As I always do when Nikon offers lens-only rebates, I’m going to comment on them for you to let you know what looks like a good value and what you should probably just ignore:
- 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G DX US$100 rebate — Somewhat of a forgotten lens these days. The Tokina f/2.8 twins are the go-to wide angle zooms for the crop sensor gang these days. That said, all the wide angle zooms have slightly different weaknesses. If you’re using this Nikkor stopped down, it may be the best of the bunch into the deep corners. It’s a lens that was in my bag for a long time, but I like the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 slightly better (or the Tokina 11-20mm). Still, at this price (11% discount), it’s a lens you should consider if you need a DX wide angle zoom.
- 14-24mm f/2.8G US$200 rebate — This is a classic lens that’s getting a little old, but still performs right up against the best. Two reasons why we might be getting a 10% rebate on it at this point: (1) it may be due for an E update in 2017; and (2) there are a lot of full frame wide-angle zoom competitors that cost less that have appeared recently. This is an excellent lens with only one flaw you really have to be aware of: field curvature. It definitely is not a focus-and-reframe lens. This lens is also best at the 14mm wide end. At 24mm you can find better lenses these days, but not at 14mm. Recommended
- 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G US$100 rebate — Another mostly forgotten lens, and one that shouldn’t be. Sure, on a D810 it can struggle a bit as you move from center. On the Df, D610, and D750 bodies, though, this is a respectable and usable lens, and it’s size appropriate. Recommended
- 24-70mm f/2.8E US$200 rebate — You thought it was too expensive when introduced? Well, how about an 8% discount? As I stated in my review, this is an excellent update, better than I think most of you might expect. Curiously, the lens doesn’t test as well on close-in charts than it does in real world use. The big issue is its size: it grew to 82mm up front (B&H includes two filters with the lens). On the big bodies (D4, D5), this isn’t an issue to me at all. On a smallish and light body such as the D750, your mileage may vary. Recommended
- 70-200mm f/4G US$100 rebate — 7% off on a lens that is underrated by many. No, it’s not as exceptionally sharp as some people suggest, but it holds its own with the second generation f/2.8 lens, and it doesn’t really focal length breath. If you don’t need the fast aperture, this is a smaller lens that’s easier to fit in the bag. One thing to note: you don’t get a tripod collar at this price, that’s optional. Recommended
- 85mm f/1.4G US$100 rebate — The 6% rebate on this lens seems a little weak in comparison to the other rebates. And frankly, it’s not enough to tempt me. Having used this lens, the f/1.8G version, and the 105mm f/1.4E, it’s no contest: the 105mm f/1.4E just beats the 85mm hands down (and that’s not as absurd a comparison as it sounds; the 85mm is more like 88mm, the 105mm is more like 100mm). Meanwhile, the much cheaper f/1.8G pretty much holds its own from f/2.8 onwards. So you’re buying this lens solely because you need f/1.4 at 85mm. And it’s a little weak at that aperture, not like some of Nikon’s most recent efforts.
- Two-lens DX kit, 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/3.5 US$320 rebate — Simply put, if you’re new to Nikon DX and have just picked up new DX body, this is an excellent price with two excellent lenses that give you capabilities you didn’t get with your kit lens. The 35mm f/1.8 is sharp, small, and exactly what you want in a fast, “normal” lens. The 85mm f/3.5 is also sharp, especially when used for close-up work. Nikon amusingly calls the 35mm f/1.8 a “portrait” lens in this kit. Still, these are two great lenses at a great price (39% discount). Highly Recommended
As usual, I’d ask that you help this site by purchasing any of these lenses from this site’s exclusive advertiser, B&H. If you do, you’ll also get some free goodies with each lens, plus a 4% future purchase discount:
