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For Nikon AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR Nikkor, 109 customer reviews collected from 1 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 4.6.

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17.3.2008

This is the most beautiful lens I've ever owned. It doesn't have any exciting features like macro limiting or Vibration Reduction - it just takes achingly crisp, superb photographs and focuses virtually instantly, with almost no measurable distortion for most of its range and very little chromatic aberration.This is a lens with two applications, depending on what camera you put it on.On a DX camera, such as a D2X or D300, it offers the ideal range for portraits and groups, which is the equivalent of 36-105 on traditional film.On a film or FX camera (currently only the D3), it offers the key normal working ranges (equivalent of 16-47 on DX) which are most used by most photographers. In that sense,it has slightly less range than the DX 17-55 workhorse. More importantly, it syncs exactly with the 70-200 VR and the new 14-24 lenses, to give the D3 user a range from ultra-wide to long telephoto in three lenses. At 24 on the widest end, it is wider than Nikon's previous wide offerings in this type of lens. Traditionally, 28 was the classic wide-angle lens, and 24 is moving towards the ultra-zoom range. For many users, this lens goes as wide as is ever necessary, since wider than 24 the apparent perspective distortion begins to be extreme.There is some barrel distortion at 24mm, but this is largely gone by 28mm. This can be easily corrected in Photoshop in the few applications where it is a problem. The limited amount of chromatic aberration in this range is automatically corrected in the D300 and the D3. On older cameras, this is can be easily fixed in Nikon Capture or Photoshop.So far, this sounds like a full-frame equivalent of the DX 17-55 workhorse, with slightly less range at the long end. The 17-55 is a beautiful lens, but this lens is a step better in image quality. Some of this is doubtless down to improved learning in lens design, but at least part of it is a result of Nikon's new N nano-coating, which means that there are virtually no internal reflections, and therefore almost no ghosting and no flare -- and an improvement in acutance in almost all situations.Who should buy this lens? Essentially, every D3 owner. This lens is so perfect, and so useful, that investing in a D3 without investing in this lens is a false economy. Of course, if one of the attractions of the D3 is rendering your investment in Nikon lenses, and you already have a 28-70, then you might want to think twice, but if you don't own a premium lens in this range, you really should think about this one.This is a superb lens for portraits on the DX format, but is probably not such a bargain, given that the wide-end is not especially useful for portraits, and the 35-70 can be had quite cheaply second hand. However, if you own both FX and DX cameras, this is a lens which will serve you in both formats.Written text cannot do justice to this lens. Handle a camera with one fitted, and you will start working out reasons why you need to buy one.Incidentally, this lens comes with a good case -- which you probably won't use very much, since, once you've put it on the camera, there are not many situations where you will want to take it off. Except, of course, to put on the 70-200 or 14-24 -- and, when you do, you can pop this lens in their cases.
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19.4.2010

Only four stars you ask? Why?This is a fantastic lens, and I bought one willingly for use on a D300, with the intention as so many do of moving on to FX when Nikon announces a suitable D700 upgrade or replacement. Its a good range for FX, and a good short telephoto range for DX, and with many of my photographs being in the (FX) 50 - 100mm range the 36-105 coverage on DX is about right for me. Initial results were astonishing, and I can wholeheartedly recommend this lens optically and performance-wise. The '3D' effect that many talk of is there, and some of the portraits shot with this lens are unreal in their quality.The problem is simple. This lens,for an amateur (even an advanced one like me who has had some work published and been paid for it) is that it is just too heavy for regular, amateur use. Like many, much of my photography time is based around life-events, such as children, holidays, trips etc, and this is NOT the lens to tote on the front of a big camera for occasions such as these. My son (who at 1 is just getting to be really aware) was almost petrified of this lens when it is fully complete with hood etc. It is very, very imposing, big, and heavy. For pro use, or for wedding photographers etc, this is a perfect, built like a tank, choice. After all, a bad back is just an occupational hazard!So, it comes down to choice. I returned this lens, and purchased instead an older Af-D 24-85 f2.8/4 instead, which so far has been fantastic. The older design of the 24/85 should not put any FX user, or potential user off, and once again, the coverage of 36 - 127 suits me on DX. Optically it is not in the same league (it is half the price) but for 90% of what I'll use it for it is fine, sharp, and fast enough. I also have in my arsenal a 50 1.4 G-AFS (Awesome, and not far off the 24-70 for portrait characteristics) and an older 85 1.8 D, again a great portrait/low-light lens. I don't therefore think I'll miss the 24-70.I really wish Nikon could somehow magically produce the same stellar optical performance in a smaller package than the 24-70, or alternatively build a consumer/semi-pro grade version with a lighter weight/build quality for non daily users. I'd certainly queue up for that.So, 4 stars is really unfair of me on a superb product, it would get 5 stars if it were two inches shorter and 300 grammes lighter.
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19.8.2009

