mas24 Loc: Southern CA

The Nikon Holy Trinity Of Lenses are among the very best of all lenses in that category. Some say the latest version of Nikon's 70-200mm f2.8, is virtually unbeatable, when it comes to sharpness. They all are costly. Sometimes, it is true, that you get what you pay for. As megapixels increase in the newer production cameras. We will no doubt, need a newer generation of quality glass, to match with them?

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

First, I'd advise checking a setting found on most Nikon DSLRs - AF Fine Tune. This setting allows you to calibrate the lens if it seems to be off - as in front or rear focusing. You need to have a look at that setting in your on-camera menu. You oughta do this first and here's why.

Five years ago, I was gifted with a D7000, with an 18-200 Nikkor zoom lens. After my first few outings, I noticed that I wasn't getting the sharpness I'd expected, and there was also a tad of Chromatic Aberration (the dreaded purple fringe). I'd not expected this from Nikkor glass, frankly, so I began to investigate.

After studying the manual - and a coupla other books about the camera - I came across a section dealing with AF Fine tune - a setting which allows one to off-set the lens' focus point to adjust for front or rear focus. It seems that lenses are like people. Not all are the same not do all deliver identical performance. After reading up on this setting, I purchased a DataColor LensCal in hopes of adjusting my 18-200 so as to produce better-focused images.

The LensCal arrived and as I began to set up to use it, I had a look at the AF Fine Tune setting - which I had not touched since getting the camera. To my surprise, it had a plus-five adjustment dialed in. I thought this might've been a factory adjustment, so I ran some checks with the LensCal - and discovered the lens was, as the setting might suggest, badly front-focusing. Obviously, someone in the Nikon chain had tinkered with the settings and had not thought to reset them to zero. (The camera's boxes all came shrink-wrapped, so this was not a case of someone at the on-line shop from which the camera was purchased having tinkered with it - unless they have a shrink-wrap machine.)

I dialed the AF Fine Tune back to zero, rechecked it with the LensCal, and saw it was now sharp. I haven't had any issues since - at least, none other than those caused by my being in too much of a hurry and/or not paying enough attention to the settings displayed within the D7000's viewfinder.

So check the AF Fine tune and then, if necessary, recalibrate the lens and see whether that helps. A knowledgeable camera shop tech may be able to help - if you still can find a shop which actually has on-site techs. Otherwise, have a look at the links provided by some here.

Beyond that, spend some time using the lens and becoming accustomed to its quirks and limitations, and then again consider whether it meets your needs. if not, well, you'll have noticed that there is a ton of advice to be foune here on UHH.

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

First, I'd advise checking a setting found on most Nikon DSLRs - AF Fine Tune. This setting allows you to calibrate the lens if it seems to be off - as in front or rear focusing. You need to have a look at that setting in your on-camera menu. You oughta do this first and here's why.

Five years ago, I was gifted with a D7000, with an 18-200 Nikkor zoom lens. After my first few outings, I noticed that I wasn't getting the sharpness I'd expected, and there was also a tad of Chromatic Aberration (the dreaded purple fringe). I'd not expected this from Nikkor glass, frankly, so I began to investigate.

After studying the manual - and a coupla other books about the camera - I came across a section dealing with AF Fine tune - a setting which allows one to off-set the lens' focus point to adjust for front or rear focus. It seems that lenses are like people. Not all are the same not do all deliver identical performance. After reading up on this setting, I purchased a DataColor LensCal in hopes of adjusting my 18-200 so as to produce better-focused images.

The LensCal arrived and as I began to set up to use it, I had a look at the AF Fine Tune setting - which I had not touched since getting the camera. To my surprise, it had a plus-five adjustment dialed in. I thought this might've been a factory adjustment, so I ran some checks with the LensCal - and discovered the lens was, as the setting might suggest, badly front-focusing. Obviously, someone in the Nikon chain had tinkered with the settings and had not thought to reset them to zero. (The camera's boxes all came shrink-wrapped, so this was not a case of someone at the on-line shop from which the camera was purchased having tinkered with it - unless they have a shrink-wrap machine.)

I dialed the AF Fine Tune back to zero, rechecked it with the LensCal, and saw it was now sharp. I haven't had any issues since - at least, none other than those caused by my being in too much of a hurry and/or not paying enough attention to the settings displayed within the D7000's viewfinder.

So check the AF Fine tune and then, if necessary, recalibrate the lens and see whether that helps. A knowledgeable camera shop tech may be able to help - if you still can find a shop which actually has on-site techs. Otherwise, have a look at the links provided by some here.

Beyond that, spend some time using the lens and becoming accustomed to its quirks and limitations, and then again consider whether it meets your needs. if not, well, you'll have noticed that there is a ton of advice to be foune here on UHH.

