On Wed, 02 Jan 2002 04:22:21 GMT, speedoflight
wrote:

>Does anyone out there have any experience with the Nikon 35-200/3.5-4.5 mm zoom?
>Is it sharp? Sharpness is very important to me.

I tried two, which were very poor (others
report that their samples are better...). See:
http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/slemn.html

>I'm considering buying the 35-200mm lens and am also looking at the possibility
>of buying the 35-70/f 2.8 and 80-200 f/2.8 zoom as alternatives to the 35-200mm.

These WILL be noticeably sharper, faster, heavier,
and more expensive - but worth the difference in quality
if you MUST use zooms... I would also look at a set
consisting of: 20mm f2.8, 35mm f2, 85mm f1.8, 180mm f2.8
(the first two in MF versions, the second two in AF).

>The problem is the 35-70/f 2.8 is an AF lens (2 step focus/zoom). I don't use AF
>cameras. Only manual Nikons. Can anyone out there please advise me?

These top-quality AF lenses can be used as manual lenses...