Sharpest Zoom for Nikon?
May 2, 2014 19:56:00 #
DOOK wrote:
The two sharpest zooms I use on my D7100 both happen to be Sigmas....17-50mm f2.8, & a 70-200mm f2.8. They are both razor sharp throughout their range, but the 17-50mm at 50mm & around f5.6 to f16 is an absolute tack driver.
Definitely would save me money to go for the Sigma. Thanks for the information.
May 2, 2014 20:47:43 #
ktngrandma wrote:
Definitely would save me money to go for the Sigma. Thanks for the information.
Both of these are 'EX' lenses, which is Sigma's version of Canon's 'L'. They are not real cheap, but are still a lot cheaper than the equivalent Nikon/Canon lenses. You won't be disappointed with either of them. :-)
May 2, 2014 20:48:01 #
luvmypets wrote:
If you go to dxomark.com there is a section on len... (show quote)
I went to dxomark website and could not fine the section on lens comparison. Can you copy and paste the URL here? thanks
May 2, 2014 21:25:44 #
Is this the one? Or is there another model.... Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital DSLR Camera.
May 2, 2014 21:26:52 #
Ambrose wrote:
I would like to hear opinions on what you may consider the sharpest zoom available for Nikon. I've grown unsatisfied with my 18-150 and 18-200 due to generally soft results on my D7100.
I shoot mostly landscapes, so I would be looking at the wide end on the low side.
Thoughts?
I shoot mostly landscapes, so I would be looking at the wide end on the low side.
Thoughts?
Just about any lens is sharp if you know how to sharpen it in post processing. In stead of buying a new lens focus on you processing skills.
May 2, 2014 21:33:37 #
2thfxr wrote:
I went to dxomark website and could not fine the section on lens comparison. Can you copy and paste the URL here? thanks
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Ratings
You may have to copy and paste but it brings you right to the page. On the right hand side you will see the filters. First, go the the filter by camera and enter the brand, next is the model. Then I skip down to mount type, then brand, then type. It automatically filters the results and gives you the comparison. For the lens brands I used Nikon, Sigma and Tamron.
Let me know if I can help further
May 2, 2014 23:16:45 #
The Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 is the sharpest amongst my lenses and it is a 2.8 throughout the zoom.
May 3, 2014 02:46:58 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
joer wrote:
Just about any lens is sharp if you know how to sharpen it in post processing. In stead of buying a new lens focus on you processing skills.
I would disagree with the idea of using post processing to "fix" anything like sharpness as a default.
May 3, 2014 03:04:35 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Ambrose wrote:
I would like to hear opinions on what you may consider the sharpest zoom available for Nikon. I've grown unsatisfied with my 18-150 and 18-200 due to generally soft results on my D7100.
I shoot mostly landscapes, so I would be looking at the wide end on the low side.
Thoughts?
I shoot mostly landscapes, so I would be looking at the wide end on the low side.
Thoughts?
Do you notice the trends:
* Every lens which has been mentioned is a fixed aperture, usually f/2.8, sometimes f/4, and one f/1.8.
* Each has a limited zoom range, usually around 3x, like 70-200mm, 24-70mm, ....
* The brand doesn't matter too much, and Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron are all mentioned.
* The lenses are all generally current models, while older ones are often not quite as sharp, because zoom lens technology has improved a lot in recent years.
* Most of the lenses are FX lenses, the most notable exception is the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DX (with a mention of Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 DX).
Unfortunately, very few of the lenses suggested are very wide for landscapes.
As David said, though, you also want to look into why your current lenses are producing soft photos. Is it really all the lenses? If not, the problem will not be resolved by replacing the lenses.
May 3, 2014 03:05:30 #
By far and away the sharpest zoom I've ever used is Nikon's 17-55mm f2.8. I moved up from my D300 to a D700. For the 700 I bought Nikon's 24-70mm f2.8. It does not seem as sharp as the 17-55mm.
May 3, 2014 05:26:54 #
If you don't need a fast lens, the kit 18-55 is actually excellent - at F8-F11. If you need faster, then the 17-55 would be a better choice.
Here is a review of the kit lens:
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/234-nikkor-af-s-18-55mm-f35-56-g-ed-dx-ii-review--test-report?start=1
And a review of the pro lens
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/231-nikkor-af-s-17-55mm-f28-g-if-ed-dx-review--test-report
You will notice no big optical advantage - but the kit lens performs better stopped down a bit, and the pro lens will provide good images wide open.
Here is a review of the kit lens:
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/234-nikkor-af-s-18-55mm-f35-56-g-ed-dx-ii-review--test-report?start=1
And a review of the pro lens
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/231-nikkor-af-s-17-55mm-f28-g-if-ed-dx-review--test-report
You will notice no big optical advantage - but the kit lens performs better stopped down a bit, and the pro lens will provide good images wide open.
May 3, 2014 05:50:34 #
paulevy
Loc: Lawrenceville, NJ USA
I use the 12-24 for landscapes and am looking into the 24-70 next.
May 3, 2014 05:52:19 #
amehta wrote:
I would disagree with the idea of using post processing to "fix" anything like sharpness as a default.
Sharpening is no different than adding contrast or adjusting exposure. Its probably the single most use tool in post processing.
May 3, 2014 06:04:13 #
May 3, 2014 06:04:48 #
Nikon 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, all f2.8 simply the best,did I mention expensive. Ya get what ya pay for, for sure.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.