Nikon Series E lenses

[Will Clegg]

I know, I know... ANOTHER Nikon lens thread.

But after some searching, I didn't see any discussion of the Nikon Series E lenses. What I have discovered is that they aren't quite as solid in construction (plastic instead of metal), and that the number of shutter blades is lower, which changes the shape of your flares from out-of-focus highlights, but my question is: how are the optics compared to the good old Ai and AiS Nikkors? Anyone out there used both, or side by side?

And while we're at it, is it universal that Ai lenses have fewer shutter blades than AiS?

There is an obvious difference in price between Series E, Ai, and AiS; I am trying to determine what I am really paying for if I spend more $$$$.

 

[Oedipax]

I really have no complaints about my 100mm f/2.8 E Series lens. All the reviews I read online seemed to indicate that it was a real bargain compared to more expensive glass, and that the performance itself was very comparable. Can't say for any of the other lenses in the series though, my other lenses are Ai or AiS.