I took the Nikon D200, and the Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm 1:3.5-4, a new copy of the legacy, as I have sold off the one I already had to a buyer, back to visit an old haunt recently, the park where I used to frequent, before moving away from that location a few years ago. It was a quiet and quaint day, though, as the park, which seemed to have been through an intense upgrade recently, was not as active as it was during a long weekend.
The Sigma Zoom-γ 21-35mm 1:3.5-4, the world’s first wide-angle zoom lens when introduced in 1979, emerged during a transformative period in lens design as an answer to photographers’ demands for a portable wide-angle solution that could replace four prime lenses: 21mm, 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm. The lens pioneered the integration of the ultra-wide focal lengths into a single compact system with its 12-element, 12-group optical design with a floating element system to minimize distortion and aberrations.
The lens was made available with Canon EF, Minolta/Sony A, Nikon F, and Sigma SA mounts, and adapts to modern APS-C and Micro Four Thirds systems with equivalent focal ranges of 32.1–60.9mm for APS-C DSLRS, and 42–70mm for Micro 4/3s. The lens weighs 465 grams, measures 105mm in length, has a 67mm filter thread, with the manual zoom ring rotates smoothly across a 64° arc. The lens is notable for its all-metal construction, fixed hood, and, to some extent, historical significance.
The Nikon D200, introduced in 2005, is a significant milestone in the evolution of digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The camera, distinguished by its magnesium alloy body, combines advanced features from Nikon’s high-end D2X with functionalities for the enthusiast, and is categorized as a mid-range model positioned between entry-level models and professional-grade equipment.
The DSLR is fitted with a 10.2MP CCD sensor, Nikon’s Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module equipped the D200 with 11 focus points, and offered advanced tracking modes such as Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF. Weather-sealed buttons and joints, a feature absent from competing models during the period, allow the camera to be equally used in challenging conditions. The camera weighs 830 grams, body only.
Handling-wise, the D200 was optimized for intuitive controls, with a layout similar to the D2X for easy transition between the two. Direct-access buttons are available for ISO, white balance, and image quality, while the 2.5-inch LCD has a 170-degree viewing angle. The D200 was also used as the chassis for the 'Frankenstein' Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro.
Despite their ages, with the camera well into its twenties and the lens well past forty-five, both were exceeding agile and performed well beyond expectation. Images here were zoomed and framed in Aperture-priority mode with the camera set to its base ISO, lens aperture to f/5.6, and focusing almost hyperfocal close to its infinity end.
Acquiring the kit, nominally available from auction listings, will not cost an arm or a leg either.
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