Focus errors on lens: I have an older Nikon 35-70mm. F2.8 pull an push zoom. The focus is loud, slow and inaccurate, worst at 35mm. I tried on the Nikon D810 and 7000. I didn’t use the...

uhaas2009

I have an older Nikon 35-70mm. F2.8 pull an push zoom. The focus is loud, slow and inaccurate, worst at 35mm. I tried on the Nikon D810 and 7000. I didn’t use the correction in the camera because two different results on both cameras.
Would you send it to repair or replace with a newer model?

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Replace it !

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

That is a wonderful lense, at least in my experience. If it was mine I would send it in unless you really want something newer. The new ones in that range area are bigger, heavier and more expensive. Perhaps it only needs cleaned and relubed. Only one way to find out. Best luck.

uhaas2009

Thanks for your answer. How fast or how slow is the focus? How good or how is this lens to next Model the D version or newer-just the focus. I ask because the D version is beautiful-tried in the store- but more weight.
Thank you for your help

Bill_de Loc: US

I had the AFs motor replaced in mine once, by Nikon. They charged somewhere around $400. Not too far out of the 6 month warranty it went bad again. I replaced it with the 24 - 70 F2.8E. No regrets.

However, if the 35 - 70 didn't have a problem I would still have it.

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pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

I’m sorry, I should have been more specific. Mine is the f2.8 D version not the pre D. As you saw in the store, it is great. I’ve never used the pre D. I can say, it’s a great piece of glass. If the price is fair at your local store I’d go for it. This is a real pro grade piece that should serve you for many years. Mine is over 20 years old, focuses fast with great accuracy and has never caused me any problem. It’s image quality is very good. Do not get it if your thought is its “macro” ability. That feature is pure hype. It’s a joke in that regard. But if the available focal lengths and 2.8 aperature are your interest it would likely be to your liking. Good luck.

DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA

I the 75-300 have of the same genre, it does amazing work. Old & slow but still works. LIKE ME!

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

uhaas2009 wrote:

Thanks for your answer. How fast or how slow is the focus? How good or how is this lens to next Model the D version or newer-just the focus. I ask because the D version is beautiful-tried in the store- but more weight.
Thank you for your help

The AF 35-70 f/2.8 and AF 3570 f/2.8D are mechanically and optically identical, and weigh the same.
I would have a competent repair technician take a look at it.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

uhaas2009 wrote:

I have an older Nikon 35-70mm. F2.8 pull an push zoom. The focus is loud, slow and inaccurate, worst at 35mm. I tried on the Nikon D810 and 7000. I didn’t use the correction in the camera because two different results on both cameras.
Would you send it to repair or replace with a newer model?

Considering the most likely cost of the repairs will be far more than the lens is worth. I would turn it into a fine paper weight. And, no, I would not replace it, too narrow of focal length for me. I would prefer the 24-70 2.8 version.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

uhaas2009 wrote:

Thanks for your answer. How fast or how slow is the focus? How good or how is this lens to next Model the D version or newer-just the focus. I ask because the D version is beautiful-tried in the store- but more weight.
Thank you for your help

I have D version of this lens, great lens and sharp. I used it last year on my daughter's wedding, great result! The auto focus of my lens is right on target, I'm not going to catch a bird with this lens, the speed is not that slow, and the built is solid. By the way I used it on my Df. I like the aperture ring on this lens, because I prefer using the ring for aperture setting rather than using button/wheel. All lenses have either AF or AF-D type.
In your case, try to let some one look at it if it can be repair and how much it will cost, otherwise get a copy of the used D version, or spend more money on the new 24-70mm AFs version. Gook Luck!

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

This is either already beyond economical repair or soon will be. They tend to develop a haze inside the middle lens group and cannot be cleaned. I work on these all the time and most of them I've seen have this haze. It's a combination of condensation and fungus that starts at the edges and moves inward. However, if you'd like, I'll be happy to take a look at it for you. Hi. My name is Rick. I’m the owner and lead technician at Discount Camera Repair and a member in good standing here at the UHH. I’ve been doing repairs for other members here at greatly discounted rates and would be glad to help.

I'd be more than happy to repair your lens for you and keep the cost as low as possible. If you’re interested, please respond by private message.

uhaas2009 wrote:

I have an older Nikon 35-70mm. F2.8 pull an push zoom. The focus is loud, slow and inaccurate, worst at 35mm. I tried on the Nikon D810 and 7000. I didn’t use the correction in the camera because two different results on both cameras.
Would you send it to repair or replace with a newer model?

uhaas2009

Thank you for your help Rick. I'm not repair this lens, lightly haze has build up already. Is there a way to avoid that lenses build up haze? or is this a manufacturing error? I rely appreciate your help

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

uhaas2009 wrote:

I have an older Nikon 35-70mm. F2.8 pull an push zoom. The focus is loud, slow and inaccurate, worst at 35mm. I tried on the Nikon D810 and 7000. I didn’t use the correction in the camera because two different results on both cameras.
Would you send it to repair or replace with a newer model?

This was an excellent lens when it was release but compared to today's lenses its mediocre on many levels. Don't invest money in repairs.

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Unfortunately, the lens was built with sealed lens groupings and the designers neglected to take into account that condensation occurs and causes haze.

uhaas2009 wrote:

Thank you for your help Rick. I'm not repair this lens, lightly haze has build up already. Is there a way to avoid that lenses build up haze? or is this a manufacturing error? I rely appreciate your help

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uhaas2009 wrote:

.......
.........I didn’t use the correction in the camera
because two different results on both cameras.
........

That is NOT a reason to skip the corrections.

That is normal. Such errors are not from the
lenses but are the from the bodies, and so it
will vary from body to body. Even if you park
this lens and get a much more modern one,
corrections will likely be needed, becuz you
are correcting each body, not each lens. But
each body errs differently from lens to lens.
so you hafta correct EACH lens-plus-camera
combination that you intend to use.

It's in the nature of SLR AF mechanisms to
have such inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
So it's necessary to learn how to do it. And,
even with skilled adjustment, errors are not
banished ... merely reduced :-(

It has been this way since the first AF SLR
and has gotten better thru 30 years of AF,
but only 60% to 70% better, starting from
"rather sketchy" in 1987. Since most users
are now so dependent on AF, the industry
is moving beyond SLRs and the problem is
quickly going away.

.