Nikon Series E 36-72mm f/3.5

Surprisingly good. Great optics for daylight work, light and compact The 'E' series lenses are surprise packages optically. Back in their day they were looked down on for their 'inferior' construction, but the irony is that they are built better than most lenses today! The 36-72 is a lightweight and compact manual focus lens that feels great, with a one ring zoom and focus that is a dream to use. It is quick to focus with a 60 degree rotate, and nice and bright in the viewfinder. It's not a close focusing lens however, 1.2 metres can be a bit frustrating at times, though rarely for what I use it for. The reason I bought it is to use in urban photography as a standard lens that can reach in a bit, while also being small enough for me to be discreet in what I'm shooting. Also, it's a bit of fun to use, so it makes me loosen my backside rather than being careful and formal with bigger lenses. It is a very sharp little beast when stopped down, it's best between f5.6 and f11. Wide open it is useable at 36mm, but becomes very dreamy and misty by 72mm. But at f8 it's sensational at all focal lengths, and on DX it's good sharpness to the edges as well. When I got it I did direct comparison shots on a D7000 with my 35-70mm f2.8D, a really sharp and solid performer, and I have to report that at everything other than wide open, I could not pick any difference in a critical analysis. In fact, the little 'E' was better in a couple of shots, particularly in contrast. So, for outdoor work in good light it's a great lens.Read full review

A very nice user lens! A used lens can vary widely and wildly in quality and usability, so this opinion is only for this one Nikon lens. The optical results are very, very good. Cosmetically it's a used piece of machinery at a very affordable price. Mechanical operation of the zoom proves to be almost loose but no harm if anticipated, aperature leaves work smoothly and apparently accurately as negatives were consistently exposed. All in all a darn good lens for a reasonable price, not as good as new but if you wanted new you wouldn't be reading this.

Great Everyday lens I use this lens a lot it is a good carrying around general lens