Lens Test : Canon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM AF

          Many independent lens-makers offer compact 28-300mm lenses at surprisingly low prices. But creating a pro lens in the same focal-length range with advanced image stabilization and a quiet ultrasonic motor is another matter.

          Pro-level, relatively heavy, ultrasturdy metal barrel construction with Canon cream-white finish, Four prominent, adjacent switches for manual-autofocus, distance limiter, image stabilizer on/off, and stabilizer modes are well-marked but could use cosmetic differentiation. Distance scales, with infrared index settings, are under inset window. There’s also a variable-tension control ring that adjusts the push-pull zoom from smooth to sticky, preventing lens creep. Removable, lockable, rotating tripod collar lacks horizontal/vertical-point indicators.

          Overall SQF performance was considered excellent at all focal-lengths. Based on DxO Analyzer 2.0 test results, we found noticeable barrel distortion (1.08%) at 28mm, minimal pincushion (0.52%) at 100mm, and (0.48%) at 300mm. Light falloff was gone by f/8 at all focal lengths. The lens close-focused to 27.6 inches at all focal lengths. At 28mm (1:18.1), center sharpness was excellent from f/3.5 to f/22. Corner sharpness was very good from f/3.5 to f/4, and excellent from f/5.6 to f/22. Optimum sharpness was at f/11. At 100mm (1:6.2), center sharpness was good at f/5, and very good from f/5.6 to f/32. Corner sharpness was very good from f/5 to f/5.6, and excellent from f/8 to f/32. Optimum sharpness was at f/11. At 300mm (1:3.4), center sharpness was below average at f/5.6, acceptable from f/8 to f/16, good from f/22 to f/32, and acceptable at f/40. Corner sharpness was below average from f/5.6 to f/11, acceptable at f/16, good from f/22 to f/32, and acceptable at f/40. Optimum sharpness was at f/22.

          The Image Stabilizer (IS) steadied the lens well in Mode 1 (still shots), and Mode 2 (panning shots), giving a 2- to 3-stop advantage over an unstabilized optic. The lens also exhibited relatively low distortion throughout the focal-length range. That, plus its sturdy construction, weight heavily in Canon’s favor.

Lens Test : Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G AF-S DX

          This is Nikon’s mid-level in price and speed and mid-range in focal lengths 3.8X zoom for its DSLR cameras with APS sized sensors. It is a popular kit lens with the Nikon D70.

          Attractively finished in an epoxy-like crinkle surface, with an amply large, ribbed and rubberized zoom ring and slightly smaller focusing collar, the lens is of average size and weight for its class of variable-aperture, moderate-range zooms. Both focus and zoom rings feature a well-damped turning action, and both are adequately marked with distance (feet in yellow; meters in white) and focal-length scales. Like all Nikon G lenses, it does without an aperture ring; it also has Nikon’s polular manual/AF-manual switch, which, in the latter setting, lets you instantly touch up autofocus in the manual-focus mode.

          SQF performance was excellent at the three tested focal lengths, and distortion was very well controlled, based on DxO Analyzer 2.0 tests, with slight barrel distortion (0.98%) at 18mm and pincushion distortion (0.58% and 0.64%) at 35mm and 70mm. Light falloff was gone by f/5.6 at 18 and 35mm and by f/8 at 70mm. The close-focusing distance was a constant 14.4 inches, with magnification ratios ranging from 1:6.3 at 70mm to 1:16.9 at 18mm.

          Conclusion: Outfitted with many of the high-tech tools in Nikon’s optical kit, including ED glass (three elements) to control chromatic aberration, aspheric element for sharpness, Silent Wave Motor for more quiet AF action, and internal focusing that prevents the outer lens barrel from turning (making it more suitable for use with accessories such as ring lights and polarizing filters), this lens is perfect for portraits and general photography. And excellent multipurpose every day, mid-level zoom, there’s nothing “mid-level” about its image quality or handling. Both are exceptional.

Wide Aperture Lenses

          Although zooms with small maximum apertures are fine for most picture taking, lenses with much wider apertures are still being developed.

          The third Olympus Zuiko Digital lens with the remarkably fast (ultrasonic) Supersonic Wave Drive autofocus system, the 14-35mm f/2 SWD model (28-70mm equivalent) features a remarkably wide, constant maximum aperture. The “fastest” standard zoom on the market, it’s compatible with all Olympus and Panasonic Lumix DSLR cameras. A very rugged, hefty (32 oz) water-resistant lens with a 77mm filter size, this one includes two ED elements, a piece of aspherical ED glass plus a more typical aspherical element. Yes, this lens is expensive but should offer good value if it provides the same level of image quality as the other Zuiko Digital pro-grade lenses.

          Sony’s Alpha system includes several Carl Zeiss T multi-platform lenses, now including the Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA (Zeiss Alpha). This is the first Zeiss model with Sony’s Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) for the fastest possible autofocus with the Sony DSLR cameras and with discontinued Konica Minolta Maxxum cameras. This premium-grade lens is absolutely gorgeous and built like a tank. It includes a circular nine-blade diaphragm, two aspherical and two ED elements as well as the renowned Carl Zeiss T multilayered coating technology for superb image quality.