Author Topic: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-200mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor  (Read 2904 times)

John Harkus

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Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-200mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor
« on: January 25, 2016, 19:24:40 »
Love this lens dating from maybe around 1995 being halfway through the serial no. sequence, usual superb build quality, silky smooth zoom, and what appears to be excellent image quality although only had a very brief time given the weather. It looks like it's hardly been used. Just received the correct HK-15 hood, also in immaculate condition.
A far cry from the 28-200mm AF-D that it replaces.

John

Bjørn Rørslett

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-200mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2016, 19:44:02 »
It's a good overall performer, no doubt. However, be aware that the reputation of the 35-200 is slightly tainted. This is because the lens is very sensitive to knocks and sideways bumps. The rear end has three lateral holding screws that can wriggle loose and thereby making the image quality deteriorate.

The HK-15 is the factory standard hood, but quite ineffective, so extra shading with our hand sometimes is required to avoid flare. You can also use HN-22, which is equally poor but might be easier to source.

John Harkus

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-200mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2016, 20:14:59 »
Agree about the hood being ineffective Bjørn, just had to have one for completeness! They *are* a devil to find at a sensible price, but I do love those clamp-on types (I have the correct one for my 20mm f/4 as well) - they're as well made as the lenses, although they were fearsomely expensive when new. Mind you, so was the lens!
I did read about the screw issue on your site, is one of them visible in the photo or are they elsewhere?

J

Erik Lund

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-200mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2016, 22:24:59 »
What a nice kit! And I must say a really nice 'product' shot as well! Thanks ;)
Erik Lund

Bjørn Rørslett

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-200mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2016, 22:30:37 »
Agree with Erik: exemplary product shot.

One of the three screws is seen adjacent to the rear metal ring on the lens barrel.

John Harkus

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-200mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2016, 22:47:49 »
Cheers fellas - I'll make sure the screws are tight and locked

J

Bjørn Rørslett

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-200mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2016, 22:59:46 »
Just handle the lens carefully and you should be all right with it.

Bjørn Rørslett

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-200mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2016, 23:05:38 »
Also, don't forget this zoom lens is eminently useful with a close-up attachment like the 6T. This adds to its versatility.