Although, I could perhaps be labelled a raving hypocrite seeing as I'm not adverse to flashing the cash to get some premium-priced optics. Thus, I'm writing this to show that I am perfectly capable of appreciating cheaper lenses. Kind of.
 | For want of not ending this paragraph on a bum note, let's get the bum stuff out in the open first: the bokeh is bloody awful with this Nikkor. Now I've got that off my chest, I can say that this really functions as an ideal standard for the DX Nikons. The slightly tacky plastic exterior makes it easy for one to underestimate how lovely the performance is. It focuses really nicely, snapping into focus quickly, but most importantly - it is sharp. Just don't expect a beautiful bokeh machine. (You ended on a bum note - Ed) |
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 | Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G Now, this is a dubious inclusion into the list, simply because it hasn't been released yet. But, it's already been announced (twice): once by accident, another official. The current non-G version is already a decent value 50, which is great for introducing frugal photographers into the world of bokeh. The G'd-up version looks even more promising, what with a silent wave motor and aspherical element. |
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 | Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AF-D There isn't as much sexytime as you get with the 85mm f/1.4 G, but it's not the same price, so one should be grateful for the mere slightly aroused-time you get with this lens. The bokeh really isn't that great, but it's sharp enough for decent portraits even when shot wide-open at f/1.8. |
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 | Nikon 55-200 VR AF-S f/4-5.6G ED A nice performer for a nice price! The great thing is that it has VR to help you get non-shaky, sharp shots. It's pretty good throughout the focal range, with pretty good performance across the frame. The bokeh is really quite alright too. Mind you, the focus is not exactly what you call "snappy", but it will do - hey, it is a cheap lens after all. Hence the cheap plastic barrel and mount. |
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 | Nikon 18-200mm VR II f/3.5-5.6G Okay, so this isn't as cheap as some of the other lenses here, but this could replace them all if you don't like primes or fast lenses. I quite liked it in this review, as it does most things pretty well and let's one be incredibly lazy and take a variety of shots from the same spot (pretty good if you're stuck on a boat). One thing to take note of is the zoom creep, which is supposedly improved on this version but still there: basically, when you've got the lens extended, it will move due to the weight of the glass. Nonetheless it's still a goodie. If I wasn't so in to primes then I would probably get one. But I am into primes and expensive glass, so I don't have one. |
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