This lens was introduced in 1983 for SLR film cameras like the Nikon F3, EM and FM2. In 1986, its optics were adopted to an autofocus version of the lens. It is hard to keep the EXIF data on Nikon DSLR cameras accurate thanks to it being a variable aperture zoom. All together, including its optically-improved AF variations of 1991 and 1994, it sold for 11 years and was made in Japan.
This lens performs reasonably well at "macro" distances. The 35-200mm Ai-S also performed well at macro distances.
macro to 0.25× magnification (detail)macro to 0.25× magnification (detail)
This lens has some slight color fringing particularly in the corners but is still a usable lens especially in the center. The performance is fairly consistent throughout the zoom. It is a little soft on the short end.
Barrel distortion is present on the wide end (-4.5%) and pincushion distortion on the long end (+2%). Honestly, this is par for the course for lenses from this time period.
Color fringing detail at 3-to-1:
little color fringing in the center at f=35mm/8no color fringing in the center at f=50mm/8no color fringing in the center at f=105mm/11the corners at f=35mm/8the corners at f=50mm/8the very soft corners at f=105mm/8
Ignoring the corners, this lens is weakest at its short end, near f=35mm.
It is not great for infrared photography at shorter focal lengths and stopped all the way down.
infrared hotspot at f=35mm/22infrared hotspot at f=50mm/22infrared at f=105mm/29
It flares horribly which may not be a problem for some.
This is an Ai-S lens meaning it will work in program and shutter priority mode on
some older model (film) cameras. It takes 52mm filters and the front element turns as
it is focused making use of a polarizer difficult. It has a macro function ring
and when turned a reproduction ratio of 1:4 can be achieved. There is an infrared
focus index for all focal lengths, a focus scale and a depth of field scale. The
focus collar has a short throw like most Ai-S lenses. This is an all metal lens
with rubber focus/zoom collar so as to prevent "brassing" as is typical on earlier
lenses.
Focal length: 35-105mm
Maximum aperture: f/3.5-4.5
Minimum aperture: f/22-29
Push-pull zoom
ø52mm filter ring
Lens construction: 16 elements in 12 groups
Picture angle: 62° - 23°20'
Distance scale: 1.4m/4.6ft to infinity with infrared focus index
Macro mode at f=35mm: 0.27m/0.86ft. - 1:4 (0.25×) reproduction ratio
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