Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 20-35mm f/2.8 D IF

Today I acquired a used Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 20-35mm f/2.8 D IF lens in excellent condition, using the winnings I got from winning the #gumtreepeople contest (thanks @jonin60seconds, @nicolaj88 and @monsty). These lens were introduced in 1993 and subsequently discontinued in 2001. It has since been replaced the more expensive 17-35mm f/2.8 AF-S. Despite being years old it is still a pricey piece of kit. Grays of Westminster wants £745 for a mint condition second hand example! No doubt the introduction of full frame FX cameras has increased its second hand value.

The 20-35mm is compatible with all Nikon digital SLR, though it won't auto focus with older DSLR like the D40. The lens are friggin heavy (585g), and it should considering it is a pro-class lens with plenty of metal used as materials, always a good thing in my books. It is also large and is roughly the same size as my 18-105mm DX kit lens. The optics are made up of 14 elements in 11 groups. It takes 77mm filters and focuses at 0.5 metres. According to this site, Nikon made about 45k of these before discontinuing it in April 2001.

Haven't found much to complain about yet, but then again I haven't shot much with it (only had it for a couple of hours). Some minor distortions at 20mm, but nothing to get hung up about. Until I get a FX camera, the 20-35mm doesn't go as wide as I would like but it does make a good portrait lens for my D90.

20-35mm f/2.8 vs 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6

Mainly metal construction

Aperture wide open

With HB-8 hood

Some resized (but otherwise untouched) samples:

Metric @ KOKO London

This was my first gig photography with a photo pass, and the fact that it was for Metric made the whole deal sweeter. All the pictures from the pit were shot with a cheap but fast 50mm AF f/1.8D Nikkor lens as I found my 18-105mm to be inadequately slow.

I had loads of fun and to be able to shoot Emily Haines was a dream come true. Also thanks to Davoud D (flickr id: sony_boy) for the tips, and to Metric for providing such an exhilarating and entertaining performance. The acoustic version of 'Combat Baby', performed as an encore, was simply sublime. The crowd in particular was amazing and both Metric fans and none fans alike seems to be lapping it up. Surely mainstream success is just around the corner?

The special edition version of Fantasies is out today. Do make sure to grab it.

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D Nikkor

Bought Nikon's cheapest lens yesterday - a 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor. As I shoot a D90 with a DX sensor, it is about 75mm equivalent.

Took some shots with it whilst walking around sunny London. This lens is fucking sharp. Easily the best £100 I've ever spent.

Nikon D90

Got a Nikon D90 as a gift from my visiting parents (thanks!). It comes with a Nikkor 18-105mm DX lens. Haven't played with it much (it was pissing rain today), but so far after a couple of days with it I think it is a brilliant, albeit old, camera. Can't even go back to my trusty G9 now, so that's being sold off tomorrow.