Additional Information on
Nikon's Autofocus (AF) Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm lens group
AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D moderate wideangle-telephoto zoom lens

 
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rocks & maricaban island by Noel Saratan
Seascapes.. Rocks & Maricaban island. Philippines

Credit: Image courtesy of Noel Saratan®, whose online PORTFOLIO can be accessed at PBase. Image copyright © 2006. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

Part Three Nikon's AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D MACRO wide-telephoto zoom lens
Year Introduced: 1992; Discontinued: 2006

This long time favorite Nikkor zoom of many Nikon photographers was given a new leash of life in 1992 where Nikon has integrated an encoding microchip within the lens to enable the lens be used with a series exciting series of a new generation Nikon SLR cameras that deployed with 3D Matrix Metering System as well as a very much improved autofocusing system (such as the Nikon F5, F100, F70 and even be used by the older Nikon F90(X) series models etc.). The distance chip inside the D-spec zoom lens permits transmission of focusing information from the lens to camera to enhance the accuracy for both the exposure and flash metering systems. Cameras with advanced 3D Matrix Metering* system requires an AF-D lens in order for the camera to take full advantage on some of these technologies deployed in these series of Nikon SLR camera models. For cameras such as the older Nikon F4 or F801(S)/N8008 etc. this Nikkor zoom lens update will also be retaining respective function for ambient and flash metering and/or exposure control. For an example, 3D or RGB Matrix Metering metering will not be offered in a Nikon F4 but it will still retaining all the key metering system, even extends to flash photography such as Matrix Fill Flash control.

Nikon's AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D wideangle-telephoto zoom lens , 1992~2006

Except for the addition in the integration of the distance chip, the AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D is basically an exact replica of the non-D version. So, it is very much depend on the particular Nikon camera model that you own in how to take the full advantage out of it. (Errr ... if your only possession is a
Nikon FM2N or FM3A, then it doesn't really matter much then, hehe..).

Credit: Image courtesy of Adorama.com, who operates a popular Ebay Store. Image Copyright © 2006. All rights reserved. Adorama Inc. also can be contact at: Used & Collectible Ebay Department Adorama® Inc. 42 West 18th Street New York, N.Y. 10011 1-212-741-0052 1-830-223-2500

* NOTE: Matrix Metering was first introduced with the award winning Nikon FA of 1983 (where it was also Nikon SLR camera that honored with the award of European Camera of the Year), The revolutionary system was originally termed as Automatic Multi-Pattern (AMP) Metering System and formed the basis for the name" Matrix Metering" commonly used today in all Nikon SLRs. Current 3D Matrix Metering is a third generation system.

The optically composition for this AF-D Nikkor zoom lens also stays identical to the predecessor where a15 elements in 12 groups design is used. Similarly, all other aspects in terms of lens performance, close focus ability are also remained the same. In case you don't have the time to refer back earlier chapter, the close focusing of this zoom lens reaches its closest distance at 0.6m (2') for normal marked distance and MACRO mode at 0.28m (11"). As mentioned, the maximum magnification ratio delivers a truly impressive ratio of 1:4 at MACRO as well as approaching 1:1 when used in conjunction with a Nikon 6T close up filter. This has indirectly compensate for its apparent weakness in its moderate startup wideangle of 35mm as not many Nikkor zoom lenses deliver such kind of performance at close range. However, the MACRO feature only performs at its 35mm wideangle setting which is less desirable than at 70mm telephoto which should provides more comfortable working distance as well as offering a more natural perspective for close up photography. Overall, in terms of lens handling, the zooming action is smooth and effortless. The moderately wide zoom ring is very comfortable for a firm grip and zooming control. Considered it was inherited from a basic design first used in late '80, other areas such as the manual focus ring was very well thought for as compared to the design used by all those early series of Nikon AF Nikkor lenses which offers a typically very thin and narrow MF ring for manual focusing.

Hong Kong Airport, 2007 at the boarding lounge
Boarding and waiting lounge, Hong Kong International Airport,

Leofoo® 2007

Interim photo ONLY. Looking for contributing images to replace this.

