Kuzano

Nikon G 28-80 (gelded) f3.3-5.6. This lens came out with Nikon's N series film camera's years ago. In fact I often buy an N series from N55 to N80 film camera to get one. Works on all digital Nikons except it has no focus motor. Usually pay $50 for the camera and body, but can surely buy the lens alone in that price category.

I buy this lens for every Nikon body I pick up. THIS IS A BUDGET TIP!!!

This is the sharpest cheap Nikon Nikkor I have ever put on front of any Nikon camera.

I read about this lens on the Ken Rockwell site some years ago. I have purchased a bunch of them. Always around $50... a disposable price, but I have never broken one, nor has one ever failed me.

The writeup from Ken Rockwell is on the money on this lens per my experience with nearly 20 of them.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28-80mm-g.htm

By the Way, I highly regard Ken Rockwell. He is the only reviewer I have ever heard call an occasional Nikon or Canon lens a piece of S___. I knew he was legitimate the first time I read one of those reviews. Nikon and Canon, as well as others, have occasionally turned out bad lenses. One who presumes they can do no wrong with their glass is in for a surprise. Do your research.

Ken's straightforward reviews have save me from many mistakes in my buying/selling cameras over the years. No purchase on my part gets made without looking at Ken's comments, as well as other review sites.

Just a Kudo for KR.

The unique identifiers for me when shopping for this lens is 28-80 zoom and f3.3 largest aperture (unique) half a stop over an f2.8 or approx that.

Nikon made 1.5 million of these. Come in black and grey. I usually buy the grey because it's a fast grab in my camera bag. I have never had a problem finding one of these within 5-10 minutes on eBay and one other site that I frequent.

Beware of one thing. If you see an N film camera, don't just grab it because you think it has this lens. Some large super camera stores bought N film Nikon bodies only, and put Quantaray (CRAP POS) on them to compete with Nikon. Look for the f3.3 Nikkor brand. Wolfs and Ritz camera stores were notorious for the Quantaray switch. Every time I get a Quantaray lens on a body, I immediately throw it in the trash, working or not. Usually NOT!

Did I say Cheap? Did I say plentiful? Did I say go ahead and break it, and just pick up another?

If you want an inexpensive medium zoom that is likely as sharp as ANYTHING YOU NOW OWN, regardless of what you paid and brand.... this could be the lens.

I'm picking up two more today, one to put on a 3000 shutter count Nikon D7100 I am picking up for $350.

So todays budget tip:

Sharp lens 28-80 Nikkor G
24 Megapixel D7100 body
No AA filter
Relatively high ISO
Low shutter count on this one

Total Outlay $400 plus shipping

Source... eBay

Seller has 400+ feedback at 100% positive.

I spoke once before about how I buy my photo gear for very good prices, and manage to stay relatively current. This is another one of those deals.

I have three hobbies... Gen Aviation, Sailing, and photography since the Sixties. Photography has third priority in my budget, so I spend the least there.

Look for the Deals first. Use and Refurbished and a couple of years behind the cutting edge. In no way do I justify Full Frame, and New Prices.

I am happy with the results of the shots I do get with this budget theory.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Just as a matter of curiosity, could you clarify one thing? You say "I often buy an N series from N55 to N80 film camera to get one" and "I have purchased a bunch of them." Why? Are you reselling them? I only have one of each of my lenses.

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Agree with you K (though many will disagree - "price determines quality" - not!). Your tip is interesting; haven't looked at an "N" lens previously, nor tested one.) Had been a devout Nikon user for eons, but last year switched to Sony exclusively.

I'll check out your theory on "N" lenses - may be a diamond in the rough!! :thumbup:

Kuzano

I have mentioned before that I have been buying and selling camera's on eBay for about 20 years now.

So yes, I buy them to either test or add a lens to a body I have have purchased. Since the lens provides such good results for the prices, I have no qualms about adding a tested lens to a tested body to send a complete functioning camera to a buyer.

This lens is an ideal complement, or completer to any Nikon body... either film AF or Digital (except for the low end, no focus motor bodies)

That's the reason for my comments about quantity buying.

