Bit of a disappointment

[DrEntropy]

The Nikon DX 10~20mm ∱4.5~5.6 wide-angle zoom I got from an Ebay sale isn't as sharp as I'd hoped. Didn't spend much for it, but new they weren't "inexpensive" either. It's acceptably sharp for .jpg happy-snaps but if I'd want a sharp wide angle, looks like I'm having to "go fish."

Even torqued down to ∱22 it seems a bit "fuzzy" to me.

That G.A.Syndrome may be setting in...

 

[DrEntropy]

But at middle focal length, 13mm, in Manual (ISO 800, 125th at ∱11) it's fine.

And pardon the grotty subject matter... it's what was close to hand:


Full frame.


Cropped to center.

 

[Basil]

That G.A.Syndrome may be setting in...

I wouldn't know anything about that!

​

 

[DrEntropy]

At this point I've managed to replace about all the capabilities of the "old, busted" film gear with digital equivalents. That which is not film specific remains viable, so moving on to the "nice-to-haves" like more modern quick-release plates for tripods and monopods. One or two polarizing filters to replace faded or fogged older ones. I use step-down rings to use bigger filters on smaller diameter lenses, not needing one for every filter size. A 77MM and a 58mm for all the optics. Less expense, easier to pack. Only size specific filters are the UV ones, each lens fitted with one makes lens caps excess to requirement. I don't feel bad about cleaning those with a shirt tail or paper towel, either.

 

[DrEntropy]

Did some more shots with the 10~20mm, definitely not happy with the overall performance. Sharpness seems to fall off with both ends of the zoom range if aperture is anything wider than ∱8~5.6.

Trollin' th' fleabay and likely will get a "previously owned" 12~24mm ∱4.0 from one of the Japanese sellers. Had great luck with two other buys from over there. The skullduggery seems to be mostly US sellers: one listing for a 55-200mm "kit" lens priced at $500.00(!), another for the same type lens claiming it has VR capability when multiple photos of the optic for sale clearly show it does not. Whether unscrupulous or ignorant, Caveat Emptor!

Da 'mits will "inherit" the 10~20... I think she's gonna need a bigger bag!