Optically very good from f5.6 on, low distortion even at 19mm

Built flimsy, parts are apparently almost loose.

The Vivitar 19-35mm Serie 1 f3.5-4.5 for Nikon is optically better than most people may believe. Wide open it's a little soft, but from f:5.6 it is already quite sharp, from f:8 you don´t see any difference at 100% with expensive wide angle nikkors, e.g. the 17-35mm f2.8 nikkor or even the new 16-35mm f4.0; if you don't need to take photos wide open, it's as good as anybody needs it.
Built quality is average only, it tends to overexpose (easy to correct on a DSRL).

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor AF 24-50mm, Nikkor 20-35mm f2.8, Nikkor 17-35mm f2.8