New Gear – Nikon 28-300mm Lens

Lately, I’ve been taking a second, and third look through my gear–photo and lighting gear–trying to decide what and if to sell and/or replace old lenses and whatnot. I’ve looked at what I thought I’d like to photograph years ago and what I used to photograph more and the kind of photography I’ve been doing more recently.

After much consideration and research, I’ve decided to go ahead and buy an all-in-all lens. I opted for Nikon 28-300mm and I did buy it from B&H. As I photograph mostly portraits and editorials, and events, and as I’m trying to stay within a budget, compromises have to be made.

So, the Nikon 28-300mm fits my needs, for now at least. It offers the possibility of some wide-angle shots, as well as closer shots.

And so, the other day I took a stroll on the waterfront to test out my new lens. And it did not disappoint.

Here are a few images taken with the Nikon 28-300mm:

A few things to mention about the Nikon 28-300mm lens, at first inspection, and after the first test photo shoot:

– it’s not extremely expensive yet, at almost $1,000, taking into consideration the quality and all that it does, I think it’s worth the money; by the way, it takes a 77mm (UV) filter

– it’s not the lightest lens either, weighing at almost a kilo (800g or 1.76lb); that’s why wearing a wristband does help (and, of course, since June is Pride Month, I show off my rainbow wristbands 🙂 all year round, but in particular in June)

– yes, it does have a variable aperture f/3.5-5.6

– the lens hood doesn’t lock in easily; one really has to press on it to lock it in place so it won’t fall off while trying not to damage it; the task requires some getting used to, at least at first try; it does get easier

– zooming in/out could be a tad smoother, but that said, there are no complaints; again, I think it falls into the category of ‘getting used to.’

– Nikon 28-300mm is, after all, an all-in-one lens, great for travel, in particular when one has to travel light

Here are a few more images from the other day, all (images in this post) taken from the Jersey City waterfront:

Luckily for me, I’ve gotten the Nikon 28-300mm lens just in time to be able to capture a (closer) shot of the Katyn Memorial against the wide building (on the Manhattan side of the river) at sunset, while the memorial is still there, on the waterfront. Until now, I didn’t really have a long enough lens.

A few days after this first test shoot with a Nikon 28-300mm, I’ve done a few more shoots and test shoots (photos to follow) and I’m getting used to the lens (and its weight). So far, so good.

Thanks for stopping by!

Alina Oswald