jon_ca

Definitely an under-rated lens that has some beautiful applications. I find this lens really versatile, and would be on my camera all the time if it weren't for it's size and weight.

- It performs really well indoors where lighting is poor and there isn't much room to move and compose.

- Focusing seems to be very smart. Using spot focusing on my D200, I can blind shoot a scene and somehow the lens & body figures it out correctly.

- Focusing is very quick, quicker than both my 50mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.8 Nikkors. I found myself using the 20-40mm at a Volleyball tournament because of this.

- Get up and personal: you can get some really amazing up-close shots thanks to the incredibly close focusing. I have fooled people with "macro-like" photos from this lens. Up close shots of animals and people is really great... you get a little distortion for effect, but a well proportioned frame overall.

This lens has survived 2 years of usage on 2 different Nikon bodies. It has survived 20 days in the rural and poverty stricken areas of Nicaragua - hopping in and out of pick-up trucks, entertaining grabby kids, and dust. The build is really excellent and I always use it with the accompanying hood and a Hoya 82mm filter.

Overall an excellent lens in all respects. Spending a bit of time with the lens will show you its potential. A real gem and a bargain for the price.