When considering which pro spec Nikon zoom lens to buy first, and especially if you shoot FX, the 24-70 f2.8 should be top of your list - that is unless you shoot a lot of portraits (in which case the 70-200mm f2.8 VR should be first, though at the time of writing the VR II is already announced) or landscapes (in which case, the 14-24mm f2.8 or 17-35mm f2.8).If you're a generalist photographer like me, you really can't make do without a mid-range zoom lens which has just about enough width on one end for group shots, architecture and landscape, and enough reach on the other for the odd ad-hoc portrait (assuming you are on FX - on DX,portraiture will win out over landscape).The thing which is just so incredible about this lens is its sharpness and image quality. If you've been used to using consumer grade lenses like the 18-200mm f3.5-5.6, there is a very tangible difference when making the transition to a lens like this. Shots just have so much clarity that they look 3 dimensional when printed, almost popping off the paper. Distortion is virtually non-existent. It has to be seen to be believed.If there is any criticism at all, it's that they might have considered adding VR. But do you really need it on this lens? Well, maybe at the long end on a DX body it might help in low light situations. On an FX body, there really is no need. You have all the ISO power you need to crank up the shutter speed anyway, and the lack of VR keeps its weight and overall size to manageable proportions, not to mention its cost. It's already a fairly hefty critter, and people will definitely notice you when you start to swing it into action with its sizeable hood attached, but you soon start to appreciate its reassuring weight and solidity. There's a lot of glass and metal in this thing, after all.It features Nikon's recent introduction of nano crystal coating too, which massively reduces flare and ghosting. This might sound like a marketing gimmick, but believe me, it really does work well when you're working in challenging light conditions.If you need a great walkaround lens, or shoot weddings, then this is the very item for you. It will not be bettered for a very long time to come.
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18.4.2015

Having purchased the Nikon D810 camera body I decided that I needed to upgrade my lenses. The first on the list was this 24-70mm lens to fill in a gap. I prefer to purchase prime lenses for the image quality but I was persuaded by a friend that this lens was almost as good as the Nikon 24mm prime. I read the lab reviews and decided to go with it.The lens comes well packaged with a quality case. The build quality looks really robust and I have not noticed any of the problems that a few others have commented upon. The lens moves through the zoom like silk and the focus is very rapid and almost silent. The interior looks as clean as a whistle and I cannot find any faults at all with the build.It also has a weatherproof seal, which will be handy for coastal shots.I took the lens out on a photo shoot to see what it could do at all main zoom settings. I found that there was a slight bulge of the image at 24mm but it was not really noticeable until I asked Lightroom to correct distortion. Once click and it was gone. The other settings had hardly any distortion at all. I then checked the focus of the images in the corners and right across the frame. I am delighted to say that it is absolutely sharp. So sharp in fact that people who were not apparent at first glance on the image due to distance were found to show details of clothing and hair style when I zoomed into the image and found them. I tend to compare focus with the Sigma 105mm macro lens that it frighteningly sharp. To be honest there isn't much difference between the two. Okay the Sigma macro lens has the slight edge but I doubt that I will be buying the Nikon 24mm landscape prime lens having purchased this zoom. The 24mm prime lens is said to be the sharpest lens Nikon have ever made.Overall I am delighted with it. The only downside is the weight and the price. If you are not too concerned about either then this is a superb lens that you will not regret buying. The range of the zoom is very versatile and I can see it being used more than any of my other lenses.
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19.5.2009

I'm only going to touch on the things I think useful from my experiences, as there are plenty of reviews elsewhere covering every other aspect:Build quality: In a nutshell; first class. The lens is solid metal throughout, with sealed rubber focusing and zoom rings. The front of the lens DOES extend, at 50mm it is its shortest (look at the amazon photo) and it extends furthest at 24mm and just slightly at 70mm, the zooming has no effect on the weather sealing apparently, so it must be a rubber sealed mechanism. I have never experienced problems. There's also a rubber seal around the mount which again adds further water and dust protection.To note: the zoom ring should be SMOOTH with NO play whatsoever,if there is even the slightest grinding, or slip between settings, take it back, I experienced both with my first copy and when I replaced it, the second one was perfect, so don't accept less.Features: The SWM (silent wave motor) is excellent and focuses faster than I thought possible, it jumps in straight away and there is a manual focus ring with permanent over ride, so you can always be in control if you want to. The internal lens coatings really do the job well and you need to be doing something really crazy to see any ghosts (I know how that sounds)Image quality: The lens is sharp at 2.8 all over the frame, even the edges, if it isn't and you are sure it isn't your technique, then take it back. Really at this price, don't settle for less! When stopped down to 5.6 this lens is at its sharpest throughout and on DX or FX it is magnificent.Conclusion: It's great, expensive, but great. Once you get it, you will feel at the top, like you don't ever need a better lens in this category. I don't know anyone who owns it and says 'I wish I saved some money and got a cheaper third party lens' but I do know people with the third party lenses wishing they had mine. And if that doesn't say it all, what possibly can?
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13.8.2013

