While my experience with the current big guns is limited to my 70-200, I'll say that it's a build worthy to be a legacy successor. 24-70 doesn't feel shabby either, but definitely agree that thing in between feel like little toys instead of proper equipment. There's weight issue to consider, which is definitely what they're going for with plastic, but I too want to see more solid builds outside of the newbie and medium range of glass. Now, if that 58/1.4 and even say 85/1.4 feel like the 50/1.8, then indeed there's a huge slop.
Still gotta get my hands on at least 1 Tokina since they seem to be keeping up the quality build game even today.
all the primes are the same for feel/finish. from the 50 1.8g to the 58 1.4 (from cheapest to most expensive) , its all the same. the D lenses were separated between the 50/85 1.8/1.4 they look different ,feel different. you feel like you bought a high end lens when you bought the 85 1.4D vs the 1.8D.
the 58/85 1.4 g both have a bronzer gold trim/lettering and an N letter so that warrants the $1200 price bump
I had the 28-80 2.8 in the film days and it was very well made.
btw never take all reviews seriously. popphoto had a review of the 28-80 and noted it to be better than nikon and canons 28-70 2,8. no, it simply wasnt the case. far from it. better than the sigma 28-70 EX 2.8 but no where on the same level as the nikon.
really wanting to get more information regarding the tokina 24-70 2.8. no new news as of yet.
Sigma has managed to take plastic to the next level. The new barrels resemble finely machined metal with engraved ribs instead of thick rubber bands. They also don't have that bulky plastic feel and have toned down painted lettering. Same with Oly, but actual metal barrels and plastic at the front lip where it is needed for impact resistance. Granted plastic does have some advantages over metal, but Sigma has really refined it over Nikons offerings.
completely different level. its something very odd. nikon has gone down and sigma comes up. we are surely in a new time. and in all 3 criteria. price performance build. im not a big sigma fan because of my past frustration with them. but I have to say that im ready to try them again. just bring the damn 85 ART already.
the fuji lenses are also very nicely built. exactly as u say, there is different levels in plastic. the matte finish of the nikon G wasnt a good choice to convey quality and durability imo. the 85 1.4D is all metal and feels like a tank. the new finish of the G looks sleek but there is no sense of quality when I held them. the D was not sleek, even looking geeky/technical but they feel quality. look at the 105/135 DC. all metal. A $1700 and there is no sense of quality when you hold it. again, it looks sleek and modern but no toughness in the build. the cheapness quality in the hood and the fact they use plastic threading for filters and the hood shows the low level theyve gone down to. $1700. wow an all time low. for shame nikon.
