I went in a local store recently to check out the Nikon AF 85 1.8 and noticed that the same lens appears to be made in different countries... Japan and Taiwan. Aside from where they are manufactured, is there any difference in these? Is one good and one bad? I know that there is supposedly a cheapo series "E" for the 50mm. Do stores have to let you know which series or what country the lens comes from? Sorry for asking such a basic question, but, before I drop down tons of mula I'd like to know.

Thanks for the help.

-- Mike (michael.kear@ey.com), December 17, 1998

Answers

Nikon makes lenses in plants in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and PR of China. Most of their "professional" lenses are still made in Japan. Everyone complains about Thailand and China being "low-quality- goods". The reality is, that all these lenses are made to Nikon's controlled Product Specifications and Product Quality Acceptance criteria. Therefore, the lenses are as good as the Product Specification and quality (Process Control) system criteria, not the country of manufacture. They are made in Nikon Factories under Nikon control systems. The only exception is the 35-70 lens made for the Nikon FM(FE)-10 series cameras. This lens is not made by Nikon.

-- Charlie Robbins (robbnsc@hotmail.com), December 17, 1998.

We have been using a 35-80mm lens made in Thailand on a F60 body for the last 6 months and have no complaints. In fact, the lens was used extensively on a camping trip and performed very well.

-- Jeff Thomsen (jesper@mozart.inet.co.th), December 21, 1998.

Some guy who was trying to sell me his used "USA" lens earlier this week told me that he's worked for Nikon for 16 years, and that there is a difference between USA and grey market cameras and lenses. He said that the USA versions have better and faster auto focus, and that the "D" information is processed quicker in USA marketed products. I personally think this is a crock, and that he was just trying to get me to pay more for his "USA" version lens. I would like to hear someone else's opinion on this matter.

-- Chris (ragulskc@ucs.orst.edu), December 21, 1998.

Chris, everything what he said is a crap. Next time, you'd better stuff his mouth with his "USA" version lens before he tells you any more crap.

-- Hiroshi Shigematsu (pooh02@earthlink.net), December 21, 1998.

Well said, Hiroshi!!

-- Jeff Thomsen (jesper@mozart.inet.co.th), December 22, 1998.

For warning: This seller's email address is AutoBizWiz@aol.com I would not recommend purchasing anything from him.

-- Chris (ragulskc@ucs.orst.edu), December 29, 1998.