if you have in your possession a high end DX or a full frame (fx) camera then this lense is a must have item. OK it costs in the region of £1250 but at the end of the day this is a lense has been designed for the pro's but at the same time allowing us mere mortal keen amateures to experience picture quality that we may not see otherwise.I won't bore you with all the technical details of the lense as i'm sure you would look this up for yourself, so all i will say is, I bought this lense to go on my D800, this being full frame i get the maximum benifits from the lense. (but pictures are just as good with DX bodies). when you pick the lense up it quite simply oozes quality,both the other two rings for manual focusing and focal lengh adjustment are smooth and free from any backlash and with no VR function focusing is super fast and as for the quality of the photo;s they are frighteningly good, clear and very sharp (drag some up on net and check them out), this is a serious lense designed to capture your subject at it's best and this is why i use this as my everyday lense, in fact it very rarely comes off the camera.INITIAL DOWNSIDEthe lense is quite heavy at around 900gr and makes the camera feel very heavy to lug around but after about a month you won't notice it.MY CONCLUSIONdon't hesitate and buy it, you'll soon forget about your lightened bank balance when you see the quality of your pictures.
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5.4.2010

There was clearly a build quality issue with the 24-70mm zoom ring when this lens first came out. It frequently either arrived with or developed a 'grinding' noise in the range 24-35mm according to numerous blogs and discussion groups. Reports over Nikon's willingness to rectify the problem varied. I had mine 18 months before the fault developed and I wasn't the only one to suffer. All that said, I had the lens serviced (out of warranty at my expense) and have had no problems since. Looking around on line, reports of the original zoom 'grinding' problem seem to have died out, so my guess is that if there was a QC problem Nikon solved it. If you've been considering buying this standard pro piece of kit,it's really a matter of whether you can afford it, because it delivers pro standards or they wouldn't buy them. The optical quality delivers accordingly and will massively outstrip a cheaper consumer range zoom. It's an age since I had my 18-200mm Nikon DX and in retrospect that lens was a dog in so many ways. This kit sticks to the art of the optically sensible and is an order of magnitude better; hardly a fair comparison as they're not in the same sport, let alone league. In the wake of the original snags, after a coupe of years of reliability and great results, I'd now give it 4 stars.
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24.9.2012

Bought this Beast (as they are called) a few months ago, as part of my plan to move to FX, although I was still using a D90 which is DX. I already had a couple of FX primes and thought this would be a brilliant addition to the FX glass set. Spent countless days contemplating about this expensive glass (I am still an enthusiast, haven't really started making any revenue from the hobby) and even considered the third party alternatives which are much cheaper. Finally decided to take the plunge after selling my DX glasses and I must admit that this is the best lens (Nikon or third party) that I have used so far.Shots are amazingly sharp and auto focusing is lightning fast.Colour reproduction miles better than even the prime lenses that I have used. Those who say VR is missing on this lens should try it first, who needs VR when you have an ultra fast lens and a pair of steady hands! It is well worth the money, solid like a brick and it is the one I keep on my camera almost 90% of the time these days. I wasn't too sure about it's use on a DX body initially (turns 35-105mm equivalent on DX), but if it suits the focal range that you shoot (like I do) the most, then get one if you can afford. You'll love it.
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2.3.2008

This is a great lens, for both 35mm Film and Digital SLRs, supporting both regular DX sensors and the D3's FX format sensor. The quality is everything you would expect from a top make Pro spec lens, as is the build quality and feel. Auto-Focusing is very quick, and sharp through out the range. The only slight disapointments for me are;1. The lack of a manual apature setting ring, it is all done electronicaly from the camera body, so this lens is restricted to cameras that support this. (I am 'old school', and will miss this)2. Manual focusing at distances greater than 3-5m can be a bit fiddly in low light, as almost all of the focus ring travel is used below this distance.This is only a slight niggle as the Auto mode is very good.I would strongly recomend this lens to any Nikon digital user who is looking for top quality results and as an investment in the future, especialy with the arrival of the FX digital sensor.1 year on:Now I'm a little less 'old school' the negative points mentioned last year seem much less important. This lens is still totaly brilliant. A years regular use and abuse and it is still sharp, crisp and smooth.
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9.10.2015

