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

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S


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


Lens Construction: 15 elements in 11 groups (3 ED glass elements, 3 aspherical lenses and one Nano Crystal Coat)
Picture Angle: 84° - 34°20’ (35mm/FX)
61° - 22°50’ (DX)
Minimum focus distance: 0.38 m/1.2 ft. (with focal length 35-50 mm)
Filter Size: 77mm
Lens Hood: B-40
Included accessories: Front lens cap
Rear lens cap LF-1
HB-40 Bayonet Hood
CL-M3 Semi-soft Case
Size: Approx.

3.3 in x 5.2 in (83 x 133mm)

weight: 31.7 oz.(900 g)
Diaphragm: 9 rounded blades
Price from: $1,649.95 USD

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.

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Purchasing items through these links helps me adding more content to this website. The links takes you to B&H's website, which is my recommended store to get equipment from. I've used B&H personally since 2005, and I get all my equipment from them these days(including the lenses used for these reviews). Thanks for your support, Fredrik.

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.

 
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Camera Nikon D3 Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70mm f/2.8
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 70mm
Exposure 1/125sec f/2.8
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70mm 1/125sec f/5.6
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 70mm
Exposure 1/125sec f/5.6
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24mm 1/125sec f/11
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 24mm
Exposure 1/125sec f/11
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 66mm 1/125sec f/2.8
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 66mm
Exposure 1/125sec f/2.8
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 32mm 1/125 sec f/4
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 32mm
Exposure 1/125sec f/4
   
   
Home  
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 52mm, 15sec f/22
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 52mm
Exposure 15sec f/22
   
   
   
Nikon 24-70 mm f/2.8G Review © 2009 Fredrik A. Rasmussen. All rights reserved.