Nikon Zoom Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S Review

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January 2007

A big surprise when it was introduced, featuring ED-IF AF-S in a consumer lens, many thought this was just another plastic unusable lens. This lens actually works allot better then what it costs. Giving you sharp images, and featuring 1 ED element, IF and AF-S, for fast focusing.

Specifications

Positives

• Sharp. Gives weary sharp images from f/5.6
• Cheap. Once again you can get good lenses for a reasonable buck.
  
• Features. you get all the bells and whistles on this lens, except VR
  
• Focus. Good AF speed.

Drawbacks

• DOF. No depth of field markings, seems to be standard these days, a bad standard IMO.
  
• G design. No aperture ring
  
• Build. when u zoom to 85mm the extension of the lens wobbles.
  
• Variable aperture. f/3.5-4.5
  
• Zoom and Focus. The zoom and focus ring are reversed on this lens.

Verdict

This lens is highly recommendable, it is a better lens on a FF camera then a DX camera(awkward zoom range on a DX camera). Second hand you probably want to stay clear of this lens. Get one of these lenses new, and you get yourself a cheap but good lens. Only major drawback will be the variable aperture.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikon AF 24-85mm f/2.8-4.0D IF. From: $679.95 USD

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED-IF Price From: $1,649.95 USD

Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR. From: $529.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 21, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.