What are your suggestions?

hark

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I have a Nikon FM2n that I'd like to use, but it takes lenses with aperture rings. Currently I do have a few although my main zoom isn't the greatest. It is a Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 that was made in the late 1990's. Of all the lenses I've ever owned, it is the least sharp. Granted that can be fixed in post somewhat. The other day I tried out a Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 zoom which is heads and tails better straight out of camera; however, the Nikon lens is a monster in both size and weight (33 ounces aka 2 pounds) with a front filter of 77mm. The Nikon is one FAT lens! My Sigma zoom is much smaller in comparison (not sure of the weight) and has a front filter size of 72mm.

Optically the Sigma has never been overly sharp although it's clean and not used much. I am the original owner so I know it doesn't have any issues (which is a plus for me). The Nikon is far too heavy for my preference. So I am trying to find some type of Nikon AF or AF-D zoom in the 28mm to xx or 28mm to xxx range. Preferably with an aperture of f/3.5-4.5. There are a few from which to choose.

But are there other Nikon zooms that would work well but not be too slow? I'd prefer not to have one that zooms to f/5.6 on the long end. Do you have any suggestions. I want something that is auto focus, in the 28mm to xxx range, Nikon brand, has an aperture ring, and preferably no slower than f/4.5.

Am I crazy for wanting to try a different wide-to-tele zoom? I do have an okay Sigma 70-210 f/3.5-4.5 AF-D which is much better optically than this one.

Here are a few photos taken today with my Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8. They are decent, but after having lenses that are sharper, this one does leave me wanting something better.

Should have used a smaller aperture for the following photo, but I did take a similar photo below with a better DOF. Here is the NEF for pixel peepers: https://www.dropbox.com/s/loxrtnkw3izo7yg/DSC_4753.NEF?dl=0

DSC_4753 low res.jpg


I was specifically trying for a shallow DOF below and focused on the closest post. Bokeh is okay although not as creamy as Nikon lenses in general. Here is the NEF: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0rtet3rykihsf0g/DSC_4756.NEF?dl=0

DSC_4756 low res.jpg


When the lens is aimed anywhere close to the sun (even if the sun isn't in the photo), there is a tremendous amount of haze visible through the viewfinder. I even removed the CP filter, but the haziness was still there. https://www.dropbox.com/s/t0a82del5mxe9d0/DSC_4762.NEF?dl=0

DSC_4762 low res.jpg


Now here is the same image--this is the SOOC jpeg that was simply resized for the forum. You can see the high amount of haze. I could have used the dehaze tool for the above image, but it is a general concern as I do shoot into the sun occasionally.

DSC_4762 original jpeg no edit.jpg


The image below represents a better landscape with an aperture of f/10. Here is the NEF: https://www.dropbox.com/s/8kwb53nune5xc3k/DSC_4763.NEF?dl=0

DSC_4763 low res.jpg


And one more to show bokeh. Here is the NEF for it: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gdt7uox7yky5ycu/DSC_4769.NEF?dl=0

DSC_4769 low res.jpg
 
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