My ID on eBay, if you want to check, is kuzano

And I have in the neighbor hood of 575 100% positive feedbacks. I do the eBay thing to supplement my income, and it has been cash flow rewarding to me. I also teach eBay (have a class saturday) and do Trading Assistant selling for individuals.

I predominantly do film camera's and that business has been rising in prices I am receiving, particularly for medium format and large format.

I don't understand the concept of only owning one lens, or one of each type of lens for one camera???

How do you do that, when there is so much gear out there, and when GAS is so contagious?
:thumbup:

Kuzano

I surely is that. I used one on a Fujifilm S5Pro, which was a collaberation between Fujifilm and Nikon, based on the Nikon D200.

The lens performed flawlessly, and took great advantage of the Fuji sensor technology that offered higher dynamic range in the sensor, and an exceptional treatment of Whites (highlights) and portrait work. This little Nikkor G lens excelled on that camera.

Best lens I ever mounted to the Fujifilm S5Pro.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I agree that they are a great lens. I paid $20 for mine on eBay and then was given a film Nikon with it. Their is a saying in Nebraska - Don't leave your windows down in Zucchini season or you will have a back seat full off them. Do any other Hogs have the same problem with film cameras. Seems like people through them at me. - Dave

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I use a Sigma 50-150 2.8 on the S5 pro for studio portraits.
Never go beyond 80mm.
Might have to pick one of these up and give it a try!
Thanks.

Kuzano

Let me know what you find if you try it. I'd be interested.

I have never tested the f3.3 in comparisons to see how that f stop compares with f2.8, or the standard kit aperture of f3.5. Has to be some difference.

I do know that the lens pleased me extremely on the S5Pro. Some of my sunsets with naked tree lines taken with that lens showed the bare trees to be incredibly sharp on the S5Pro.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I picked up a lens in a flea market series E 50MM 1.8
takes great shots but everything is manual ....
Plus I think when a lens is manual
it makes you a better photographer.
why? because when things are automatic you take a shot, if its not quite right you make a change in 5 seconds and shoot again.

with everything being manual you actually have to think about what your doing... and it takes time so your learning while your making changes....

Kuzano

The E series lenses were great and served on lower priced Nikons quite well. They do make excellent prime manual focus lenses for digital. Nice lens.

cucharared Loc: Texas, Colorado

Thanks. Read this earlier and based on your frothy babbling about how good it is :D I found one with a manual aperture ring on eBay this afternoon and bought it for $44/free shipping. I intend to use it with my Sony A6000 so needed the aperture ring. Hope it's as good with my A6000 as you and KR say it is. I'll let you know if it is.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I have a 35-80mm that came with my Nikon 6006. It also is a great lens on my D7000, but not so much on my D800.

larrywilk Loc: Palm Harbor, FL

I read your post with interest. I frequently use this site to purchase items http://www.shopgoodwill.com/

I don't view them as a charity but as another vendor of used items. That being said they have a quantity of cameras, antiques, clothing for props as well as plastic heads and bodies. I frequently see collections of minerals, insects, arrow heads and trains. They have guitars and other musical instruments. I see vintage clothing, leather luggage and computer bags as well as jewelry, gemstones and coins.

Pricing, if you watch, can be very appealing. I've seen old film cameras (some antique) go for just a few dollars plus shipping. Perfect to repair an old camera. I would caution to watch the shipping costs and to not bid on something until you review thoroughly. I usually put it on my watch list until the day of bidding. You can even contact the store with questions if needed. All this is accessed from your computer.

Granted, this is not for everyone. I just thought I would put it out there for those that may be interested.

Kuzano

Interesting, that is one of the shortcomings of the lens. It has no aperture control ring. I would be concerned that you purchased a different lens. Is it definitely a 28-80 and have the largest aperture at 3.3? Confusing.

"frothy babbling".... I do sometimes drool a bit over these super finds.

And HEY!!! I'm forty years in Marketing. We babble frothily a lot!!! :thumbup:

Kuzano

Frankly the "shopgoodwill" site is the site where I find this lens most often and buy it there. Best prices, but lack of knowledge on the part of the people handling the gear is a bit of a risk. I am finding this lens coming up much more often on eBay in the last few months, but I have used Shopgoodwill quite a bit. In fact, I spent a couple of years buying/selling guitars on SGW, but shipping got to be a bit of an issue.