Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

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Fantastic venerable ultra wide angle lens for low light photography, such as night sky, astrophotography, star trails, light painting, Milky Way, and more. The remarkable aspect of this lens is how sharp the image is in the corners even wide open at f/2.8, something that most other lens cannot achieve. This lens deserves all the accolades it gets, it is this good. Canon users frequently use an adapter to be able to use this lens, so its not off-limits to our Canon photography brothers and sisters. The obvious drawbacks are there - heavy, does not accept screw-in filters, and expensive. But it is a great lens and deserves five stars. And for those who like to shoot photos when the sun is out, you too will not be disappointed. For landscapes, it still kinda rules, and as a bonus, builds muscle if you take it hiking. Undoubtedly, you are agonizing between alternatives for less coin and this lens, as many might. Quality alternatives might include the new Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 or the Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED, but I have no experience with these, but have seen good work done with these (and I see a lot of night sky photography, as I am an Admin for two long exposure photography groups on Facebook). I previously tried the considerably more inexpensive Tokina 16-28 f/2.8, which is a good, solid lens for about a third of the price, but cannot compare to this lens, as it is considerably softer in the corners until at least f/4. Regardless, the 14-24mm f/2.8 is the gold standard for any ultra wide angle lens for night sky photography.

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As a real estate and architectural photographer, I literally make a living with the use of wide-angle lenses. And, the 14-24 is up there as the finest wide angle zoom lens Ive used, with only the Zeiss 15mm Distagon prime being on par with the 14-24. Picture quality is outstanding. There is minor barrel distortion when used at the 14mm end, and minor vignetting when used wide open at 2.8. However, the barrel distortion quickly dissipates as you zoom in some...and vignetting is gone by f/4. Corner to corner, the images are extremely crisp (as opposed to its little brother, the 16-35mm lens, which is horrible at the wide end) throughout the entire zoom range. There is very minor light falloff to the corners at the wider end when also used at 2.8, but its hardly noticeable to all but the most strict pixel peepers. Color distribution and contrast is well managed...I have never noticed significant color fringing (chromatic aberration) at any f stop, even in wide dynamic range environments. And, this lens does a remarkable job handling scenes with wide dynamic range in general...for landscape photographers, thats an extremely important trait, as this lens renders bright horizons/skies with darker foregrounds extremely well. In these situations, the image isnt oversaturated with colors that are harsh to look at. Instead, it tries very hard to render the image how you want to see it. Its rare that I have to do much desaturation of an image with this lens. Its somewhat heavy, but easily hand-holdable if you so choose. For a comparison, physically its sort of a little version of the 200mm f/2. Its a bit bulky, but not long, so the camera doesnt suffer from significant (and annoying) front-tippage. As a result, its nice and balanced when used on a tripod. The biggest drawback to this lens is its inability to hold a filter in the traditional, screw-on way. Instead you have to opt for an aftermarket filter holder like the Lee SW150, which is a contraption that mounts to the front of the lens, making it possible to hold 6" X 6" filters. The Lee filter is not cheap, so if you intend to use this lens with filters, be prepared to invest a lot more than just the cost of the lens up front. That said, using this lens with the SW150 proves to be easy, and very rewarding. This lens absolutely shines for long exposure photography in landscapes and waterscapes. Ive shot many a waterfall, rivers, beaches, and farmland in long exposure with the SW150 and neutral density filters, and it all works to perfection, consistently and accurately. On the 14mm ultra-wide angle end of this lens, the depth of the image literally pulls the viewer into the scene, a beautiful trait for landscape shots. On the longer end, the distortion levels out and you get an outstanding, wide-normal perspective that is exceptionally well balanced from corner to corner. Autofocus is quick and practically silent...you can hardly tell its working, which is the highest praise I can give an autofocus mechanism. Manually focusing is simple and enjoyable. The focus ring turns smoothly and affords the photographer the ability to precisely nail the focus point, without any "drift" of the ring after you release your grip. The focus ring stays firmly in place if you re-compose after focusing. The construction of the lens is top notch. It feels as if its hewn from a magnificent chunk of composite granite. Its solid and rugged...easily able to survive a clumsy drop or two, and holds up just fine in poor weather condition. To sum it all up, you will never find a better wide angle zoom lens on the market, anywhere. If you can afford it, dont even think about it...just buy it. You will have no regrets.

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This silly little thing defies physics, warps space, and projects light in pandimensional ways. It makes you weep everytime you pull the cap off. It weighs as much as the land rover you use to transport it. When this lens enters the room, all other lenses genuflect. God doesnt have eyeballs. He has two of these things.

