Since I switched to digital about 5 years ago I've used the traditional advance amateur lenses. I've relied on my Nikkor 18-70mm DX, 18-135mm DX and a recently purchased 70-300mm ED VR (replacing a non-VR version). I also use a Tokina 10-17mm AT-X DX Fisheye and a Tokina SD 12-24 AT-X DX wide angle lense. Except for a prime Nikkor F/1.8 50mm lens, none of my lenses are very fast. Most have F/3.5 at the fast end. I like to take lots of handheld street scene photograph and late night photoshoots. With my lenses I struggle with blur and/or noise unless I use a tripod.
I finally decided to buy a couple of F/2.8 lenses. I've been drooling over the F/2.8 Nikkor lenses, and have researched them for some time. Honestly, if it wasn't for the cost I would have only Nikkor lenses. Since I'm only an advance amateur I couldn't justify approximately $1,700 for a new Nikkor 70-200mm VR F/2.8, and the $1,000 plus cost of a shorter zoom lens with the same speed.
After much research and consideration I decided to purchase a Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 DI LD Macro, and an SP AF 28-75mm F2.8 XR Di LD Macro. Both were more in my price range, although I realize "you get what you pay for". So far I'm happy with the purchase. I purchased both at Roberts Camera. Both lenses combined were approximately $500 less than the Nikkor AF 70-200mm VR F/2.8. Again, if money wasn't an issue I would be a proud owner of two new Nikkors.
Here is the AF28-75mm lens. This will become my "keep on the camera" lens that I will use most of the time. I will regularly interchange this with my Nikkor 18-135mm lens for most of my shots. What I like about this lens is the F/2.8 speed, it's clean lines and it's sturdy build. Also, it has a slightly longer zoom range out to 75mm, although not a huge plus, but nice. I took some test shots and so far I like this lens.
The lens weighs in at 510g with a filter size of 67mm. The lens comes with a Bayonet type lens hood because the lens is IF.
The SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD Macro is a beast. It weighs in at about 1150g and is very sturdy. Its not as elegant as it's Nikkor higher end brother. The BIGGEST drawback is that it does not have VR, but please note my comment above about price. I took several test shots at different focal lengths and the lens shake isn't as bad as I expected. With the faster speed I am confident that I can use it in most hand held situations. I normally use a tripod with all my night photoshoots so this won't be an issue.
The lens comes with a huge bayonet type lens hood and a 77mm filter size. I really like the feel and the look of this lens when mounted. Also, if I ever get hassled in any of my late night photoshoots I can use the lens as a club...
So far, I'm really happy with these 2 lenses and I'll post a few shots using the lenses in the near future.
Hats off to Roberts Camera for helping me with these purchases. I knew what I was looking for and what I needed, so the sales guy let me do my thing. He provided help when I had a technical question and when I wanted to try out all the other F/2.8 lenses including the Nikkors.
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