Nikon's AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8 with one-touch zoom action
As shown with the picture; the zoom mechanism uses a one-ouch sliding zoom type design. The inner setting closest to the camera section is the 70mm and sliding outwards towards 35mm. This is slightly different from many other single-touch zoom design in the Nikkor lens family. But you can easily get adaptive to this reverse way during zooming and after a few shooting sessions you should get a good feel of it. Along with this D-spec update, Nikon also has changed the old twist and turn knob design for the minimum aperture lock to a slide switch method. It offers an alternate way to verify this AF-D version from the previous model

Front section of the AF Nikkor zoom 35-70mm f/2.8D Rear section of the AF Nikkor zoom 35-70mm f/2.8D
Both the front and rear lens element of this zoom is quite a large piece. The lens mount is still a full-metal mount with all the encoders and levers that makes it also as an Ai-S native zoom lens. So, this provides full compatibility for older Ai-spec Nikon SLR models.

Credit: Images courtesy of Melissa Bowen from Shutterblade ® the Company operates a Buy and Sell trading website on their own. Image copyright © 2006. All rights reserved.


Despite the zoom has an encoding chip within, this solidly built Nikkor zoom lens still weighs almost the same with the previous non-D version. At 665g (approx. 23.5oz) , it balances very well when mounted it onto any Nikon SLR camera body. Over the years, changes and evolution in the development of zoom lenses as well as growing demand for a wider picture angle in a wide-tele zoom lens has reduced its appealing touch. In particularly, when using this lens with a typical DX format sensor Nikon Digital SLR camera, the original picture angle of 62° - 34° 20' will narrow down to 44° - 22° 50' which interprets approx. as a 52-105mm zoom lens for full 35mm format. Well, in any case with so many varieties and available choices in the market today, even a dump photographer will not consider putting his hard earned moneys onto a standard to medium telephoto, right ? But still, with its excellent image resolution as well as overall lens handling; in many aspects this large aperture Nikkor zoom still commands a slow but steady following for people who prefers a fast speed moderate wide to telephoto zoom. The moderate picture angles of this Nikkor zoom lens makes it a good choice for many kind of usage, which includes indoor/studio or outdoor portraiture, travel, stage and fashion, quick snap street photos, possibly for available light sport photography as well as close-ups, nature, scenic and other general photography.

Front and side view of a AF Nikkor zoom 35-70mm f/2.8D lens Rear / side view of a AF Nikkor zoom 35-70mm f/2.8D lens
Credit: Images courtesy of Melissa Bowen from Shutterblade ® the Company operates a Buy/Sell trading website on their own. Image copyright © 2006. All rights reserved.

In a way, the D-spec lens update has indirectly prolonged its product life cycle. Although many of the Nikon Sales leaflets has omitted this lens from the listing, but this fabulous fast speed Nikkor Zoom lens actually was still being offered for those who appreciate its presence as a top quality working zoom lens. However, in the recent announcement in 2006, it was eventually being announced of its discontinuation. Come to think of it, not many zoom lens in the Nikkor lens family can survive for so long (from 1987, 1992 (D-spec) all the way to 2006 - that is almost close to 2 decade of its existence), so - I guess it has its place in the heart for some.

The criude digging machine, oil field  at Daqing City, China
There are 25,000 of these crude extracting stations at Daqing Oil fields in China, busy digging crude oil from the underground, 24 hours a day.

Leofoo® 2007

Interim photo ONLY. Looking for contributing images to replace this.



Technical Specification for Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D MACRO wide-tele zoom lens:-