Beautiful lens, very versatile and has been my walk-around lens for a few years now as well as my main lens for shooting events. I have two small gripes with it: First, there tends to be a slight bit of colour fringing (chromatic aberration) at wide apertures, but that's going to be familiar to anyone using this lens. Many cameras will automatically correct for this anyway, and I've set up my own correction preset in Photoshop's RAW image importer so it's not a big deal.The second is a bit more of a deal though - the lens seems to suffer from quite a lot of flare and ghosting. It's not anything that has stopped me using it,but it does mean I have to be very careful when I'm framing shots - even candles in a dark room can create ghost flames if you're not careful. I've seen it in other lenses but not to this extent. Comparing it to my other f2.8 lens (105mm prime), there's a big difference with respect to the number of reflections, flares and ghosted lights that you see.As I said, it hasn't stopped me using it as my main lens for years, you just have to be a bit more careful with it than some other lenses.
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11.7.2010

I bought this lens with a D700 last November along with a Hoya Pro1 77mm UV. Most importantly, the optical performance wide open at all focal lengths is excellent with very low levels of chromatic aberrations. I can fit a Hoya HD circular polariser onto the UV without vignetting. Flare is also low, helped partly by the somewhat large & deep bayonet hood.The build quality is first rate but the zoom ring does stiffen slightly around 35mm. I can confirm that the sealing is good as this lens & camera got covered in snow last January. Being a G series lens, there is no aperture ring, reducing the compatibility with older Nikon bodies.If this lens had image stabilisation, it would have 5 stars.This is not a small or light lens being quite a bit longer & heavier than Canon's 24-105mm f4 but is better optically. The balance on my D700 isn't bad but would probably be better on a D3 or D700 with the additional battery pack. I wouldn't expect Nikon to replace this lens with a VR model anytime soon.
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11.1.2014

For a long time now I've wanted a lens that covers a great range of focal lengths. I spent an age trundling through countless amounts of various focal lengths and lenses trying to find the best one for me, and here it is. Although expensive compared to some Nikkor lenses of greater focal lengths, the image quality you will receive is far better.It's a beautiful piece of kit to work with and I recommend it to anyone that wants one lens that they can put on their camera and not have to worry about carrying a mass of kit with you, swapping lenses and also - the less you swap lenses, the less risk of dust getting into your lens and camera.Focusing is quick and precise with both manual and auto focusing.Vibration Reduction (VR) is available, although helpful in high speed situations, sometimes the VR can be problematic as it can slightly alter the composition of your images, but only by a fraction or two, so not much to worry about there. The lens itself feels good quality and durable.
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27.11.2012

4 stars for the lens, none for the supplier.I have just received my lens, but to my suprise it was in a plain white box and had no European warranty slip (not 100% sure if its supposed to??). What I didn't notice when I placed the order was that it was "fulfilled" by Amazon on behalf of Silver Star Cameras.Now having dug into this a bit more it appears that Silver Star Cameras are purchasing camera kits, splitting them then selling off the camera and lens seperately (for full price) Now I don't really know if this is legal of not, but it is definately borderline and I'm suprised Amazon allow it (if they do). Not only does the lens look a bit dodgy in its plain white box,but as I've seen elsewhere if you buy the camera you receive a camera with camera box showing that it should have a lens in it! Not so good if you bought it as a gift....I think mine will go back and I'll get a "proper" Nikon direct from Amazon, especially as it was not discounted in any way.
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10.9.2016

Kit lenses are often thought of as cheapish compromises. Bought separately from a camera body, they certainly aren't cheap and in terms of usability, not much of a compromise either.I've used this lens quite extensively, simply to see how good it is. On the whole, I'm very satisfied. Optical quality is excellent within the extremes and I can't complain about it at the 24 and 85mm ends. The lens handles well - the zoom ring is very smooth and without too much travel needed. There is some extension of the front element, but with internal focusing, the element doesn't rotate with focus. If you're using filters, this is important. Even for a small range lens, VR is included to give that extra optical stability in lower light.Okay,it doesn't compete with the wide aperture primes or the fixed aperture zooms, but nor does it cost anywhere near as much. For a general purpose short sweep zoom, it gives you a good shooting flexibility and quality experience.
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1.6.2017

This is the full frame FX lens every Nikon photographer raves about. Nearly every review tells of how this lens out-performs the f2.8 version which is about 3 or 4 times more expensive. It sharpness through the f-stop range is brilliant. It as VR, vibration reduction, which even works if you're using your DSLR to shoot video. I've never seen any of my hand-held video look so sharp or steady. I love this lens. I did not love the plastic sun hood, which I broke upon first use. I rarely use the sun hoods. I'd also say the thread on the front for screwing on filters and holding the lens cap isn't as deep (Not as many turns) as other lenses, so I knock the lens cap off far too quickly when out in the field.I still love this lens, though. I still give it five stars. The price is brilliant. The quality of the photographs are fantastic and it even works for video. Buy it. Be happy. Photograph other happy people. Save money.
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