Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF AF

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Non-AFS for TC compatibility Cost (for a non-pro lens

Have used this lens as my "normal" and find it very useful. I think that early production problems must have been eliminated from my sample and this seems confirmed on other reviews I've read on other sites.

This is a fast focusing lens (esp. for non-afs). While it is fairly large at 72mm, I've found that it is very, very sharp wide open. I don't shoot many shots where straignt lines are important so I can't speak to that issue. But as a "normal" lens it is a real winner. On my D70, its a 35 2.8 which is very useful indoors. When paired with the SB800 the indoor shots are nicely illuminated, outside the fill flash is great. Nice range with the 1.5 digital factor, though I wish it was a little wider.

Biggest surprize: the Micro/Macro setting is a real tool. This lens is not only sharp in the Micro/Macro setting, the lens will autofocus right up to several inches from the element. It works and works well. This is the main reason I got this lens over the G version.

I compared the sharpness of this lens with my 300 f4, and find it similar. If you are looking for a fasting focusing, fairly wide range, sharp lens with the ability to take reasonable closeups, I would recommend this lens. Currently has a $50 rebate I think (03/16/05).

It's a bit bulky, the focus ring can be touchy. I've heard problems of bad lenses, though I couldn't be happier with mine.

I love this lens. It's a great all around lens for general use. It's quite sharp and fast. I've used it for a variety of shots and it seems to hold up really nicely under most circumstances. I would highly recommend this lens to anyone needing a great all around zoom.

It's the only lens I have on my d100 at the moment, and I don't feel constrained by it.

1. Size is generous but it is not heavy 2. Finish is "plasticy" (but looks fine with D100) 3. Varible F stop (would rather have a constant f/2.8)

I bought this lens for my D100 at almost the same time as the camera. My focal length preference for 35mm film is a 35mm modest wide angle. My standard lens for my N90s is the 35-70mm f/2.8 and I wanted to come close to that coverage on the D100. I needed a 24-50 mm lens to give me that same coverage on the D100. I also make heavy use of wide apertures so f/2.8 was important. I did not feel I would be happy with the newer but slower G version (although the lack of the aperture ring on the G lens was not an issue). I did not need a longer telephoto end to the lens (the 85mm translates to about a 125mm coverage with the dSLR 1.5 cropping factor). I have used the lens extensively and am very happy with the results. There can be distortion at the wide end, as usual not a real factor for many pictures but noticable in others. The selective use of the image field by the D100 probably lessens the issue. This appears to be a popular lens for dSLR's. It was a bit hard to find in stock and was not "rebated". I rated it as "great" for use with a dSLR. I do not think I would have bought it however for a film SLR as I was (and am) very happy with the 35-70 f/2.8 (which really is a better lens) for 35mm film. All in all It was about the only offering Nikon had (has) that would fit my needs for the D100.

Lot of distortion. Low resolution wide open - medium at f/8. A bit too heavy and big. Scary looking with the hood on.

This lens will make You happy if You stick to the postcard sized pictures. The resolution is poor for my taste and I'm seriously thinking about replacing it with the new 24-120 AFS-VR Zoom, which I'm hoping will be on par with the much higher regarded 28-105/3.5-4 zoom or the 24-85/3.5-4 AFS zoom. This lens is only good for snapshots. I don't know wether it's a production or a design problem. It is not a popular lens, despite its qualities. People want sharp pictures and this one is not delivering.