TaoTeJared said:
I haven't seen any deals that are that good for a 28-70 but the older 80-200mm-s is a good deal for sure.

The 28-70mm I found was at a local shop that sent it in to Nikon for service, and it was pretty much torn down and re-built. Looks and performs like brand new. That was only $795.

The 80-200mm AF-S I just picked up was a Craig's List score, in really good shape, for just $675. I had the older two-ring AF version before, but this AF-S version blows it out of the water. It focuses telepathically quick.

With a little patience and some hunting and RSS feeds, the deals are definitely out there!

And yeah, some of the 80's era MF lenses are real gems. (except the "E" series, which are head scratchers)

By the way - mods, sorry for posting this thread in the wrong section. Please move as required.

I still own an use an AIs 105 that good-real good for the money. Also a AIs 28 2.8 (not that E model) that's beyond good and used all the time. No AF but not everything needs AF & VR.

They are small, light weight, tough.

framer

Another bargain lens is the 70-210 f/4. Sharp, although a stop slower than a 2.8. No VR and no distance information for the flash. Better than any other non 2.8 zoom in the range, they are available for under $200 on a regular basis.

R8R said:

They can be had for less than half, or sometimes MUCH less than half of their modern counterparts. Sharp, rugged and fast. What's not to love?

I haven't seen any deals that are that good for a 28-70 but the older 80-200mm-s is a good deal for sure.

I think the best deal now are the first version 70-200mm VR - By far cheaper then the new version by 50% usually and really not much difference than the newer version.

I have seen the 50mm F1.8 AFD is selling at $75 new old stock in places. The 85mm F1.8 AFD is another great lens that can be had for cheap as people are upgrading and companies wanting to dump old stock.

The 60mm AFD Macro can be had for a seal - generally less than $300 for a mint lens. The 105mm AFD macro is priced well too (around $350-400).

So I've found a couple new loves, and I think ounce for ounce they are the best deal in glass right now. They're not the newest and greatest, but they were in their time:

AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8D
AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D

They can be had for less than half, or sometimes MUCH less than half of their modern counterparts. Sharp, rugged and fast. What's not to love?

Ok so no VR and no "weather sealing", but I generally keep out of the rain and I like my monopod.

So...what's your favorite older lens? Is it a good deal on the used market? How does it stand up over time?