My 14-24 zooms smoothly to about 15mm, then sticks briefly, and with a little more twist snaps to 14mm - as if it is catching on something. Is it usual for the zoom to not be smooth at that point - or am I sending it to Nikon for service?

Mine is smooth all through the range. I would call the service center and ask them what is up with that.

According to lensrentals.com, the 14-24 has a relatively high failure rate ("relatively" being the key term), mainly due to (you guessed it) the zoom ring.

no problem with mine...

Guy

I had a 70-200 do the exact same thing. Sent it in to Nikon, and they replaced the entire zoom mechanism.

It was more buttery smooth than when new.

Send it in, and have it replaced.

Thanks everyone. That's what I thought. Guess it'll go in for service.

It's a very common problem with this lens, unfortunately.

I've seen it happens. I suggest u to send it to service.

never had a problem with mine.... I am having this problem however with my 28-70 and the zoom ring is really tight.

My 24-70 was like this. Fortunately I opened it in the store and tried it. They exchanged it immediately. Send it in.

yup mine is smooth (for now). I would send it in if it starts acting funny. Yours might have something to do with uneven distribution of grease, but it sounds to me the factory just used too tight a tolerance. And not in the zoom ring but in the internal extension of the glasswork.

I'm having this with my 17-55DX.
I have this lens for over 4years now and it still has a tight zoom ring.

I don't want to frighten you but I had this recently with my 17-35/2.8
I send it in and they repaired it (€ 565,00 ouch), luckily my insurance covered it.