Telephoto compact and light

Its optical quality is generally very good. At full aperture (f / 1.8), it seems very soft, sometimes with effects much appreciated halos portrait. More than a lack of resolution, it is especially a lack of contrast that creates the impression of softness. At f / 2, the optical quality is soaring. Beyond f / 2.8, the picture quality is exceptional. Compared to my Tokina 50-135mm F / 2.8, it offers a slightly better image quality, focal length and equal angles.

The bokeh (background blur) can be quite nervous, with circles very marked edge, but if you choose a little contrasting background, it will be very creamy. Strong longitudinal chromatic aberrations at the bokeh (purple or green fringes in high contrast areas).

This objective has no engine. On D40, D40x, D60, D3000 and D5000, the focus can not be done by hand. On a box equipped with an autofocus motor, the focus is fast, due to the low mass of the moving lenses. However, the accuracy of auto focus leaves a bit to be desired.

The grip is correct, the shaft is plastic, but solid and well adjusted, nothing moves. The focus ring is rubberized and wide enough. The frame is metal, no risk of cracking.

The focus ring moves when auto focus. In manual focus, the ring turns very easily (perhaps too much), but allows setting very sharp focus.
The lens does not elongate during the development, and its front lens does not rotate, which allows to easily use a polarizing filter (diameter: 62mm).

The lens hood is screwed. It is possible to screw it over a filter. A bayonet visor would have been more convenient. If you want to keep this always mounted sunshade, you can buy a 77m cap (Nikon - LC-77 - Front Lens Cap), which will fit perfectly on the end of the sun visor.

On two controlled copies, one showed a clear shift of focus, and lower image quality than the other. A little quality control problem?

To use the lens on a modern device, lock the aperture ring at f / 16, otherwise an error message will be displayed on your device (F--).

For storage of the lens, I suggest a cover lens 1S Lowepro box if you want to store the removed lens hood, lens 1N a box to store the lens with the mounted lens hood.