The artistic rendering of Jack's flower bud here, really says it all about this lens. It's a masterpiece, regardless of technical limitations or design flaw. (the AF to M ring that tends to crack).
I have owned 2 copies. I had a great one, and like an idiot, sold it. I should never have sold my US copy. Mistake was made. I did get another copy, even though an import.
I would still probably buy a US lens in box if I found one, and sell my import. But that's not really required.
I have an image I took that always reminds me of what this lens is capable of. My first copy rendered it.
Nothing can prepare you for this first image. It's just WOW! Camera is pretty awesome technology, are you ready for this? (D2X) Sometimes, I present it vertically, but it matches up better with page to show it horizontally.
This one is also a favorite, something about the rendering of the rocks, and the overall detail that is very nice.
The renderings of the Noct and the 28 1.4D are similar, because they represent 2 of the 3 lenses manufactured this way, the 20-35 zoom was the third.