ED glass element reduces chromatic aberrations providing superior optical performance - even at maximum aperture Ideal mid-range zoom lens for architecture and portraiture. Fast maximum aperture for shooting in low light. M/A switch for fast transitions from AF to manual focus No power drain when manually focusing
1 Pricey, sexy-looking, & could be sharper for it's price
Having gotten frustrated with the limiting 35mm focal length of the Nikkor AFD35-70/2.8, I sold it and purchased the AFS28-70/2.8D almost 5 years ago.
It was an improvement over the AFD35-70/2.8 with respect to sharpness, contrast, and whisper-quiet autofocusing speed.
With the scalloped lens hood, this is a bulky lens. Infants tend to cry with this "in-their-face" monster.
Contrast is excellent, and distortion is negligible. Composition-wise, a very good portrait lens.
Of the three sharpest lenses owned, overall, it falls a distant third behind the leading Nikkor AFS17-35/2.8D, and second place AFD80-200/2.8 (2-ring version).
This lens used to be the standard lens on my Nikon F5, until I purchased the AFS17-35/2.8.
If the AFS28-70/2.8 were image-sharper for it's price, it would be used more frequently. I have since sold this lens in the Winter of 2004.