The Unsung Heroes: the 35-135 Zoom-Nikkor

[John Geerts]

That looks pretty impressive.  How do you rate this lens for normal photography? I acquired one...

It appeared to be the AiS 35-105 Zoom-Nikkor 

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Ouch. Now, this really is a variable performer. Most of the samples I have tried over the years have been, to put it mildly, not very good, but one was excellent and I occasionally met people who swear by their 35-105. Try it out and appraise it yourself.

Unfortunately, unlike several other entry-level Zoom-Nikkors, the AIS 35-105 has no alternate future for IR, as it hot-spots badly. To confuse the issue further, the AFD 35-105 does very well in IR.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Back on track with the genuine 35-135. Both examples with the AIS model.

First is an iced-over small river at time of spring breaking of ice. The humic substances in the watershed lend a deep reddish-brown colour to the water. (D3S)

Second is a summer report from one of the many small harbours scattered all along the Norwegian coastline. Apparently every Norwegian has at least one sea-going vessel and uses them frequently as well.  (IR with Fuji S3 Pro).