Steve Bingham's reviews

  • Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Resolution! Bokeh quality, Construction, lack of glare, quiet.
    No VR - but that might account for the superior non-glare!

    I have owned and tested the Nikon 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, 105 VR macro, and f2.8 300. This 85mm f1.4 G might well be the highest resolving lens I have ever owned - at distances of 6' and longer. The 105 VR had superior resolution at NEAR distances but fell far short of the 85 f1.4G at longer distances. Doing a simple infinity resolution test the 85 f1.4G wins. The problem is that most testing sites rarely test at longer distances! Testing done with D7000. Prior tests done with D700 and D3s.

    This lens is also incredibly glare free - another quality not often tested for!

    In short, this lens sets a new standard for Nikon for medium to longer distances (6'-infinity)

    reviewed September 3rd, 2011 (purchased for $1,800)

  • Nikon 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR DX AF-S Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    The finest DX lens to date

    After doing careful testing with this lens I was very impressed. Using a large (2' x 3') ISO 12233 chart I found the resolution to be outstanding. Later testing at distant objects I was similarly impressed. The flare resistance is excellent (probably Nikon's new coating) and almost no CA. Amazing. I did note that at 16mm there was some barrel distortion and a touch of pin cushion distortion at 80mm. It should be noted that ACR (Adobe Camera Raw) now provides a lens profile for this lens which totally resolves the distortion problem - but it uses a small bit of cropping on the final image. Depending on the subject matter, this can be used or not used. Most scenics simply don't need it. To see the actual test results at 100% go to http://dustylens.com/lens_tests.htm and scroll to the bottom. To my amazement the lens resolution matched the now famous Sony 90mm f2.8 macro.

    In short, the finest DX lens I have tested to date! By the way, I also own the Nikon 18-140 and have tested it. Yes, it is excellent - but not in the same league as the Nikon 16-80 f2.8-4.

    reviewed October 20th, 2015 (purchased for $1,050)