Nikon 35-70 f3.5 vs. Series E 36-72 f3.5?

[mncorrado]

As I was reading through past messages in the forum I notice the praise for the Series E 36-72 lens.  I have a few other of the series E lenses but not that particular one.  What I do have is the 35-70 f3.5 in the 72mm lens diameter version.  I have used it a few times on my d7100 and have enjoyed the lens.

From a practical and image quality standpoint is there any compelling reason for me to consider the series E zoom?  If I do not intend to use the series E zoom in a reversed manner for macro photography?

Thanks!
Jeff

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The SE 36-72 is much slimmer and uses 52mm filters. It is a push-pull instead of two-ring handling of zooming and focusing for the 35-70.

They both share a longish 'near' limit (1 vs 1.2m for 35-70 and 36-72, respectively).

In terms of image quality both are good, with the 35-70 a tad better albeit it does flare much easier than the SE lens.

You could have both and select the appropriate one for a given assignment. It's not either-or.

[mncorrado]

I am more familiar with the push/pull zooms.  I have a problem with accumulating gear.  Though the price of the SE lens is well almost next to nothing compared to the current FX lenses.  I will have to put it on my list of "things" when I have a few dollars to spare.  BR your comments about using the appropriate lens for the assignment makes more sense as I continue my journey in photography.  While I am beginning to understand the characters of lenses and how those characters translate into assignments I have yet to be proficient with it.  In the end what I need to do it get out in the field more and explore.  Both from a compositional perspective and from having a better understanding of using the equipment better.

Thanks!
Jeff

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Accumulating gear is a no-brainer, virtually any of us can manage that just fine. The main problem apparently is dealing with the wife ...

[mncorrado]

YES!  For me I generally say I got it for pennies on the dollar via Ebay.  It does not always work.