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

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Introduction

Updated August 17, 2008.

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: $1,469.95 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.
• 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 problem, I just don't like it.
• DOF/IR markings. At least provide us with a IR mark.

Verdict

All in all this is an excellent 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 24-70mm 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. IR performance on the D1X is outstanding.

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Price: $1,469.95 USD

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 Price From: $469.95 USD

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

Sigma AF 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG. Price: $379.00 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from January 20, 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.