ark (11/02/82)
This lens is very atypical of Nikon -- it was designed a long time ago and intended to be a relatively inexpensive "entry-level" zoom lens. Nikon acknowledges that its quality is not up to the rest of their lenses, as far as sharpness goes, though its construction is as solid as the rest of them. I own one and rather like it, but it has pronounced barrel distortion at 43 and pincushion distortion at 86, as well as rather incredible curvature of field in close quarters. Stop it down enough and it gives nice results. But if it's sharpness you're after, check out the (much more expensive) 35-70 zoom. As for focusing rings: All Nikon lenses have focusing rings that turn in the same direction. Almost every other lens maker's lenses go the other way. Incidentally, I have one of the now discontinued Nikon 28-45 mm zooms. It is large and slow, but aside from that it is a gem. Incredibly sharp, almost no flare or distortion, and built like a tank. There are still a few of them around to be had for (relatively) low prices. 'Nuff said.