Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F/4G ED VR Review

Companies that make camera lenses include as many modern features as possible in their products to ensure that they stand out from competition. To ensure that it does not lag behind, Nikon released the AF-S 16-35mm camera.

It is considered the world’s first ultra-wide-angle lens to have optical image stabilization. The lens was made with professional photographers in mind; though it is less expensive than most other lenses in its class. Primarily, it was meant to be used on full-frame DSLRs. It is fully compatible with DX bodies where it offers a 24-50mm equivalent range. The addition of the optical stabilization has resulted in a larger outer shell, but that’s a compromise that any photographer would be happy to make. It measures 5 inches in length and a pound and a half in weight. The optical stabilization has an advantage in that it enables the lens to produce sharp images at shutter speeds which are up to four times slower than would be usually possible. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F/4G ED VR keeps with the tradition of Nikon.

It is made of high quality material, a feature which ensures that the lens is sturdy. It can withstand frequent use and will not break easily when dropped. The lens also has sufficient protection against water and dust, elements that any photographer will have to deal with at any given time. It is made of magnesium alloy and has seals on all the vulnerable joints to protect it from dust and moisture. The lens is primarily aimed at professional photographers hence the build quality is impressively high. As mentioned earlier, the main barrel has been made using a magnesium alloy and it has seals for protection against moisture and dust. The focus and zoom ring are smooth and easy to operate thanks to the sufficient damping that has been included in the unit. It has a nine-bladed circular aperture which reduces background blur.

This gives photos a sharper focus and a professional feel. Even with all these features that make this lens stand out, there are some features that could use some improvement. The lens can produce much sharper images of still subjects us the VR hand-held. The opposite is also true for this same lens. Images of moving subjects do not appear as clear. When moving subjects are shot with a faster lens at a wider aperture are less sharp. The lens produces good shots in the dark outdoors on digital than with cameras that have large apertures which get less in focus.

These good shots are only applicable for still subjects. For subjects that are moving and in low-light, the lens will be most unsuitable. Even with the use of the VR, they will still be unclear. Changing of the focus direction experiences a slight delay. To get the focus unit follow the focus ring, it has to be moved a few millimeters. This delay makes focusing on critical features a challenge. Despite these disadvantages, for photos that require a wide-angle view, this lens is most suitable and affordable.