Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/5/84; site genat.UUCP Path: utzoo!utcs!mnetor!genat!jorge From: jorge@genat.UUCP (Jorge Olenewa) Newsgroups: net.rec.photo Subject: Re: Buying a 35 mm camera Message-ID: <2578@genat.UUCP> Date: Mon, 10-Mar-86 17:53:19 EST Article-I.D.: genat.2578 Posted: Mon Mar 10 17:53:19 1986 Date-Received: Tue, 11-Mar-86 07:40:47 EST References: <9540@ucla-cs.ARPA> Reply-To: jorge@genat.UUCP (Jorge Olenewa) Organization: Genamation Inc. (Toronto Ontario, Canada) Lines: 43 Keywords: 35-105 zoom or 35-135 zoom. Summary: In article <9540@ucla-cs.ARPA> art@ucla-cs.UUCP writes: >the lenses are 35-105 zoom or 35-135 zoom. > >Does anybody out there have experience, + or -, with these parts? >How about experience with cheaper lenses, like Vivitar zooms? I used to own a 35-105 zoom Nikkor f3.5-4.5. My experience with this lens is: - it may be OK for portraits if you want to include a little more than just head and shoulders. The lens only focuses down to 1.4m (4.6ft). You can turn the macro ring slightly and focus closer but the image quality deteriorates apreciably. - it is NOT a very sharp lens especially at large apertures which is OK in the case of portraits but don't try to compare the image quality with that of your 135mm which by the way would be my choice for portraits together with your F model Nikon. If you want to use the 135mm with a newer body and if it is an older Nikon lens and you want to take advantage of the auto exposure, check with your local Nikon rep., some or all of the older lenses can be modified (change the rear mount) so that they can be used with auto exposure systems. - the 35-105mm is subject to FLARE so always use a hood and small apertures (otherwise it degrades the image quality badly) and watch out for backlighted shots. I suspect you will see many of the same problems with the 35-135mm. - if you must have a zoom, consider spending a the extra money for the more expensive 35-70 f3.5 (not the f3.3 to 4.5). I have been told it is the way to go in Nikon zooms although I have not tried one. - my experience with Vivitar is limited to an 80-200mm which optically was a very acceptable lens but mechanically no lens in this category will compare to a Nikkor (consider how long your other Nikon lenses have been around). Hope this helps. Cheers, Jorge L. Olenewa Gernamation Inc. 351 Steelcase Rd. West "What a way to come to California!!!!" Markham, Ontario L3R 3W1