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

Well, I shoot the 850 with the 28-300 and so did three other photographers on the last two North Carolina workshops I attended. These folks could afford anything they wanted, and yet they chose the 28-300. Sure, it's not perfect...but mine sure takes good photo's and so do many others. If you want the weight, size, and expense, get a prime. Everything is a trade-off...just pick your preference.

RichinSeattle

So, what is the reason? And, just telling us it's "weak," doesn't tell us anything.

mackolb

I took mine with a D750 on a cross-country trip and when I returned found that many of my images were sadly out of focus. I contacted Nikon in Melville, sent the lens in and got it back with the problem solved. The downside is that 90% of the images I captured in Upper Antelope Canyon were useless :-(
That trip is back on my bucket list to do again.

Kaib795 Loc: Maryland, USA

I totally agree. But you can see the effectiveness of the lens at www.opticallimits.com and learn so much about the lens before buying. But that being said and done, go there and learn. You'll find the sharpness is not excellent and the zoom is as mentioned above, not good at all at 300 but much better at 200mm. I don't buy zooms that cover everything as you're asking to much from the zoom. Look at Pro gear, do you see any super range zooms. No you don't. I buy wide angle zoom and a normal to telephoto to get good focus. As for big telephoto lens, I stay prime and only have a 300mm that on a DX camera becomes a 450mm. It does quite well. Prime lenses will give you the best sharpness if that's what you're after. But bottom line, test the lens on a tripod, use live view and the cameras timer to test sharpness. Only then can you say the lens is the problem. You may be surprised!

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

What makes one lens superior to another lens?

I do own the 28-300 and use it as a travel lens for convenience. Maybe that makes it a better "travel lens", but not my choice for best resolution and image quality.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Looks like there is general consensus on UHH, which is highly unusual. You might want to rethink putting an $850 kit lens on a $3000+ camera. I also recommend the trinity. You can add a 1.4x teleconverter to the 70-200mm f/2.8 to get close to the same reach.

mackolb

Au contraire. I'm also using this lens with the FTZ adapter on my Z6 with very satisfying results. Just because it's a kit lens doesn't mean it isn't a good lens.

SAVH Loc: La Jolla, CA

I agree with "rmalarz." I have the D-850 and, among many other lenses, the 28-300. There are times that the 28-300 is just what I need. Yes, I have the 24-70, the 70-200, the 16-35, etc., etc. but there are many times when carrying a full load of lenses is just not practical. I have many photos using the 28-300 that are tack sharp and very satisfying. Using the good ISO range of the D-850, I have been very satisfied with the results. I tend to discount a lot of the "noise" from purists who insist that no picture is good unless taken with a prime. Sure, they can be better but if you get satisfactory results without a trailer full of auxiliary lenses, I say go for it. Now, I am sure I will incur the wrath from the purists who say I am obviously a "lesser" photographer. Probably so but it works for me and that is why I do it. If I were a perfect photographer, I would probably be employed by National Geographic.

Scotty

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Dave, the question is, what camera were you using? I have a 28-300, too, and really like it on my D7000. I have used it on my D800, but know that the higher resolution and quality cameras needs better lenses. Currently my go-to lens on my D800 is the 24-70 f2.8. BUT....paired with the right camera, the 28-300 is a great camera....esp. for vacations.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

I’ve read all the posts telling you to get a better lens. I might suggest something more basic. A little background. My wife shoots nikon and I shoot canon (but I’m a previous long time Nikon person). Fords vs Chevrolets. Anyway I don’t know if you shoot sooc or post process. Here’s what I found with my canon 5D mkII and 6Dmkii. You can set sharpening in camera for sooc or adjust sharpening in post processing. You can also set lens profile for correction. It makes a world of difference. It makes ok photographs look great. My wife has the old Nikon 24-120 fx lens that everyone says is crap and after applying corrections in Lightroom her pics looks pretty darn good. Just sayin you might want to check this out first before going down the rabbit hole

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

The lens is not one of Nikon's better lenses. If you want to get every last bit of detail out of your camera, I'd advise sticking to Nikon's list of recommended lenses. The 28-300 is NOT on that list.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/5585760175/nikon-releases-official-d850-lens-recommendation-list

There are other non-Nikon lenses that do an excellent job - such as some Zeiss lenses, the Sigma Art series, etc.

I would return that lens if you still can.

https://www.opticallimits.com/nikon_ff/578-nikkorafs28300vrff

Anyone buying a D850 is not going to satisfied with anything less than the best. This is decidedly not one of Nikon's best efforts - regardless of what some owners claims. The fact it is not recommended by Nikon for anything beyond the D800 should be all you really need to consider.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

You've heard of mismatching stereo speakers and amplifiers? It's about the same thing with the 850 and the 28-300. Don't get me wrong. I love my 28-300, as do many Hoggers. It's just not the lens for the 850. Like the Chevy 350 cc engine. Not the motor for a Bentley.