By releasing this lens, Nikon showed that they would not force you to pay more than necessary for their products. Of course, you can say by wiping the screen of your D3 that this glass is not very bright, or find fault with sharpness, but why? Just go and buy another, for 60 thousand. If you buy your first DSLR for 10-30 thousand, but the whale lens does not suit you for some reason, then this one is one answer to seven troubles. Yes, it is worth buying instead of 18-55. But do not forget to pay attention to other manufacturers (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc.), perhaps it is in them that you will find what you need. In short: a great all-round lens for the money.
Can you provide more context about the word "Discontinued"?
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