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Old & new compared, the first 6X zoom for 35mm.
Produced way back in 1967, was the first lens for 35mm photography to break the 6X zoom range. Officially designated as : Zoom-Nikkor Auto 50-300mm f4.5.
- The ED & Non ED version compared -
With an ED glass in its front element, the
ED version that incorporated the IF (Internal focusing) technology can be made more
compact in size. As compared, 45mm shorter the the non ED version.
While the current version is still a f4.5 version, but incorporating some of the best optical innovation within. It is an ideal all round zoom for sports and photojournalism because of its wide zoom coverage which spans from standard 50mm to 300mm telephoto. It is ED designated but still sticks with the dual (Separate zooming and focusing rings - though has an advantage of eliminate weight shift, typical problem on one touch zooms). Focuses down to 2.5m (8.5 ft), f32 minimum aperture setting and with a built in tripod socket colllar which can rotates 360 degrees with click stop every 90 degrees.This lens is less attractive now as there are numerous economical offerings in the market, even third party lens producers like Tokina, Tamron, Sigma etc have been jamming the market with new crop of wide range zoom lenses. Even Canon came with an impressive 10X zoom range ratio 35mm-350mm f3.5/5.6 L lens. I personally see this lens may have a strong potential for an upgrade in the future, possibly in the AF, broader zoom range and one touch zoom operation and more compact version. Since Nikon has sorted out a more economical Aspherical lens elements production process. That, we leave it to Nikon to decide...but until then, this lens may not be competitive anymore for potential buyers who are looking for a lens type like this nature.