Waiting. . .

[kiev4a]

Sometime this week two Ebay treasures should arrive, both for my Nikons.

1. Tokina 80-200 f2.8 manual focus zoom (Not the Pro model.
2. Kiron 28-85mm f2.8 ai zoom.
3. Kiron 2x 7 element extender.

Decided I wanted to get my zooms down to 2.8 so I'm not as dependant on flash indoors. The Tokina, I'm sure is a big sucker but I can live with that.

Some Nikon buffs are purists and seem to believe the only glass used should have Nikkor stamped on it. Both these aftermarket lenses have received praise. I have a particular soft spot for Kiron. The 80-200 f4 Kiron zoom I already have is, imho, every bit as good as the Nikkor.

Probably won't use the extender that much but it was part of the Kiron zoom deal and since it has seven elements it should produce decent results--especially with an f2.8 lens doesn't make losing two stops quite as critical.

[kiev4a]

I'm happy to report the Tokina 2.8 zoom arrived today and I was pleasantly surprised. It's no bigger (and probably not as heavy) as my Kiron 80-200 f4 zoom. I'll have to run some test film but by all reports this Tokina model is sharp. The Kirob 28-85 and extender are scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

Currently I am in a feeding frenzy. Sold my 24mm af Nikkor and my Koni 100 and now have the cash to get a lens I have lusted after for many years--the Nikkor 20mm f2.8 AF lens, Didn't figure there was much sense in keeping the 24mm if I was going to get a 20mm.

[kiev4a]

My Kiron 28-85 F2.8-3.5 arrived along with the Kiron MC-7 7-element 2X extender (Nikon mount). No results from them yet but they are in wondershape and came from a guy you had used them since they were new. Kiron built its lenses to last.

I also bid on several Nikkor 20mm AFs but always got outbid at the last moment by someone who apparently believed the lens was worth nearly new price. Finally went over and checked the Photo.net classifieds and found the latest D model for less than the older lenses were fetching on Ebay. Got it from a guy who went digital and had a zoom that went to 18mm so figured he didn't need a 20mm. Can't wait for it to get here. I'm a happy camper.

[screaminscott]

Wayne,
What did the 28-85 set you back if you don't mind me asking? I've got 2 of the Kino made, Vivitar branded 28-85 's & the last one cost me $9.99 (+$12 shipping)...Optically, it is the same as the Kiron that Kino made...You will like it!!! The Vivitar MC7 2X Macro converter is the same optically as the Kiron MC7 also...Just as good as Nikon's TC200/TC201 but also has the Macro feature which the Nikon's don't...

Scott