< 28-80 and 70-300 lenses

The Nikkor 28-80G and 70-300G lenses


A picture of the 70-300G
Nikon Gear 19

These two lenses were my first two Nikkors. I got them in a kit, together with my F65 (known as N65 in North America). Those lenses are not the best lenses Nikon ever made. Those are two reasonably performing pieces of plastic. The mount is plastic, there is no aperture ring (G-type lenses), AF is slow and noisy, they don't feel too good, but the pictures they deliver are reasonable. I am not a fan anymore because there are much better choices today and certainly in combination with a DSLR. First of all, the 28-80 is not the focal length range you want on a DSLR, take the 18-70 instead and you'll have much more for your money (range, build, picture quality, everything). The 70-300 is much too soft above 200mm and is outperformed by more recent designs. If you want a cheap lens with that range, you can go for a Sigma 70-300 APO or the slightly better Nikkor 70-300ED, an improved version of the 70-300G. On top of that, if you are willing to spend some more money, go for the new 70-300VR, an extraordinary performer in that range (with the addition of VR).

My conclusion: I would not recommend those cheap lenses unless you really are on a budget; don't forget there are better choices (more expensive of course).

On the other hand it is possible to take decent pictures with those lenses... an example with the 70-300G on the D200. Recommended if you really look for a supercheap light package with reasonable results. As they say, there is no free lunch and because those lenses can be found at a very reasonable price, the expectations should be at the same level.