Nikkor NC 24mm f/2.8 Review

So the other day, I did something I never thought I would; I ordered a lens off of eBay.

I had been looking for a wide angle lens for the past couple of months. I was strongly considering the Nikon 24mm 2.8 AF-D, but then I started looking at manual-focus lenses. After checking some other sites, I decided to look on eBay. I found the same lenses I was looking for for half the price. The price of the lenses put me off somewhat, but I found a person with a good rating, and decided to go for it.

My lens arrived yesterday, and I tore open package. First, out came the lens cap, which was broken. I wasn't sure if the cap was broken to begin with, or if it was broken during delivery. A broken lens cap wasn't that big of a deal, though if the lens worked.

I threw the lens onto my camera and took a few sample shots, put my card into the computer, and began looking at the results.

First of all, I would just like to mention that this lens is made completely (or at least the majority of it) out of metal. This lens is heavier than all of my other lenses, except maybe my 18-70mm and 70-200 f2.8. I love it. It's also worth mention that this lens is a manual-focus lens. Love that, too. This lens also has no way of communicating with recent cameras. I'm usually guessing on shutter speed and ISO. I've actually been pretty spot on, though, with my guessing. The most I've been off was a stop or two.

Lenses like these really make you think about what you're doing. You have to focus it yourself. You have to think about your settings.

While looking through the images, I noticed a few things. The first thing; the 24mm is a complete joke at f2.8. Unacceptably soft.

Stopped down a stop or two, though, this lens is incredible. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that this lens is only a few days old, but wow.

Wow.