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

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Introduction

The Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G 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 one 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’ (61° - 22°50’ with DX-format camera)

Minimum focus distance: 0.38 m/1.2 ft. (with focal length 35-50 mm)

Filter Size: 77mm

Lens Hood: HB-40

Included accessories: HB-40 Bayonet Hood, CL-M3 Semi-soft Case

Size: Approx, 3.3 in x 5.2 in (83 x 133mm)

Weight: Approx. 31.7 oz.(900 g)

Diaphragm: 9 rounded blades

Price: $ 1699.95 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

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. The exception is the extruding front.
• Weather sealing.
• Lock on lens hood.
• Fixed rear element

Drawbacks

• Vignetting @ 24mm f/2.8
• G-type aperture.
• Extension on the front element while zooming. Not really a problem, I just don't like it.
• DOF/IR markings. At least provide us with a IR mark.

Verdict

All in all this is a excellent lens. The vignetting @ 24mm is disappointing tough. Other then that this is a winner. The lens shows great sharpness and contrast, and may well be the standard to compare mid range zoom lenses from now on. The New 24-70mm is usable beyond f/16, something you usually don't see in new lenses. The performance on f/22 is not to bad either, 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 could be seen at high contrast tough.. 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.

Alternatives

Nikon AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF. From $: Discontinued

Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR From $489.95 USD

Tokina AF 28-70mm f/2.8D From $: Discontinued

Sigma AF 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG. From $329.00 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from February 26, 2008.

Sample Shots

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