for paid work vs recreational. I got a vivatar 19-35 for 65$ on ebay. yes it AF's fine. and at anything above 8 its pretty sharp. But you can find the "plastic fantastic for pretty cheap which is the same lens in Tokina, Tamron, Quantaray, phoenix etc. they are all the same lens but to be honest if its a lens you won't use too often for about $85-125$ you cant really go wrong. And great on FX.
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The lens is metal mount with plastic body, no weather sealing at this price but good glass if you are on a budget.
EltonTeng wrote:
If you "got" what the OP was looking for, why did you respond with at least 7-8 recommendations?
Because he said CHEAP.....lol....i really don't know of ANYONE who would consider the 14-24 2.8 a CHEAP wide angle....on B&H, there are only 2 nikon mount wide angles that are more expensive.....the zeiss 15mm, and the Schneider 28mm shift.....it's basically the most expensive ultra wide zoom you can think of....and sure, someone might be like "oh well $2k for the 14-24 is cheap compared to $18k for the new 800mm 5.6.....but that's not wide....so it's not in the running....the 14-24 is NOT a cheap wide angle. Period.
The tokina 17-35 and 16-28 are $600 and $750 respectively, which ARE cheaper options....but not CHEAP...it's a totally subjective term, but when i think CHEAP, i think less than $250.....the main one i was singling out was the 14-24 comment.....sure it's cheaper than the zeiss 15mm, but come on, that's clearly not what the OP was asking....prob shouldn't have said "half the people here...."...it read the wrong way.....
I mainly use primes and was looking for either a prime or zoom old or new for under $300.
I've used the 24 2.8AF-D & 35 f/2 but don't really like either but I like the 35mm Focal length a lot, not looking for anything ultra wide.
There are quite a few MF Nikkors that would suit your needs at very affordable prices. The 24 f/2.8 AI or AI-s is an excellent performer, as is the 28 f/2.8 AI-s. You should be able to pick up a nice copy of either lens for under $250. The 28 f/2 AI or AI-s is a bit pricier. The 35 f/1.4 AI-s is beyond your price limit but the 35 f/2 in its various iterations is a fine lens as well and definitely in your price range. The AF lens has a different optical design.
You might want to check out what Bjorn Rorslett has to say about these lenses.
Those of us hanging out on the Manual Focus Nikon Glass thread are using these lenses and having a great time. I've traveled with the 28 f/2.8 AI-s and it is a fine lens. It has Close Range Correction (CRC) that permits you to get very close to your subject. It is faulted for sharpness at infinity but I certainly haven't had a problem in that regard. It is amazingly sharp close in, reputed to be one of Nikon's sharpest.
Manual focusing isn't everyone's cup of tea, but personally, I very seldom use an AF lens. Check out the thread and look specifically for a participant with the username LieutenantZ, Philippe, who posts from France. What he does with the 28 f/2.8 AI-s is quite delicious.
CGrindahl wrote:
There are quite a few MF Nikkors that would suit your needs at very affordable prices. The 24 f/2.8 AI or AI-s is an excellent performer, as is the 28 f/2.8 AI-s. You should be able to pick up a nice copy of either lens for under $250. The 28 f/2 AI or AI-s is a bit pricier. The 35 f/1.4 AI-s is beyond your price limit but the 35 f/2 in its various iterations is a fine lens as well and definitely in your price range. The AF lens has a different optical design.
You might want to check out what Bjorn Rorslett has to say about these lenses.
Those of us hanging out on the Manual Focus Nikon Glass thread are using these lenses and having a great time. I've traveled with the 28 f/2.8 AI-s and it is a fine lens. It has Close Range Correction (CRC) that permits you to get very close to your subject. It is faulted for sharpness at infinity but I certainly haven't had a problem in that regard. It is amazingly sharp close in, reputed to be one of Nikon's sharpest.
Manual focusing isn't everyone's cup of tea, but personally, I very seldom use an AF lens. Check out the thread and look specifically for a participant with the username LieutenantZ, Philippe, who posts from France. What he does with the 28 f/2.8 AI-s is quite delicious....Show more →
Thank you so much, this is such great info that you found!
I am definitely going to look into acquiring that 28 2.8 AI-s lens - can't wait!
but good glass if you are on a budget. 