Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED-IF Review

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Updated August 17, 2008.

The Nikon AF-S 24-70 f/2.8 G ED-IF is another of the new Nikkor lenses. This replaces the AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8. New features include: new and improved weather sealing, Nano crystal coating, a fixed rear element, lock on hood, and of course the extended reach on the wide side. The old 28-70mm f/2.8 was considered one of Nikons better zoom lenses, lets se how the new Nikon 24-70 2.8 performs.

Specifications

Positives

• Sharpness, good sharpness even in the corners at f/2.8.
• Build quality. The build quality is exceptional, and typical for Nikon's Pro Grade lenses.
• Weather sealing.
• Lock on lens hood.
• Fixed rear element.

Drawbacks

• G-type aperture. Not a big problem, really depends on how old cameras you have laying around.
• Extension on the front element while zooming. Not really a big problem, I just don't like it.
• No DOF/IR markings. At least provide us with a IR mark.

Verdict

All in all this is an amazing lens. The lens shows great sharpness and contrast, and may well be the standard to compare mid range zoom lenses from now on. The New 24-70 is usable beyond f/16 on the Nikon D3, something you usually don't see in new lenses. I don't have any problems using this lens on f/22. Although it starts getting soft at f/16 the f/22 performance is still usable in my opinion. CA is well controlled, small traces of it can be seen at high contrast though. With the D3 the CA issue is more or less non-existent. Ghosting and flare is also well controlled. I did take of half a star of the build quality because of the extruding front element. This is not a huge problem, but using the lens without the hood then it does become the weak point of the lens. IR performance on the D1X with Life Pixel is outstanding.

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

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Price: $1,649.95 USD

Alternatives

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

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

Sigma AF 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG. Price: $349.00 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from March 6, 2010

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.