My beloved 16-35mm lens was last seen somewhere in this photo, surrounded by friends and amidst the gear of several photographers at the Utah vs. TCU mens basketball game Saturday afternoon. It’s hard to imagine that someone could have stolen it from under my nose during the game. I’d much rather think that another shooter accidentally shoved it into their bag without realizing it was mine.

But after checking with the shooters at the game, I’m beginning to accept the obvious. It was stolen.

If you stole it, congratulations on stealing an old 16-35mm lens. I’m sure you will enjoy its trademark softness, its poor image quality outside the center of the frame, its horrid lens flare, and its inability to focus sharply on most subjects. If you want the half-smashed lens hood to go with it I could probably find it in the basement.

But seriously, you will enjoy the primo B+W filter that I spent a hundred of my own bucks on.

(Note to detectives: the lens was stolen with no hood and a B+W UV filter. It had a rear cap)

If you stole my lens, you should know you have caused a lot of unnecessary drama for me and my employer. This lens wasn’t the toy of a hobbyist. It was a professional’s tool that helped me to earn a living. It has traveled the country and has seen things that you could only dream of. Screw you.

If anyone has any information about my 16-35mm lens, please contact me. I just want it back, nothing more.

The lens can be returned anonymously to:

Trent Nelson
The Salt Lake Tribune
90 S 400 W #700
SLC, UT 84101