As I always do with Nikon lens rebates, here’s my advice about how good these lenses and new prices are:
- 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-P VR DX — US$20 off (US$297). I still haven’t completed my review of this lens and you won’t find a lot of other reviews out there. It’s actually a very good lens for the DX bodies, and at the price a definite bargain if you’re looking for a wide angle zoom. There’s been clear sample variation, though, and the VR isn’t overly impressive, perhaps giving me only two stops extra handholding space. Still, I’ve been impressed by its basic sharpness and most other attributes, and that's especially true given the price. Definitely something D3xxx and D5xxx owners whose cameras support AF-P should consider. And that last bit is important: please read my Understand the AF-P lenses article before purchasing.
- 14-24mm f/2.8G —US$200 off (US$1697). This is probably the right price for this lens, as its now getting a little long in the tooth and would be the last of Nikon’s main trio to get an update, if it ever gets an update. Still a great performer, though, even on the 45mp bodies. Just be aware of the field curvature and learn how to recognize/use that and you’ll be very happy with this lens.
- 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G DX — US$100 off (US$597). Nah. Not interested. I suppose some true convenience shooters who are only interested in “good enough for Web work” types of shooting are very happy to use a superzoom like this, but they don’t read this site.
- 24-70mm f/2.8G — US$100 off (US$1697). Not enough discount on an older, less capable lens. I really see no point in buying this new any more. The E version is clearly better, and the third party options are also better values.
- 50mm f/1.4G — US$70 off (US$377). I really don’t like any of the Nikkor 50’s any more. While some of them get into the price range where people think it’s worth the dip—as happens now with the f/1.4G—I think the third party options that are available just show you how bad the 50mm Nikkors are now. If you’re looking for “inexpensive normal” and have a 24mp+ body, consider the Tamron 45mm f/1.8. It’s a fine lens, often on sale, and includes image stabilization.
- 85mm f/1.8G — US$40 off (US$437). Not much of a discount, but this is often the portrait lens I recommend to people. It’s optical quite good, does the job well, and is less expensive than most of your other options. Great price for a very good lens. And yes, this lens works well on a Z body with the FTZ adapter.
- 105mm f/2.8G Micro-Nikkor — US$80 off (US$822). The classic macro that most people own. Personally I think Nikon has fallen a bit behind in the macro wars. The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 is a strong contender, for example. Plus now we’re getting companies like Irix coming in with MF macros that are less expensive, have better working distance, and probably are the right choice for a lot of work. But still a good price on a good lens.
- 200-500mm f/5.6E — US$200 (US$1197). Bingo! Here’s the bargain of the bunch. This lens was already a considerable bargain at its list price, offering better-than-expected optical performance at a very non-Nikon price. At US$200 off, it’s not just a bargain, it’s almost a “must buy” if you don’t already have a good lens in the post 300mm range.
The 10-20mm is also offers in kit with the 40mm f/2.8 DX macro for US$150 off. Meh. The 40mm is sharp, but it’s working distance for true macro is nil. Makes a decent—maybe too sharp—portrait lens for DX, though.
These rebates extend through November 24th.
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