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neoshazam
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Registered: Jun 1, 2014
Location: United States
Posts: 529
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Review Date: Dec 20, 2017
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $700.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Bokeh
Build
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Cons:
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Can take extra time to find best focus
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Great lens !
Bokeh is lovely, skin tones are great.
The only issue to be aware of is that the Defocus Control ring may need to be set to R2 or F2 or Neutral and THEN you may need to Focus Adjust with your camera so it is an extra step.
Wide Open with higher megapixel digital isn't as great as newer lenses but you can stop down a bit to get adequate sharpness for portraits and the bokeh is lovely.
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 Dec 20, 2017
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vitalishe
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Buy and Sell: On
Registered: Mar 22, 2015
Location: United States
Posts: 449
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Review Date: Feb 17, 2016
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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sharp throughout, superb build, actual size and weight are smaller than you think from pictures, fast AF
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Cons:
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DC may shift AF micro-adjustment
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I used to use 85 1.8G as a portrait lens, but was not too happy with in part due to shorter focal length (too close to my 50mm), in part due to long closest focusing distance.
After selling that I was looking into 105 focal length. I first tried 105 f/2.5 AI which I loved except I could not focus it reliably. I briefly tried Micro-Nikkor 105 VR, but almost immediately realized that it does not fit my needs as a portrait lens even though it is clearly a pro-grade lens.
Finally, I got a great deal on 105 DC. My first impressions were that it is actually much smaller and lighter than it appears on photos. On photos it looks almost the same size as 105 VR. In reality DC has deeply recessed front element whereas VR is full of glass all of the way to the front of the barrel. So, yes, the lens is not that big. It just has a permanent hood plus one additional retractable one.
I was lucky to have no need for AF adjustment in the neutral DC setting. The lens was dead on from the start. Unfortunately, turning DC in the R direction (backgRound more out of focus) makes the lens front focus (using AF after switching DC). This does not happen when switching into F direction. This is strange and unfortunate as R is the more common setting to use. So if I really want to use DC-R settings I either have to switch to manual focus or lean forward slightly after auto-focusing. Both methods are of course not very reliable.
On the other hand the DC effect is so small I may not be loosing much by only using the neutral setting.
The lens auto-focuses accurately and very fast. It focuses to about the same distance as 85 1.8G, which means it actually has a larger reproduction ratio. Overall I am enjoying the lens so far.
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Feb 17, 2016
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Jacques G
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Registered: Aug 19, 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 40
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Review Date: Jan 19, 2014
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $900.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Optically flawless - creamy bokeh and great skin rendition. The overall construction of this lens is old school, but in the good sense : metal and heft.
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Cons:
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No AFS and slightly long minimum focusing distance.
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Jan 19, 2014
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Oskar
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Registered: Mar 16, 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 0
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Review Date: Aug 12, 2012
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Sharp small light feels like a real lens , why did I not get one sooner
As a pro I have just about every lens and camera , but never really found that
Perfect portrait lens , wow this is it the 70 - 200 is just to heavy on a job all day
This is light and right. Stunning soft backgrounds soft skin tones
Even your mother looks glam with this gem .
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Cons:
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Not good for left hand operation
You have to think what you are doing for a change
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Lens find of the century
Not really sure if it is a non pro lens
No insult to non pros but you may have to fiddle with
The focus and use a tripod to really get a stunning portrait
Which usually means working with a model who can hold
A pose so you can achieve perfect drop off
You really need to know your stuff it is not a happy snapper lens
It's old school stuff and still cuts it with the best.
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Aug 12, 2012
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wolfbreath
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Registered: Feb 4, 2012
Location: United States
Posts: 0
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Review Date: Feb 4, 2012
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $800.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Superb images
Tough build
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Cons:
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A little big and heavy.
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This is the finest lens I've ever used. The picture quality is fantastic. Compared to my other lenses, this is still my favorite even after the past 7 years.
Autofocus is fast and precise. The Defocus control makes out of focus areas smoother and softer. However, if it's applied too strongly, the subject will become softer. Even at f/2 the subject is sharp with creamy bokeh. It's perfect for portraits but not much else. Between that and the vain bokeh shots, there's not much versatality to this lens. It's pretty specific. So for that, I don't use this lens as often. But when I do, it's worth it every time. I'm not sure what kind of coating it has but the colors, saturation, and contrast are just right for portraits. Not overwhelming, nor absent. You have to try and see for yourself.
It's made of all metal, heavy, and sticks out a bit. The lens hood is built in and slides over the lens. Not an easy to carry lens by any means and I end up trying to baby it quite a bit. Finally, it's aesthetically pleasing to look at. The black matte textured metal and big beautiful coated glass inside. In my opinion, it's one of the best looking lenses.
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Feb 4, 2012
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Paul Reams
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Registered: Jan 31, 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 513
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Review Date: Feb 3, 2012
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $850.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Outstanding depth-of-field. Sharp like crazy. Renders skin wonderfully. Light and durable.
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Cons:
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None. I don't use the DC feature at all.
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When I purchased this lens, my wife was skeptical about whether we needed it. After all, we already had a 70-200/2.8 and we were really happy with it.
Now, it's tough to imagine our portrait sessions without them. It's a way less intimidating lens, it's got shallower depth-of-field, and it's bloody sharp. There's something about the way that it renders and softens skin that it really amazing. And, of course, it's a blast to melt away the background of whatever it is that you're photographing. It's a go-to lens for us.
http://reamsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Review-Misty-and-Daniel-19.jpg
text
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Feb 3, 2012
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AngusM
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Registered: Feb 13, 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 51
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Review Date: May 9, 2011
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
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Site Admins, perhaps this could be moved to the Nikon lens review area?
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May 9, 2011
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danp25
Offline
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Registered: Jul 4, 2009
Location: Philippines
Posts: 35
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Review Date: Sep 4, 2010
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Recommend? |
Price paid: Not Indicated
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Pros:
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I've compared this to the 135mm DC which I also bought. I prefer the 105mm DC to the 135mm DC because of its closer focusing range.
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Cons:
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The depth of field was so thin you have to be careful. Stopped down to f2.8 and its allright for people shots...
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I already rated this one a year ago. After months of usage I still love it and prefer this one over the 135mm DC lens.
This is a heavy lens. It is as large as its sibling 135mm DC. I like the fact that it has a built in retractable hood. For portraits you have to stop down from f2.8 to f5.6 to get the best results. I dont use the defocus much but it is there of you want to experiment on bokeh.
Below is a sample shot taken with my daughter. I used SB600 flash bounced at the wall to take off the shadows.
D3 105mm DC prime lens
1/250s f2.8 iso 2800
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Sep 4, 2010
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jlnewland
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Registered: Dec 12, 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 10
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Review Date: Dec 12, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,020.00
| Rating: 9
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Dec 12, 2009
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matsu131
Offline
Image Upload: On
Registered: Dec 26, 2005
Location: United States
Posts: 1794
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Review Date: Oct 23, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $850.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Build and image quality. Recessed front element and pullout hood.
OOF rendering.
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Cons:
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None.
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I really like this lens.
The working distance feels very comfortable(FX). The images are extremely smooth and yet very sharp.
Out of the many bodies/lenses I've owned, the 105DC/D700 is my favorite combo.
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Oct 23, 2009
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danp25
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Jul 4, 2009
Location: Philippines
Posts: 35
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Review Date: Jul 4, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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It has the best Bokeh for a prime.
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Cons:
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None
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This a perfect portrait lens for a Nikon D3. I've compared it to the 85mm f1.8 and this lens simply rocks !!!
Sample shot of my daughter when I was first testing it.
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Jul 4, 2009
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psquared
Offline
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Registered: Apr 29, 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 394
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Review Date: Sep 30, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Build Quality; IQ; DC control; Compact Size; Balance with large bodies; Recessed Front Element = Flare Control; Good MF action
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Cons:
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Not AFS;
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Cameras Used: D2x, D2Hs
This lens has become one of my favorite lenses - the build quality, image quality, defocus control, flare control, balance with large bodies, and most importantly the compact size. Because of the size, this lens has found itself in my travel bag to replace the 85/1.4 which takes up lots of real estate in a bag.
