Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

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I have to admit, even though this lens received glowing reviews across the board, I had butterflies in my stomach considering a lens that after tax and shipping would be over ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS. I mean, thats a heck of a lot of money for one lens! Could it really be worth it? I had just purchased a Nikon D700, replacing my old D80, and had found limitations with the DX format (chiefly low-light situations that required fast shutter speeds with no flash - read: indoor sports.) My experience with non-Nikon brand lenses was underwhelming. They did the job, but there was always "something" about them that didnt perform as well as the Nikon lenses I had purchased. Slow focus, loss of sharpness at edges, etc. Since my main mid-range lens was not a Nikon, and DX, I desperately needed an FX replacement. This is the only mid-range FX zoom lens that Nikon makes where the maximum aperture remains constant throughout its range (Im not a fan of zoom lenses that have variable maximum apertures.) The bottom line is if I wanted a full-frame mid-range Nikon with constant max aperture, this is the only choice. I ponied up the dough, and I must say I am impressed. The images this lens produces are amazing, and the performance consistently reminds me that this lens costs as much as it does for a reason. Its construction is incredibly solid, and the zoom ring is very smooth as its adjusted. Focus is super fast and is almost inaudible (great for wedding photos or any other event where noisy focus would be a distraction.) Under low light conditions and wide open this lens grabs images that my previous mid-range would easily fumble. The only reason I ranked the accessories at 3 stars is for a lens this expensive Id at least expect the case it comes with to be a bit more protective. The top and bottom of the lens is held in place with open-cell foam, which is the same kind of foam just about any product ships with. Granted the open cell foam is a bit denser and is flexible, unlike styrofoam, but still. I would have expected at least dense closed-cell foam wrapped in some sort of material and stitched into the case. The foam blocks the lens is shipped inside the case with looks and feels like theyre throw-away. I think most people at this level will wind up buying or already own a camera bag for bodies, lenses, and accessories, so this is kind of a moot point. In closing, this lens is really your only choice for a Nikon full-frame mid-range constant maximum aperture zoom lens at the time that this review is being written. I think at this price its a fairly painful purchase, but if you want quality its worth it.

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I bought the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens at the same time I bought the Nikon D600 back in September and even though I have other professional-grade lenses, this thing stays on my camera most of the time. The images are that good!! It is difficult to describe in words the difference in image quality between a DX-format camera with an $800 lens and the D600 (FX-format camera) with a $2000 lens. You really just have to experience it to appreciate it. Everything just looks better than real life. The combo of the D600 with this lens just removes any hesitation at all in printing large prints from virtually ANY photo taken with this combination. Focus is fast & accurate & quiet -- it is a work-horse lens. And it feels like it. It is heavier than my old Nikon 18-200mm lens that I was accustomed to for everyday use, but it feels great in the hands. Ultimately, though, the images are just so good that you will not regret making the investment. I now have a new appreciation for the higher-quality (and more expensive) lenses and have already begun subsequent investment in other lenses as I work on completing my tool-kit.

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Despite all the highest ratings for this lens, I held off buying until I ordered/received my Nikon D800, knowing that this lens easily outperforms my previous Nikon FX-compatible DLSR bodies (D300s and D7000). It was worth the wait, together with the D800, this lens produces exceptional pictures with outstanding sharpness and color depths that I never thought possible: 1) Better sharpness and color tones than my current inventory of FX lenses used on my D800 (even slightly better my Prime 50 mm F/1.4G at the same focal length). I have the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro on order and cant wait to see how this will compare with that single-focal-length lens (by the way, DXO Mark gives the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro the best scores of all Nikon lenses). 2) Matched calibration with my D800: Using focus tests (Nikon UK publishes a simple focus test setup, but you can also buy a test setup for this as well), I found that my factory default auto-focus setup is spot-on with this lens at wide, middle and long focal lengths. Summary: Exceptional lens; likely the only lens I carry for most occasions.

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This is the milk and potatoes Ive been looking for as a photographer. I shoot boxing and this lens is a must have. Great for cutting down on flairing when you have to shoot into the lights, beautiful color, fast focus and definitely sharpe. The most versatile lens in my bag. Also, the most expensive but its worth it.

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Construction quality: Although Ive read that the lens a all metal it doesnt feel like it. It feels very well together and Im pretty sure its hard as hell, but touching the barrel seems like plastic instead of metal. I have the 80-200 AF-D and thats a lens that feels like a tank. The lens has a little bit of zoom creep so try using the hood always. Ive hit the hood a couple of times now so I would have hit the lens if it wasnt in place. The hood is attached to the body of the lens instead of the zoom itself so it doesnt move. Ease of use: Autofocus is perfect to say the least. Taking pictures of my 2 years old running on a park at any focal length, even wide open, made his eyes always sharp and in focus. The only problem that I see is that the zoom ring is close to the camera and it feels awkward when using it horizontally, with the D90 and the battery grip; you hand will hit grip that way. It doesnt bother but simply noticing means that its a little bit out of place. You can focus really close with lens so thats a plus. Picture quality: Colors are vibrant and its very contrasty (it doesnt look washout with shooting RAW for instance). Flare is almost non existent. Sharp all over the place even wide open; its difficult to tell the difference between 2.8 and 5.6 for instance (except for the DOF). Bokeh is very pleasant considering its zoom range. Heavy: Im used to the 80-200 2.8 AF-D lens and I was surprised when I first lifted the lens. Is not as heavy as they say. Its very comfortable to handle this lens, with a D90 and its battery grip. Conclusions: I fully recommend this lens and I see myself shooting with it 95% of the time. Its wide, but not too wide, and has zoom, but not extreme, which translates in a good performer for everyday use (specially indoors). Its superior Autofocus system makes pictures always sharp and color rendition makes photos pop without too much tinkering in post-processing.