Type of lense: Autofocus Nikkor wide-telephoto zoom lens with built-in CPU and a metal rear Nikon bayonet mount
Focal length: 35mm to 70mm; (Magnifies approx. as a 120-300mm zoom lens for Nikon DX format Digital SLR)
Maximum aperture
: f/2.8; Minimum Aperture: f/22
Lens construction:
15 elements in 12groups; with close focus design built-in
Picture angle:
62° - 34° 20 (44° - 22° 50' for Nikon DX format Digital SLR cameras)
Focal length scale: 35mm , 50mm and 70mm, printed onto lens barrel for visual reference
Diaphragm: Fully automatic,
Focus control: Camera driven autofocus. Manual focusing ring at the front end
Zoom control: Via one touch sliding zoom ring
at the center
Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet/inches from 0.6m at normal focus to infinity (OO); close focuses at its nearest distance at 0.2.8m (9") at extended MACRO mode
Distance information: Output into camera body with CPU interface system
IS FULLY FUNCTIONAL with this version with many Nikon SLRs that provide the 3D Matrix Metering System; Option for manual focus provided
Reproduction ratio: 1:7.7 (normal); 1:4 maximum at MACRO mode (1:1 possible when Nikon 6T close-up filter is used)
Lens Coating: NIC (Nikon Integrated lens Coating) and possibly SIC for units produced towards end of '90

Cambodian Palace Guard at The Grand Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A not so-spirited palace Guard on duty outside the Grand Royal Palace of Cambodia in a late, hot and humid afternoon.

A 35-70mm zoom for portrait ? Why not ?why zoom it in at the 70mm and should give you a less distorted portrait. If half body length portrait is preferred, set it at a wider picture angle.

Leofoo® 2007

Interim photo ONLY. Looking for contributing images to replace this.

Nikon's AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D lens data
Aperture scale: f/2.8, f/4.0, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16 and 22 on both standard and aperture-direct-readout (ADR) scales
Mount: Nikon bayonet mount with CPU contacts;
Attachment size
: 62mm (P=0.75mm);
Meter Coupling Prong: NONE
Depth of Field Scales: NONE
Minimum aperture lock: Provided. Via slide switch - an alternate way to verify this D-spec version

<<<--- The AF-D lenses are recognized by the D designation. Along with this update, Nikon changed the old twist and turn minimum aperture lock to the slide switch method. It is also an alternate means to verify this version from the predecessor

Rear section bview wiyh metal lens mount of Nikon's AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D wideangle-telephoto zoom lens, 1992~2006
Exposure measurement: Via full-aperture method with Ai cameras or cameras with CPU interface system; via stop-down method for other cameras
Standard accessories: 62mm front lens cap; Rear lens cap LF-1; lens case CL-33S
Optional Accessories:
62mm screw-in filters; Bayonet Lens hood HB-1 *; Flexible lens pouch CL52; No. 62, CP 9 may also be possible
Dimensions: Approx. 71.5mm dia. x 94.5mm; overall length is approx. 97.5mm from the lens flange
Weight: Approx. 665g

Credit: Image courtesy of Adorama.com, who operates a popular Ebay Store. Image Copyright © 2006. All rights reserved. Adorama Inc. also can be contact at: Used & Collectible Ebay Department Adorama® Inc. 42 West 18th Street New York, N.Y. 10011 1-212-741-0052 1-830-223-2500

Infrared compensation index: Two; for the 35mm and 70mm settings
Usable Tele-Converters: - TC-201S; TC-14A. Due to its extraordinary lens speed of f/2.8, Nikon suggested the older TC-16AS may also be used with this lens with older Nikon SLRs. Note: All the suggested TC will only work in MANUAL focus only); * Other information: This lens cannot be used with AF Finder DX-1 attached to the Nikon F3AF camera. Serial Number for the Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8S lens may have been began from: AF 35-70/2.8D slide aperture lock 4+ 400001 < 403077 - 833714 > > Sep92 - > 433714 Reference: Roland Vink's lens data sheet.

Nikon HB-1 lens hood with lens caps for AF Zoom 35-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens
previous | 3/3 | BACK | Main Index Page - Autofocus Nikkor lenses

Page One:- Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.3~4.5S MK 1 (1986~1989); MK II (1989~1995/6)
Page Two
:-
Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8s (1987~1992)
Page Three:- Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D (1992~2006)

Relative:
Nikon Manual Focus Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5; MF Nikon Zoom Auto-Nikkor 3.5~8.5cm 1:2.8; Nikon MF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5; Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.3~4.5S; Nikon Series E Zoom 36-72mm f/3.5S

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MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm

Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E

Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

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