Nikon/Nikkor
Short Zoom Lenses
(All Lenses are Not Listed)

Nikkor 24-85mm f/2.8-4 AF: A fast alternative to the fast f/2.8 lenses, this f/2.8-4 autofocus lens has a construction of 15 elements in 11 groups, 2 of which are aspherical. Minimum focus distance is 1.6 feet. Maximum macro ratio is 1:2 at 85mm. Weight is 19.2 ounces and filter thred size is 72mm.

Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G AF: This is one of Nikon's "G" lens series. "G" lenses are economical lenses designed to be used only as autofocus lenses. They have no aperture ring. This lens has a construction of 15 elements in 12 groups. Weight is 14.3 ounces. It has a minimum focus of 1.2 feet, with a maximum reprodution ratio of 1/4.7. Aperture range is 3.5 to 22. It takes 67mm filters and the included hood is the HB-28 flower shaped hood.

Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8 AF: Without doubt the best in this category, but quite expensive. Production began in September 1998. A fast zoom with a "Silent Wave Motor." Construction is 15 elements in 11 groups, with two ED glass elements and an aspherical lens element. Weight is 33 ounces. It's heavy and expensive but an excellent lens, with a focus speed that flies. Filter size is 77mm. Moose Peterson says, "...if you want a tack-sharp, fast-focusing, wide-angle zoom that's sexy as heck, then this is the lens for you."

Nikkor 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 AF: A very good lens with a construction of 8 elements in 7 groups. Weight is 12.3 ounces and it takes 52mm filters. It has a close focus of 19.7 inches, 15.4 at its macrofocus setting. Aperture range is f/3.5 to f/22. Production began in May 1991 as a non-D lens, but a D chip was added after the introduction of the Nikon N/F90.

Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G AF: Economical G lens, with a construction of 6 elements in 6 groups. It has a weight of 6.9 ounces. Minimum focus is 1.1 feet. Its filter thred size is 58mm. An entry-level lens of only average performance.

Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF: Good picture quality at an economical price. Construction is 7 elements in 7 groups. Weight is 7.8 ounces and it uses 58mm filters. Probably the best of Nikon's economical lenses. Production began in 1995 but it was improved in 1999 to include a wider focus ring and an increase to seven of its number of diaphram blades to soften distortions at the edges of the picture.

Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 AIS: A good manual-focus lens for every photographer that covers wideangle to short telephoto lengths. Construction is 15 elements in 11 groups. It has a weight of 18 ounces and it takes 62mm filters. It has a close focus of 2.6 feet, 9.1 inches at its macrofocus setting. Production began in late 1985 and ended in 1990.

Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 AF: This AF version of the above has a weight of 19 ounces and also has the 15 element, 11 group construction. Although Nikon claimed the construction was the same, the AF version is a better lens than the manual version. Filter size is also 62mm. Two versions were made, the first having a narrow focus ring, with the second having a wider, more easily-gripped rubber-covered focusing ring. Production began in 1986 and ended in 1990. However, it can still be found in the used market and is well worth the effort to track down. A best choice in this range for Autofocus users.

Nikkor 28-100mm f/3.5-5.6G AF: Production began in 2002. Construction is 8 elements in 6 groups. It has a weight of 8.6 ounces and uses a 62mm filter. It has a length of 2.7 inches and a diameter of 3.1 inches. Aperture range is f/3.5 to f/22 in this G lens.

Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8 AF: A fast zoom with a construction of 15 elements in 12 groups. Weight is 23.5 ounces and it uses 62mm filters. Great image quality. Its production run began in December 1987. Close focus is 23.6 inches, with a macro close focus at 11 inches.

Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5 AI, AIS: The AI version has a weight of 19.4 ounces, a construction of 10 elements in 9 groups and usesa 72mm filter. Close focus is 3.3 feet. Production began in 1976. The AIS version had a production run from September 1981 until October 1987. A macro version AIS was introduced in 1981 that weighed 18 ounces and took 62mm filters. Macro close focus is 1.1 feet, while normal close focus is 2.3 feet.

Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.3-4.5 AIS, AF: AIS weighs 9 ounces while the AF is 9.7 ounces. Construction is 8 elements in 7 groups. Filter size is 52mm. A popular lens but not as good as the manual f/3.5 versions. However, it has a closer focus distance of 1.6 feet, while retaining the close macro focus distance of 1.1 feet of the older macro f/3.5.

Nikkor 35-80mm f/4-5.6 AF: An economical lens with good picture quality. Construction is 6 elements in 6 groups. It has a weight of 9 ounces. Filter size is 52mm. Nice compact lens.

Nikon 36-72mm f/3.5 Series E: Part of the Series E family of economical lenses. Good image quality at an economical price. Construction is 8 elements in 8 groups. Close focus is 3.9 feet. Weight is 13.4 ounces and it takes standard 52mm filters and the HK-8 lens hood.