Hi Mike & fellow Nikon users,
Kia Ora, matie.
>cons of various lens combinations, the Nikon representative here (for a
mini photo show) was
>adamant that the quality of the Nikkor 20-35 f2.8 zoom was equivalent to
the relevant
>primes, e.g., 20mm f2.8 and 24 mm f2.8.
If the rep who told you that is Greg from Photo and Video Merivale, I'm
inclined to believe him. I find that he is quite knowledgeable in photo
matters (although he admits that he doesn't take much pictures) and is
generally more honest than others in that line. Though you may get a
bargain from him from time to time, his prices are generally fair (ie. so
don't try to con him as he's in the know).
Based on the fact that the 20-35/2.8 uses an aspherical element to reduce
aberrations, I would think this lens would be as sharp as any ordinary prime
lens. I haven't had the pleasure of doing 10" x 12" comparisons but judging
from 8R prints, I could not notice any difference in sharpness (resolution)
between a borrowed 20-35/2.8 and my 24/2.8.
Of course, in certain situations, there might be more flare in the
20-35/2.8 as it has more elements/groups. I must say that on one of my
trips to Rotorua, the shots came out with flare very well controlled (but
not eleminated totally) on my 24/2.8 and I was shooting with the sun in
front of me.
>rep. correct or is he just spinning a story to try to get me to shell out
over NZD$3000?
Of course, as a salesperson first and foremost, he's trying to fish you
for the extra money. But having said that, the cost of purchasing a 20/2.8,
24/2.8, 28/2.8 and 35/2 or 35/2.8 would come close (if not more) to the
price of the 20-35/2.8, eh. Also, no matter how fast you are, I doubt you
can change lenses faster than you can zoom a lens. So, I suppose he's
trying to introduce to you a top-quality lens that will (a) save space, (b)
produce top quality pics and (c) feel as good in your hands as it is capable
of taking top quality pictures.
I don't know about other users but I find my 24/2.8 a bit of a nuisance to
change lens in a hurry as I will inadvertantly end up turning the focusing
ring while changing it. Maybe I have fat hands. You think Richard Muldoon
has big hands.....
Cheers, hope it helped.
Regards,
Deric Soh.
