For sale is one of the best , yet low priced F2.8 lens I have had

The Nikon 35-70mm F2.8D lens offers on of the sharpest images at a budget price

This lens has been fully serviced, and operates with out any issues

The lens presents as new, there are some slight marks on the outer body due to the age, though still looks new


Lens Specifications
NameNikon 35-70mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor
Image Circle35mm
TypeStandard Zoom
Focal Length35 - 70mm
APS Equivalent52 - 105mm
Max Aperturef/2.8
Min Aperturef/22
Diaphragm Blades7
Lens Construction15 elements in 12 groups
Diagonal Angle of View(Based on image circle)62.3 to 34.2 degrees
Focus Details
Front Element RotationYes
Zoom SystemPush-Pull
Closest Focus28cm / 11 in. (macro setting)
Magnification Ratio0.25x / 1:4 (macro setting)
Filter Size62mm
Dimensions(Length x Diameter)94mm x 71mm / 3.7 in. x 2.8 in.
Weight

675g / 23.8 oz


Reviews by sellers

8 out of 10 points and recommended by (3 reviews)

Very sharp, solidly built still able to compete image wise.
short zoom range.

After selling my DX gear I needed a good lens to replace my then favourite lens, the 17-55mm f2.8 DX. I bought one of these old lenses because of price and reputation while waiting for a well priced 24-70mm to turn up. Having previously had some zooms from this era I always had a high regard for Nikon's lenses from the 1980/1990 era.

I have never had a problem with it and apart from its limited zoom range have never had any complaints about it either. Eventually I bought a 24-70mm f2.8 and that is now my main lens for my D700. But I still have the 35-70mm because it's useful for times when either I do not want the extra size and bulk of the newer lens or because I am taking the lens into a place where it could be damaged and do not wish to risk the new lens.

I have to say that within its limits its virtually impossible to distinguish a shot taken with the 35-70mm from a shot taken with the 24-70mm in most instances. (Maybe a pixel peeper can but I do not bother with that stuff). I have seen a review somewhere which showed images side by side from the two lenses and it was clear with those images that there is not much between the two in terms of resolution and sharpness at least.

If you want a relatively inexpensive lens for a late model Nikon camera this one is hard to pass by. It is still a keeper.

reviewed December 7th, 2013 (purchased for $500)

  • 8 out of 10 points and recommended by (23 reviews)
    Very sharp, solid construction
    Flare is a problem; fogging is significant in some examples, but is easy to remove.

    Despite a fairly limited focal length range and old-fashioned push-pull focal length selection, this is a very useful lens. The biggest problem is flare. But the long hood that you can buy cheaply, or just hand shading the lens when shooting toward the sun, pretty much removes that problem. Fogging is common in this lens, for some reason. But professionals can easily remove it, leaving you with a good, sharp mid-range lens. Many zooms contain this range. But for those who concentrate around the mid-range (for FX) and mid-range to mild zoom (for DX), it's a handy piece of equipment. It's very sharp at all focal lengths.

    reviewed October 5th, 2013 (purchased for $350)
  • 10 out of 10 points and recommended by (7 reviews)
    Pro quality. Super sharp, Fast lens at a reasonable cost
    Heavy with limited zoom range

    A very sharp zoom. Heavy but pro quality. Very well made. Competes with prime lens image quality. Very good Zoom

    reviewed October 16th, 2012 (purchased for $375)
  • 9 out of 10 points and recommended by (10 reviews)
    Very sharp, light weight, somewhat small, tank
    front rotates, push-pull design, some flare

    I've had this lens since new and used it for several years on film bodies. I keep thinking about upgrading for zoom range, but the 35-70 keeps producing superb images. The hood stays on it to defend against flare.

    This is a bright, extremely sharp pro-grade lens that need never be updated in your kit. The price I paid new was a bargain then and the price used today is certainly a bargain. Be careful in that some used models seem to have haze and fungus. Look closely, then be ready for one of the finest lenses for the money you can purchase.

    Even though I can write off a resplacement and upgrade to the 24-70 f/2.8, I feel no need with this lens in the bag. It's not about money. It's about sharp image quality across the plane. It's about clear, crisp and biting quality you get with some Nikkor lenses. Combined with the Nikkor 16-35 f/4 and the wonderful 2-ring 80-200 f/2.8 you have a killer pro kit on a budget that can stay with the trinity all day long for not much more than one of the trinity.

    As I get older and maybe retire from paying photography, I might move to more VR lenses. My hands aren't as steady as once were. Even so, I doubt I'll update the 35-70 f/2.8. You have to use it for a while to appreciate what you get here.

    I don't find the macro mode particularly useful. It's only at 35mm and disables autofocus. I don't find the macro IQ much to write home about either, so I'd not consider it an benefit even in an emergency.