groups. That includes one ED glass element (shown in yellow) and two aspherical elements shown in blue.
Closest Focus: 45 cm(0r 1.5 feet) throughout the entire zoom range.
Macro Ratio: 1:4.1
Filter size: 67mm Non rotating
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Flower-shapedHB-32 Bayonet Lens Hood . CL-0915 Flexiable Lens pouch
Dimensions: 73.5 mm(2.9") diameter. 86.5 mm (3.4") length.
Weight: 385 grams (13.5 oz)

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
Just used this lens for a very short time as a kit lens on my first digital Nikon, D80 , did not like the resolution at all. This is my least liked Nikon lens used ever after 18-55mm DX...

If you are a street candid photographer or journalist with a very tight bugdet and this lens came as an occasion to you, 18-135mm may answer your needs.

Very simple : This lens need a VR II on it.

Smooth bokehs on shallow depth of field conditions like portraits.

PAY ATTENTION :
- No focus scala. Might be confusing for the ones who are used to or working manual focus usually. At 18mm, there is quite hefty (3,3%) positive barrel distortion
- This lens' weakest point is this: Extreme vignetting and resolution loss in the corners. Resolution is good at the center.
- Vignetting is seen on widest apertures and wide angles, but 2 stop formula will erase that problem too.
- Chromatic Aberrations are exceeding 1 pixel limit, suffering from purple fringing.

VERDICT : If the bugdet is only thing you are after, this lens may be a solution with 7.5x zoom. But, save some more for a 18-200mm VR. NOT Recommended (6/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :