Does anyone have any input as to using the Nikkor 28-105 F3.5-4.5 D AF-D with a Nikon N65 body? Does this lense sound like a wise upgrade from the standard Nikkor 28-80 that is usually sold along side the N65? What is the difference between the Nikkor 70-300 G and the Nikkor 70-300 ED besides the $180 price diference? Any input on lense for a beginner who wants to start out right would be greatly appreciated. I want a nice kit that I will be able to travel and hike with around my waist (Lowepro Photo Runner). Thanks in advance!!!

-- David (Darksta986@aol.com), February 28, 2001

Answers

Hi David,

By coincidence, I gave my answer to your question in response to someone else just a week ago. May I refer you there?

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=004fBd

ED glass -- Extra-low Dispersal glass -- is a special glass that Nikon uses (mainly for telephoto lenses) to reduce colour fringing. Ordinary glass refracts red, green and blue light by noticeably different amounts -- that's how a prism produces a spectrum -- but ED glass keeps them pretty close.

The use of ED glass probably accounts for much of the difference in cost between the two 70-300mm lenses.

Another difference between the lenses is that G-series lenses don't have aperture rings: you have to control the f/stop by the dial on the camera body. For ordinary family photography with an N65/F65, you'd hardly notice the loss (and would be glad of the reduced cost and weight). The ED lens, on the other hand, is an enthusiast's lens and may well be used on a manual-focus camera, or used on a bellows, or used reversed, and the absence of an aperture ring would be bad.

Later,

Dr Owl

-- John Owlett (owl@postmaster.co.uk), February 28, 2001.

There is a big difference in quality beteween the ED model and the G model. The lens mount on the G model is plastic no metal. I suggest you to check both at a photo store.

-- jorge ortega (ortegajorge@globetrotter.net), March 01, 2001.