Just to note that the 12-24 (I assume from Nikon) is a DX lens.

Thanks for the honest insight.

That's correct. On a Canon body, you always have to use a f/2.8 to be able to use the other AF points as it will be automatically disabled. Once your lens is f/4 or f/5.6, than only the centre point AF works if I'm not wrong. No such thing with the Nikon.

If the differences are just at 100% zoom, I think you should not get too worried. Get a lens that works for your photography. Specs is one thing but what's the point of having the best lens when it does not suite and complement your style of shooting? Don't worry too much. The 35mm f/2 is a legendary lens in it's own right.

Looks like you're enjoying the 35mm f/1.4 more than the 24mm f/1.4?

Looks to me like the focus is slightly to the back part of the hair. Is that correct?

Aiks ! I thought it was a straight forward simple swap?

Bokeh is not just about big apertures. Subject distance to camera and lens focal length plays important part too. Longer FL and nearer the subject distance will create very thin DoF which means bokeh can be created easily.

Play around with the DoF simulator.

http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

Errr, I hope not ! I still like to trust the Japanese when it comes to precision equipment.

That's 14-24mm f/2.8. 12-24mm is a DX and an f/4 lens.

What AF Nikkor lens do you want to use on the D3100?

If the subject is a still, that's ok. Not if the subject is live and moving like the tortoise.

There is no way of getting large DoF without using external flash. Unless your subject is still and you manage to use long shutter speeds on a tripod with very small aperture.

Just some comments. At those high shutter speeds and with flash, there is no necessity to use VR.

If you're having problems with sharpness, switch the VR off and shoot again. See what you get.

That's the characteristics of the 50mm. Bokeh is very messy and distracting when you shoot against bright background.

The shop lets you try it our without buying? Which shop is this?

The new AF-S VR or the older AF-D? They are one of the best Nikkor lenses available.

Can they get parts in 2 weeks with the current situation now in Japan?

Changing barrel? Perhaps yours had the problem with the inner barrel not smooth?

That's correct. But ifer just mentioned that whats the point of having extra frames when all of them are out of focus. Extra frames don't guarantee sharp photos.

Yup.

I would try damp cloth first and if it's unsuccessful, I'll use alcohol.

Yeah, I was also confused for the moment.

Depends lah. Nikon has records of what serial number gets out and which shop sells it. So if a hot lens like the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II does not get sold after 6 months from the date the shop receives it, then something is wrong. You also need to be practical when you fill in your blank warranty card. So if you're lucky, you can "extend" your warranty for about half a year max. After that, it becomes suspicious.

They will ask if they suspect something is fishy or if you're claiming for something big. They also ask for my D700 receipt which I bought for not more than 2 weeks ago before I got a 1 to 1 swap.

Yeah, but I think it would look stupid if they call the shop to verify. I had to submit my receipt for Nikon to keep a copy and only after a week, I got my claim. I guess they check and verify with the shop I bought during that time.

Send it through the shop?

Yup.

That's the price you have to pay for being an early adopter. I bought my D700 for close to 8k. D300 for 5k plus.

If that's the case, I'll beat you to it.

I agree with you. I don't like the idea that they shift production. I have first experience with that in my current company. It's a non-electronics company mind you and yet the Malaysian factory gets crappy products out. Blame it on the sub-standard sub-suppliers. I don't know how companies like Intel does it but perhaps after a few years, they somehow manage to get good yield.

Yup, correct.

Of course you can.