Notes: The above photos are literally the first set of pictures through this lens. I mounted it on my D780 and took it to work. It was a glorious winter day, post frontal, clear air, a 5/8th sky. This is going to be an amazing lens in my kit. I am really happy with it.
s/n: 208631
Another Crinkle Finish Lens in my quiver! That’s right, the AF Nikkor 20-35mm f2.8 D. I secured it for wide angle duties. I have a AF-S Nikkor 14-24 f2.8 G ED FX if I want to go to wider zoom. The G stands for gelded, or aperture ring removed, electronic aperture control only to save on production costs. The D stands for Distance as in focus and flash info. As far as G lenses go, the 14-24 and the AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR FX are probably the only two gelded lenses I’m going to keep. Not that I enjoy selling even more of my quiver but what I’ve already collected has helped me learn. I know enough now about how I want to set up my kit. I do enjoy the acquisition of a new lens, yet I’m not a big fan of too many choices. I want the Goldilocks kit, just right.
While some restrict theirselves to primes, I don’t. Maybe someday, I don’t think that day will come. I do have a favorite prime yet I really enjoy having a few primes wrapped in one lens. Don’t like a zoom? Keep it at one focal length. It’s not the same? Great, neither are the pictures I take. I spend far too much time worrying about things that don’t matter. In this case, the crinkle series of lenses are a mixture of zoom and prime. I am an advanced amateur photographer and I blog about my experiences for me. Writing this is a self reflection, a photo diary so to speak. I’m tracking my progress, doing things my way yet I’m not going rogue or breaking any rules. I like what I like and I like the crinkle lens type.
The 20-35mm f2.8 is a familiar focal range. I’ve done quite a bit of street photography with a Nikkor 20mm f2.8 AIS and some landscapes with the Nikkor 35mm f1.4 AIS. Both are great lenses. Now I have a that I can pack in both with a bit of creative license. The AF 20-35mm f2.8 D has a great history according to Ken Rockwell. We have passed a few e-mails reflecting on our web sites. His web site. which is very much like my style of blog is crazy just as he has said. The big difference is his web site is commercial whereas mine is not. We started doing this at just about the same time and his information is excellent. Of course, he has an opinion, as I do. He is an innovator and he also writes well. Much of what he writes has helped me with my own journey. His advice hits and where he misses? He doesn’t. I like a couple of lenses that he does not. I still own one because it is compact and I like what I produce with it but two of the three I have are actually on the chopping block. I use his work as a guide, a solid honest body of work that I respect. I typically include his links as a resource, I suggest a look if you are considering this lens for use.
With all that being said, I bought mine from the original online auction house choosing a Japanese seller. Ken also gives great advice on how to acquire equipment and save money. I chose this lens for the lack of wear in the pictures, the complete accessory kit (filter, caps and hood) but also the 100% rating. My experience is even if the lens arrives with less than a perfect description, the seller will do what he can to earn your rating or return the item. I’ve had a few bad experiences made good by following advice when purchasing online. Bad descriptions, bad photos, poor performance. But for the most part, I end up with what I wanted and am able to use without compromise or complaint.
The AF 20-35mm f2.8 D has been no exception to that yet it is an exceptional lens.