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Excellent images, but it is a heavy lens. Being heavy used to not bother me, but when covering events, I usually have this lens, plus a body and a telephoto with body. Now that I am older, the weight of 2 body and heavy lens, plus backpack, is now causing me back-pain. The lens easily paid for itself, in art shows and doing family portraits

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I was a bit skeptical about all the positive reviews of this lens, after owning it for a month and using it frequently, I would have to agree with all the positive reviews of this lens. Yes, its heavy in comparison to prime and consumer lenses, but this is light compared to 70-200 or 80-200/2.8. Construction is very good, AF-S focusing is quick and quiet, zoom is pretty smooth (definitely dont have issues here), and lens hood is heavy duty and included with the lens. Takes sharp and contrasty photos with my D700, though I have other lenses covered by the focal lenth of this lens, I use the 24-70mm unless I need a faster lens. Few things I didnt know about before purchasing this lens. 1) Lens will cause shadows with onboard D700 flash with hood (24-33mm with hood off) which will require me to buy an external flash (which I planned to do), very minor vignetting at 24mm wide open aperture (I notice it but not to the point where I would edit out), will focus very close (est 12-14") for almost macro territory, bokeh is surprisingly good, I dont feel the need for uv filter with the hood in place, lens is water resistant (similar to D700) and liking that I can shoot outdoors w/o having to worry about water getting into optics or electronics. Some may say its a bit expensive for mid-range zoom, but it is money very well spent (at least for me). Im glad that I could enjoy this lens now, than having to wish that I had this lens some five years from now. VR would be nice but unnecessary as D700 takes great photos at ISO 6400, the only way to make this lens better is to wish for a f1.4 version.

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I own many Nikon mount lenses, from several makers, including the predecessor to this lens, the 28-70 AF-S. The 28-70 AF-S is an excellent lens, but is prone to flare badly at times. When the 24-70 AF-S was announced, I was hesitant to buy one, because I wasnt unhappy with the 28-70 AF-S and I didnt see how theyd improve this mid-range zoom. After the 24-70 AF-S had been out a while and glowing user reports were piling up, I decided to buy one to see for myself, how well it performed. I am impressed. The lens is sharp wide open, from 24mm to 70mm and stopping down to f/4 to f/5.6 brings incredible sharpness. Ive yet to notice flare, which is a very welcome improvement to me. The AF-S motor is very fast and accurate on my d300 and d700 bodies. The extra 4mm on the wide end that it has over the 28-70 AF-S, seems like a small thing, but in practice, is another welcome feature of this lens. In short, this lens is one of the best that Ive used. Operation is smooth and fast, and the images it produces are excellent, with good contrast, color and sharpness. 5 stars for this one. Im very pleased with my purchase. It makes a great companion to the 70-200vr or my 105 f/2 DC when shooting events or candid PJ style portraits.

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I use this lens on a Nikon D800. I have been using this lens for the last 4 years. Its my go to lens for 3/4 and full length fashion photos The lens is very fast and very sharp. It has very little chromatic aberrations, and what little it has is easy to fix in post. There is a new version of this lens that has VR, but honestly, I have never missed VR on this lens. I travel from city to city shooting fashion images. This is one of 3 lenses I always have with me. Its well worth the money. Highly recommend.

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As a wedding photographer, having this lens is a must. I know that some people preferred to shoot with primes since it has a better depth of field and you can open the aperture wider than this lens to allow more light to shoot on a low light situation. Well let me tell you this. I used this lens mainly for the ceremony itself, cocktail hours, reception and some of the formal group shots. It is 70% of the time sticking in front of my camera delivering sharp images (though it has barrel distortion at times but that can be fixed using lightroom lens correction) It is that good. The other 30% split between tiltshift 45mm, 50mm f1.8 and 85mm f1.8, 60mm macro. This lens has comparable sharpness to 24 prime, 35mm prime and 50 prime. Im comparing sharpness not depth of field. I would love to get that 24mm prime but no budget for it at the moment. Buy this lens you wouldnt regret it. It is built like a tank and it delivers. It is truly a photo journalist lens. Note: i did noticed slight unsmoothing moment between 24-50mm when i change the zoom. I know lots of poeple that have this problem. It doesnt change the image quality though.

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