Re: [Leica] Test charts and 28-70 AF-S

[InfinityDT@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/19/99 2:44:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
peterk@lucent.com writes:

<< There is not a choice if you want a fixed aperture Nikon 28-70.  The 28-70
 F3.5-4.5 was the only other option. Don't forget there is a large embedded
 base of Nikon users that have been dying to get a 28-70 F2.8 Nikkor.  The
 only other choices were 3rd party, which for a Nikon user is like a Leica
 user using the Cosina Heliar. >>

Well, when I saw the Photodo charts rate the 28-70 2.8 AFS a 3.7 and the 
Sigma 28-70 2.8 EX a 3.5 (same as the 35-70 Leica R) I was mildly amused, but 
when my local camera shop had a mint-in-box Sigma for $250 I couldn't resist. 
 It doesn't have the internal focusing motor (who needs it with such a short 
throw and lightweight components?) nor the metal barrel and build quality of 
the Nikkor (not an issue for my use, and it's at least up to the quality of 
the 3.5-4.5 Nikkor which ironically costs more than the Sigma) but it is a 
sharp, contrasty lens.  It certainly out-performs the 28-70 Leica R I tried 
(also made by Sigma, BTW) and that lens cost $600 *used*.  The really sad 
news is that the 50 f1.8 AF Nikkor (cost: $85 new at B&H) knocks all those 
zooms off their perches, and in fact it holds its own quite surprisingly 
against my current-generation 50 Summicron-M even at f2, although I suspect 
the Nikkor will be landfill decades before the Summicron needs a re-lube.  I 
have no problem using second-party lenses with Nikon *or* Leica if they fill 
a need for me.  For party snaps the Sigma 28-70 is fine, and for occasional 
"wow isn't that cool" shots the 15 Heliar makes good sense to me also.  In 
both cases I see them as freeing up funds for serious glass that will be put 
to continuous, hard use.

DT