This lens shared a lot of time with the 85/1.4 as the focal lengths are almost comparable. The MF action is pretty smooth, but the lack of AFS makes it difficult to shoot subjects with quite a bit of action (sports/kids/moving events). The AF speed is ok, but it does tracks well and snaps right into focus w/o hunting. The DC feature is a great feature that works well for portraiture, events, & still life shots.
This lens is an great example of excellent nikkor lens build quality. It is a tank and the image quality is excellent.
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Sep 30, 2007
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williamkazak
Offline
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Registered: Jun 8, 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 6445
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Review Date: Nov 21, 2006
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $710.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Pro build quality.Very sharp.I love the balance and feel shooting at F2. Great colors for people pics.
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Cons:
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The manual is less than helpful but the lens is great.
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I bought this new for a great price. I wanted to try defocus effects for people at weddings and I wanted to try shooting at F2. The balance is amazingly good on the D70s. I know this lens is Pro quality and the crinkled finish is real nice too. It is compact enough to put in a Tamrac lens pouch and place on your belt. The built in lens shade is handy but the glass is recessed so you hardly need to use the shade anyway.
This is a great walk around lens for outdoor candids of people. I shot an indoor birthday party/reception with it and I tried all kinds of apertures with flash with great results. The defocus takes a little getting used to as the manual suggests setting the defocus aperture the same as the regular shooting aperture. I think there is more defocus by setting the defocus aperture differently than the shooting aperture. Make your own tests but the distance of the background will be a factor in the defocus apperance so you might never really know for sure. Don't worry, just shoot at F2. The bokeh is splendid with or without defocus. You will be amazed at the fun you will have shooting at F2. This is an extremely creative tool and it will change you for the better.
I hate to admit that my beloved and great 105 F2.8 AFD Micro is taking a back seat to this lens. (Sold now). This Defocus lens goes to three feet and the Micro Nikkor goes to one foot, so that is one main difference. This defocus lens does the AF much better and works very well in low light situations. This is such a great tool and I am extremely pleased to own it and shoot at F2.
Now I know why people love their 85mm F1.4 lenses because these kinds of lenses are very special and extremely creative tools.
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Nov 21, 2006
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fotojvdp
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Apr 13, 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 0
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Review Date: Nov 9, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $800.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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The defocuss control has a learning curve but even without using the DC its the most beautiful portret lens you can imagine. Sharp and soft when not in focus. Very usefull
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Cons:
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The price is justified
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Nov 9, 2005
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Stripper
Offline
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Registered: Dec 11, 2002
Location: United States
Posts: 6381
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Review Date: Apr 3, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Beautiful finish. Produces great color, sharpness and bokah. Light in weight.
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Cons:
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Lacks AFS focus but still focuses fast enough to use for some action.
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I bought this lens about 8 months ago, and it took me a while to get used to reaching for it in my camera bag. I am sure glad I started reaching for it though. It is my #1 portrait lens now. It is the same focal length I usually work at with my 70-200 zoom, and it is much less intimidating to a portrait subject. The results it gives are just so sweet.
I bought the lens used from my favorite dealer, but had I known what a great piece of glass it was, I probably would have bought it new a long time ago. This is one of those lenses that will stay in my bag forever.
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Apr 3, 2005
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phiggys
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Apr 7, 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 25
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Review Date: Oct 30, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $350.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Image and build quality is first class its fast pin sharp or as soft as you want it to be.
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Cons:
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Heavy and expensive but quality usually is !
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Love the results from this lens but need to use it more than I do at the moment.
Works well on digital body as well as film.
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Oct 30, 2004
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Reviews
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Views
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Date of last review
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18
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126901
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Dec 20, 2017
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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94% of reviewers
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$808.00
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Build Quality Rating
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Price Rating
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Overall Rating
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9.85
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8.92
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9.8
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