>The E series is said to be inferior in optical quality compared to the other Nikkor lenses, except the 75-150/3.5 E. I'm not sure where you get this from. The 28mm E is the same optical formula as the AF Nikkor 28mm. Same with the 50mm f/1.8s. The 135mm E is the same optically as the original Nikkor 135mm, but not the later AI versions. The 100mm E and 35mm E are unique designs, as far as I can tell. The 100mm is superb, the 35mm mediocre. As to the zooms, the 75-150mm is one of the rare lens bargains on the market, though every version I've seen has terrible zoom creep. The 36-72mm E was basically a slightly redesigned 43-86mm, and has pretty good optics. The 70-210mm E is the same optically as the AF 70-210. I'm not sure I'd agree the 80-200mm f/4 is a better lens. (I'm wondering if some of the comments being made are the result of not using lens hoods on some lenses. The 70-210mm E is very contrasty, yet some writers say it isn't. Put a hood on, guys!) Thom Hogan Executive Editor, BACKPACKER Magazine author, The Nikon Field Guide (Silver Pixel Press) www.bythom.com
