Congrats on your new lens. Those Nikkors definately have a pull.
As others have said, take a look at an 85mm some time. And check out the 105/2 DC if you want to see amazing bokeh. Or even the 105/2.5 which can be had for practically nothing used. And on and on it goes...
Update: I got to looking at some of the shots I took with the lens and noticed that all under f 4.0 were soft. I didn't have a chance to test the lens out at the store properly as it was getting dark so I bought it not wanting to loose the chance.
Well it turns out that the lens ( this was a used lens ) was front focusing enough that all the shots would be out of focus until at F 4.0 the focus plane would widen enough to include the object focused on.
Bummer !
So, I contacted Nikon by email and they got back to me saying that it looked like the lens needed to be sent in for repair - but could not give me a quote ( which I understand). Btw ... they were a pleasure to deal with beginning to end both by email and phone. That is a very good sign.
I went back to the dealer to discuss this. I really wanted to hang onto this copy and the repair guy said "we stand behind our waranty -and will send it back to get repaired to you, dont worry about it."
However the guy who owns the store took a different tack. He seemed pissed - and kept saying how he'd have to sell the lens for at least $900 to be able to repair it for me ( I got it for $700 plus tax) He started to blame everything he could think of instead of the lens First he said that it was the camera but I showed him shots with my friends D2h that did the same thing. Then it was all D2h's are poor focusers. Funny he was praising them the day before? At about the time he suggested I get a D50 as the focus is better with it I lost my entusiasm for dealing with a potential quagmire -and decided to return it. Oh well. Bad luck. But what a fantastic lens. I want one, for sure. I am now thinking I will try one online shops like KEH. Any other ideas for good used glass second hand? The other option, and I have to say that this is looking more desirable as I think about it more is to simply save up a bit more and get it new. While I'm at it - what do you guys think. Grey or pony up the extra for that five years of peace of mind?
I've got to say that one of the fabulous differences between Nikon and that other (white) company is the five year warranty. It hurts a bit more ... but five years is really nice too.
Then there is that lure of the 85! I have to say johnnymg that your shot with the 1.8 is so good, and with an extender too - that I' having a hard time again picturing why spending the extra $650 on the 1.4 is a good idea.
Do you gents think the 1.4 is even better or is it just faster and more solid of build?
Boy! You guys are scaring the hell out of me! As a slow beginner and someone who does love this art of seize and capture all of gods great temptations, all we can see... So, I spend several hours a day reading and studying the vast amounts of experience presented on these posts.
This is bad! For within all the great enters are the dreams and desires of every one who has become inflicted, with, "if only I could afford to get!" This contagious desire is penetrating in to those of us who are unaware of the exposure of others dreams and lusts. We are helplessly being pulled ever closer to the light, as our innocence is exposed to these needs. We will become hopelessly exposed and forever lost in the world of what is new or better.
Ah! but how grand it does feel, each time we are able possesses one of our desires.
hehehe!
Sorry to hear you had to return the 135. . Hopefully you'll find a nice replacement.............. without any hassle. Most of the big US shops will take returns.
IMHO, @ $300 (ish) the 85mm F1.8 is a real steal. Since I rarely do 'available light' shots (where F1.4 would be necessary) I haven't felt it necessary to get the 1.4. That being said, if you need the speed or wide-open bokeh of the 1.4 you better just guts-up and get it. Note: you can pick up an 'international' F1.4 for around $850. The only thing you will be sacrificing is the warranty coverage. Since this lens doesn't have any fancy electronics in it you probably don't need to worry about repairs.
. Hopefully you'll find a nice replacement.............. without any hassle. Most of the big US shops will take returns.