What makes this ordinary lens so special? Simple: It's almost as sharp as the Nikkor AI-s manual focus fixed-focal length lenses it replaces, especially wide open where I often need to use it. It also autofocuses very accurately on my F100 without any of the sharpness-robbing errors I see with many of the newer designs. Therefore I actually get all the sharpness of which this lens is capable, unlike the others that may test well in some magazine's lab, but not focus quite right in the field on your AF camera.
It's a little larger and heavier (I measure 510g or 18 oz.) than the newer lenses. I suspect that's how it gets its superior performance; it's always easy to make a good lens if you don't have to make it small. It also doesn't try to do too much with a mere 3:1 zoom range. All else being equal, one always looses performance as one attempts to design a lens with a wider zoom range or smaller size.
This lens is no longer made today, although I see some still listing it for sale. It is the same glass as the manual focus 28-85/3.5-4.5 AI-s, but the macro operation is a little different.
There are two AF versions. The original AF version (1986-1990) had a nasty thin hard plastic focus ring. The one I have and review here, the AF-n (1990-1999), has a wider rubberized focus ring. They are all the same inside.
Specifications
It takes 62mm filters in its plastic threaded front.
It has fifteen elements in eleven groups.
It has a seven-bladed diaphragm stopping down to f/22 to f/28, depending on focal length setting.
It focuses to 2.8 feet at all focal lengths. It gets to 10" in the manually-focused macro mode only at 28mm. This does allow some fun photos not possible otherwise.
It takes an HB-1 hood I've never used.
Its 2.8" (71mm) around by 3.5" (89mm) long and weighs 19 oz (540g).
Performance
AF speed is about average to a little slower than average. One full turn of the AF screw focuses the lens from infinity to 15.'
There is no vignetting if used with a Nikon filter. It will vignette at 28mm with a thicker filter like a Tiffen or B&W. It works OK with 67mm filters and step-up ring, and of course works great with 77mm filters and a step-up ring. At 85mm none of this is a problem.
It has the typical well-behaved distortion you expect with a zoom: barrel distortion at 28mm, neutral at 50mm, some pincushion at 70mm and stronger pincushion at 85mm. It has simple, low order distortion easy to correct with the "spherize" and "pinch" filters in Photoshop.
It is pretty sharp at all apertures and focal lengths; just about as sharp as my fixed lenses. The only gotcha is some softness in the corners at 28mm wider than f/8, but I can handle that as its only flaw. It is uncanny how bad the other zooms look compared to this one at full aperture, which is where I usually am shooting with Velvia. This is really good performance.
It has no significant light falloff wide open at any focal length, better than most fixed focal length lenses. On the other hand, it needs this because most fixed lenses are much faster, and by f/4, where you often need to shoot, the fixed lenses are already stopped down a good deal. This is the way lenses ought to be, and this is one of the few that is.
If you really ask for it you will get a green ghost or two if you put the sun in your image. It's pretty good about flare and ghosts. I never use a hood and don't need it. Then again I'm careful to use my hand if the sun is shining on the front of the lens.
For you cold weather buffs it autofocuses just fine at zero degrees Fahrenheit, but the zoom ring freezes stuck.
The macro mode requires pressing a button and moving the zoom ring past 28mm. In the macro mode you are in manual focus, regardless of what camera you have. Macro mode only works at 28mm.
Recommendations
This is your lens if you want great sharpness in a zoom at a cheap price used. Otherwise, go for the new 24-85AFS. This lens is what usually sat on my F100 until I wore it out. It's sad that all the other zooms I've tried except the 24-85AFS miss the sharpness target someplace in their ranges, just as often as not caused by inducing autofocus system errors.
Help / Advice Before Purchasing
For example, lets take a look at an LG Signal panel:
As you can see in the highlighted area (red box), there is the part number. EAX64307906 (1.0). This number relates to the plain PCB, with no software installed. Using this is not enough as if you were to search for this you would find several TV's using this board yet they would not be compatible with one and other. This could be due to the screen size, date of manufacture, software installed and if there are any new revisions to components, along with many more variables.
On this sticker you will find a lot of information, it may seem confusing at first but it's relatively simple to understand. It basically tells you the software and hardware revisions - even the same model TVs can have differences between them so this information is vital in finding the correct part.
Here it will tell you what model TV the board is intended for. In this example it is a 32LS570T - the 32 indicates that it is from a 32 inch screen. Simple. So if you are looking for a replacement signal board to a 32 inch Tv then you're on the right track. Next, lets look at the information to the right of it: EBT62120393. This is where the really important information is. That EBT number let's you know what software and hardware are installed on the board it's self, therefore letting you know what requirements it needs in order to function correctly.
Make sure this information matches EXACTLY with the part you are replacing!
If you don't then it will not work, the TV will report errors and all you would have done is wasted your time and money.
This information can be applied to other types of boards as well as other manufacturers, all of which do things differently, but the logic is the same: Make sure ALL information matches and you're buying for the correct model TV.
Of course if you are still in doubt then please get in touch with us. It would be best if you could send photo's of the part you are looking for a replacement for, making sure to show all of the required information.
Emails should be sent to ElectricalLogisticsB27@gmail.com
If you do make a purchase and it is the wrong board then you will have to return it to us and we will not pay for return postage as this is not our fault. Repairing a TV is a relatively simple process, the hardest task is identifying the problem and solution. If you do not feel comfortable then get in touch with us or a local and reputable repair service.
http://www.uktvparts.co.uk/
Our Parts
All of our parts are used parts from TV?s with broken screens or from TV?s with other faulty parts. We test all of our parts before we list and send them out. All parts may have signs of standard wear but are guaranteed to work. If in the unlikely event the part is faulty then you will be refunded or a replacement part will be sent if available after the original part has been sent back to use and tested. We have over 35 years experience in the service of audio visual equipment so we are able to offer you with any advice you need if you are unsure you are ordering the correct part.
Ordering the correct part
Ordering parts for certain models can be confusing so if in doubt call us on 0121 706 1133 or send us a message on eBay.
When ordering for Samsung: do NOT use the number that begins with BN41 this are blank PCB number and NOT the part number.
When ordering for LG: do NOT use the number that begins with EAX this is just the blank PCB number and NOT the part number
Delivery
If you place your order before 3PM Monday-Friday then your order will be dispatched the same day via Royal Mail 1st class signed for. If you order after 3pm then it will be dispatched the next working day. We are not open on Saturday or Sunday so any orders placed over the week end will be despatched on Monday morning. We do send all parts 1st class signed for so you should get the part the next working day but we cannot offer any guarantee of this as it is out of our hands as soon as we hand the part over to Royal Mail. As soon as the part is sent you will be provided with a tracking number which can be used on the Royal Mail website.
Returns
If you receive your order and find you have ordered the incorrect part, sent the wrong part or the part appears to be faulty then contact us directly on 0121 7061133. If you have ordered the wrong part or you have diagnosed the fault incorrectly and ordered the wrong part needed then we can order a refund but we will deduct the cost of the postage we paid to post the part to you and it is your responsibility to post the part back to us. All parts are security marked before the part leaves our warehouse. If in the unlikely event the part is faulty when you receive it then we ask you to send the part back to 76 Yardley, Acocks Green, Birmingham, B27 6LG and we will test the part and provide you a full refund including the cost of the postage back to us. If we have another part in stock we will supply this instead of a refund.