AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm VR 3.5-5.6G ED VR

DaveKoontz

Senior Member
Just picked up this lens earlier this afternoon and have taken a few 'hand held' shots at the different focal lengths .... My first reaction is very positive but the lens does differ a little from the 70 - 200 mm VR1 that I just sold. So far, I'm happy (after a dozen shots) but will take into the field this weekend to further test ... I'm thinking that after the initial shots that shooting in the Aperture Mode will be the best option for me. We'll see!

If anyone else has purchased please let me know how you like it ... any issues?
 

goz63

Senior Member
Dave,
That 70-200 VRI is a much faster lens at a 2.8 constant aperture. Not really a fair comparison is it? Outside of both being tele-zooms they really are not going to be comparable are they? Not sure what the comparable FX lens would be to that. The 18-200 is a DX lens I think.
What is your initial appraisal of the IQ? Pre-reviews were good but you wonder about those. I opted for the 55-300 but I am shooting DX. Should have a good IQ and have a great range.
Mark
 

DaveKoontz

Senior Member
Hi Mark, I had a lengthy response but the system logs me out if I don't make response short and sweet. I'll try again. The comparison between the 70-200 mm and the 28-300 mm was/is based on physical attributes ... the new lens is quite a bit shorter and has a barrel that extend four inches from the body when fully extended to 300mm. The weight is about the same, but again the size of the new lens seems to be more manageable. I do miss the tripod mounting capability on the 70/200 but can live with mounting the camera itself on the tripod. Sharpness is comparable, both lenses are tack sharp. This was a worry to me since the new lens was half the cost of the 70/200 when I bought it. The extra 100mm focal length will help me in that I can not always get close to my subject matter, the 200mm was good, the 300mm will be better and as sharp. More later - I don't want to be logged out again.

Dave
 

goz63

Senior Member
Dave,
I understand about the physical attribute comparison. I am very glad to here the new lens is sharp. I figure the 55-300 should be at least as sharp as the 28-300 so that is encouraging for me. I am really looking forward to having the extra 100mm focal lenght as well. I look forward to seeing some of your pictures with your new lens.
 

DaveKoontz

Senior Member
I've taken a little over 200 images with my new 28-300mm and can honestly say that it rivals the 70-200mm in sharpness. That's the good news! The one issue continues to be on the 'dark side'. I have had my D700 checked out by the local Nikon folks and they find nothing wrong with the set-up. Sooo, when shooting with this lens it will be set in aperture mode and at two to three stops lower to avoid the dark shots - if the camera is saying f8, then I'll stop down to 5.6 this seems to be the answer - so far that is. Any ideas? Suggestions? Please advise.
 
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six2one

New member
I've taken a little over 200 images with my new 28-300mm and can honestly say that it rivals the 70-200mm in sharpness. That's the good news! The one issue continues to be on the 'dark side'. I have had my D700 checked out by the local Nikon folks and they find nothing wrong with the set-up. Sooo, when shooting with this lens it will be set in aperture mode and at two to three stops lower to avoid the dark shots - if the camera is saying f8, then I'll stop down to 5.6 this seems to be the answer - so far that is. Any ideas? Suggestions? Please advise.


just got this lens last thurs. shooting w/ a d300s. i have the 70-200 vr2 as well, and this lens seems mostly as sharp. the 70-200 is obviously faster, but in reality..im using it w/ the 1.7 tcII and so it gets stopped down a bit. on an even field i will take the 28-300. its alot lighter and easier to manage. the breathing issue people have with it is its biggest asset, since i can focus at like 1.6 feet at 300mm. post example shots with your 700 w/ exif data, i have no exposure issues myself.
 
I use one with my D810 as my main wedding lens ....does the job great but I don't think its fantastic at 300mm..but what can you do Nikon have no other "wedding " lens and I need those ring shots....you must have the af fine tune spot on as with all longish lenses. I usually shoot at F8
Have used two 24-120 and don't like them at all.
 
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