Thursday, March 31, 2011

The User’s Review: Nikon Nikkor 28 - 80 mm zoom lenses D vs. G

I summarized the comparison between D and G models in the following figure and table. The advantages of each model are highlighted in the table.



Figure Nikon 28 - 80 mm D and G zoom lenses. The shorter ones are always G model.


Table Nikon AF 28 – 80mm D and G lens
Nikon AF 28-80mm
D
G
Production period
1995 – 1999
2001 – 2006
Color version
Black
Black or silver
Optic elements
8 in 8 groups
6 in 6 groups
Aperture ring with lock
Yes, 3.5 - 22
No
Maximum aperture (f)
3.5 - 5.6
3.3-5.6
Diaphragm blade #
7
7
Manual focusing ring
Wider
Narrower
Focusing ring movement
No
Yes with zooming
Focusing scale
No
No
Close focus (m)
0.4
0.35
Lens mount
Plastic
Plastic
Filter size (mm)
58, rotates
58, rotates
Weight (g)
264.3
194.1
Lens size (Ф & length, mm)
63, 57 - 113
66.21, 64.00 - 82.03
Full retraction at zoom length (mm)
between 38 - 50
at 50

Among D lenses, there are several versions. I see a narrower focus ring on D.  The problem with these lenses is that they are not durable because of most of moving PLASTIC parts. It’s common to see loose zoom and focus rings on old lenses. 

If I was given a pick of only one of them, I go with D lens, simply because it has an A-ring, which can be used on older Nikon bodies.

5 comments:

  1. Have you tried using the "G" lens on a digital body? If so, what did you think? I've owned the "D" before, using it occasionally on a D70, before I sold it with the camera.

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    Replies
    1. I have not try to use any 'G' lenses on Nikon DSLR. But 'G' should work with all Nikon bodies with an internal focusing motor. Read your camera manual or go to dpreview.com to check the compatibility and restriction.

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    2. I know it'll work. I just wanted to see if you had tried it and what/if any thoughts you had about your experience. I'm strongly considering picking up a D50 as a backup camera to my D300 and pairing it with this (28-80mm, f/3.3-5.6) as a small and light alternative.

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    3. I used G lens on my film camera. It's lighter, cheaper and with a plastic mount. Image quality is ok. For Nikon DSLR, remember that 'G' lenses are no 'VR'.

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