mrcontinental's reviews

  • Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    A professional caliber updated prime lens
    Price?

    First review here and felt compelled to say something after reading the sites review. I only read the reviews AFTER I have shot with or purchased my lenses because sometimes the reviewers get way out of hand in their assessments.

    This lens is a joy to use, especially at f1.4. I have actually gotten wonderful street shots after dark even with the limited DOF at 85mm because the lens is that sharp. It is close to my 200mm f2 and 300mm f2.8 in sharpness but smaller and lighter and can be carried everywhere. I don't shoot brick walls or test charts so I can't comment on this particular segment of photography which is quite popular online so all I can say is that for regular work in low light and action it is brilliant. And where people got that idea that $1600 dollars should get you perfection I'll never know. Happy shooting.

    reviewed December 7th, 2010 (purchased for $1,595)

  • Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Still the sports and paparazzi king, hand holdable with VR with ease
    It's gonna cost you... BIG

    The Nikon 300mm f2.8 has long been the professional standard, wickedly sharp and versatile. Sports, paparazzi, and portraits are handled with ease. Beautiful bokeh, brillant contrast and color, everything a lens should be and more. You can put Glamour Shots out of business with this thing on a D3s or D700. If you want to afford this save and sacrifice and go for it because it is spectacular.

    reviewed June 13th, 2011 (purchased for $4,200)

  • Nikon 14mm f/2.8D ED AF Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    A professional caliber prime lens
    Only takes gel filters

    This len when found under $1000 is still a fine performer and value. Gives sharp contrasty images as long as you watch where you point it avoiding light sources on the front element. Can still be used on your manual focus bodies from yesterday with it's aperture ring intact.

    Has been superseded by the excellent 14-24 f2.8 which is quite sharp out to the corners so if price is not an issue go for it.

    reviewed June 14th, 2011 (purchased for $900)

  • Nikon 200mm f/2G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    A sports and paparazzi must have, hand holdable with VR with ease
    You better eat your Wheaties

    Words cannot describe the incredible sharpness this lens is capable of. Even goofing around you will accidentally get a real keeper. I've done excellent portfolio work for aspiring young models with this and the 300 f2.8 VR. In door sports is a dream with this on a D3s, you can almost shoot in the dark. Still works well with the TC 17eII for increased versatility. You gotta pay to play!

    reviewed November 9th, 2011 (purchased for $4,200)

  • Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED AF-S Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Nothing better for low light
    Price. You gotta pay to play

    I waited a long time for a fast wide angle lens from Nikon. The marvelous 28 f1.4 was incredibly expensive and out of my reach and this was just what the doctor ordered. You can literally shoot in the dark with this on a D3s. Sharpness is ridiculous with respectable bokeh for a wide angle. Their is no finer f1.4 on the planet. Distortion is well controlled so as long as you keep the unit level you won't have your human subject looking like they are in a circus funhouse. If you are a f1.4 junkie get this!

    reviewed April 7th, 2012 (purchased for $2,100)

  • Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Excellent color and contrast, built like a tank
    Heavy and a bit long

    This has been the professional standard since it was introduced and with good reason. Razor sharp with outstanding color and contrast. A bit of distortion at the wide end but it's better than not getting the shot at all.

    Not perfect of course but anyone who expects perfection at this price is dreaming. Works fantastic in the field which is all I care about. The brick wall shooters can whine all they want about this lens but it is top notch if you are into actual photography and not lens testing.

    reviewed August 10th, 2013 (purchased for $1,645)

  • Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Built like a tank, f2.8, sharp, aperture ring great for older bodies.
    A little pricey, but it's professional caliber

    Still a top performer. Built to professional standards and it will out last us all. Color and contrast are top notch. Slightly soft wide open in the corners but unless you are enlarging for billboards most folks won't notice. One of my favorites! If you can find a good sample used go for it.

    reviewed January 8th, 2014 (purchased for $1,400)