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Just got it today and its fabulous! It opens up new ways to shoot wide! Update; this lens is the best lens Ive ever owned. Shooting wide at14 mm opens up new looks on my photos. And its sharp with rectilinear lines all the way through just like everyone says. Its pretty heavy but not cumbersome like the 70 to 200 mm. The build quality is great like everyone says, theres not much original that I can say except that it is a superlative lens and if I were starting over again I would start with this wide angle lens rather than the 24 to 70 mm, then I would go to the 24 to 70 and the 70 to 200 mm but I went 24 to 70 mm then onto the 70 to 200 mm. I just think this wide lens is much more versatile than the other two in the unique look you can achieve photographically and I absolutely love it for portraiture. Im not a professional just an avid enthusiast. The 70 24 mm and 70 to 200 mm take fine portraits as everyone knows but the 14 to 24 mm takes different portraits and they look unusual but nice in a different way that cant be achieved with the other two lenses. Being able to photograph my grandchildren up close and getting expansive backgrounds, I like it and it looks different, more dramatic or comical. Its this kind of flexibility that makes this lens special or at least one of the attributes that make it so special. It is expensive but I dont regret buying it.

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I have only had this a couple of months but Im loving learning the ins and outs of ultra wide photography. This review is brief because I can only echo what everyone else here has said: this lens is terrific. Even though I knew this lens was heavy, Im used to carrying a heavy lens (my 85mm F1.4). But this lens feels a lot heavier. I sure notice it when Im hoisting it around. I had used the 20mm F1.8 (I rented it for a week) and that lens was almost as good and it was far far lighter. It also took filters. But I still decided to buy this because compared to the 20mm F1.8: 1) this lens has much better construction 2) I wanted to be able to go wider than 20mm (mission accomplished!)

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I would give it a 4.5 star rating, but I cant, so there. Only some minor problems that I have had, so far with the lens. 1: The lens cap is a POC piece of plastic that can fall off rather easily. Its only held on by FRICTION - doh. Also, its so big, that its hard to keep somewhere safe / handy. You really do want it handy, as its not a good idea to trudge around landscapes w/o it on. Mine is beat to hell from it falling off and rolling down hills, etc. 2: The Zoom and Focus rings are normally nice and stiff, and have a good feel to them. Unfortunately, in cold weather, I was getting some wonky noises and some actual zoom creep, [the zoom going from 14mm to 16mm] when doing some time lapse photography. That being said, the glass is definately sweeeeet, and is deservedly part of the holy trinity!

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As most everyone has already stated, this is one awesome lens! I bought this 4 years ago at $1550 and look what it costs now!!! Man, Im glad I got it then. This is already a classic and the images are superb. Would I buy it again? Yes! But theres one thing you should know... this thing can give you serious shoulder pain. Because the lens is so good we have routinely left it on the camera and carried it around with us as weve vacationed or been out and about. Well, its heavy, and when its pulling down on one side of your body for an extending period of time you have the potential of shoulder injury. My wife and I have BOTH experienced EXTENDED periods of shoulder pain because we loved this lens too much! Buy the lens, but be careful!

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I have been using Nikon products for well over 40 years and, although I would call myself only an accomplished amateur photographer, I know what makes a good lens. Of course I grew up in the days of film cameras and Nikon Photomic FTN I think it was, using prime lenses and thought, in those days, they were the only way to go and they were. But now the optics and lenses have improved to the point that the prime lens is really unnecessary for any but perhaps the most discerning professional. I have always wanted myself to be the rate limiting step in what I do and enjoy and this lens makes better photographs than I can make, so when the photos are not what I want, I have no one to blame but myself. This lens is a workhorse, built to stand up to the most demanding situations and yet is easy to carry and a snap to use. I have had mine for several years now and would not go anywhere without it. For landscapes it is a jewel. With an incredible depth of field one can have the most delicate wild flower sharply in focus with the majesty of lake and mountain, all in magnificent detail. The world is ones canvas and this lens is the brush. It is almost impossible not to make a beautiful photograph with stunning clarity and detail. I have found no focal length that does not function above the level of my expectation. I have always also enjoyed using wide angle photography to make the subject, when photographing people, a part of their environment and this lens does that exceptionally well. I find when I travel I can take this lens and my Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5 and cover everything I need. Of course I have other lenses that I love, but when space and weight are critical, these two lenses cover all the needs. The built in lens Of course I cannot personally compare it to other manufacturers, particularly Canon, since I have never used their products. But I have used many many of Nikons products over the years and many Nikkor lenses. For good reliable performance in a rock solid line of precision built equipment, one cannot go wrong with this lens. Happily mine is made in Japan and I believe they still are. I would never skimp on the lens when buying photographic equipment since this is what is really between the subject and the CCD. This is what makes all the difference, so is it worth the money? Yes, every last cent. I highly recommend this lens, it is everything it should be and more.

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OMG. This is one of my favorite lenses...ever! Im just sad that I waited so long to purchase it. Its fast, wide and oh so clear. I have a few purchases for which I have no regrets. This is one!

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Purchased based on others reviews and their opinions that this was sharper than similar prime lenses. Recently processed a few hundred photos from a choral event here in Denver (for which I am the company photographer) and the results are stunning. I use the high end 2.8 70-200 VR, and the 2.8 17-55, and now have this gem to complete the kit. Colors are extraordinary, as is the sharpness of the image...and the depth that I can get into focus (hyperfocus) is something that I just cant get with other lenses as easily -- and is key with performers spread across the stage. So, youll have to decide about the cost. This is a great example however of the maxim that it always makes sense to invest in glass. Camera bodies are rapidly improving -- glass like this is a lifetime investment. Hope this is useful to you.

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