Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S G ED Lens Review

The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is the lens that I never seem to have off my camera and for good reason, this is the single most important lens in a photographers kit bag. I purchased mine from Amazon but I would also recommend Calumet, Simply Electronics, Jessops or Digital Rev.

Sensor Type: Both DX and FX Sensors	Filter Size: 77mm
Aperture Range: f/2.8 - f/22	Construction: 15 elements in 11 groups
Autofocus: Yes	Minimum Focus Distance: 1.2ft
Angle of View:34°-84° (FX) and 22°-61° (DX)	Weight: 900g

Introduction

As I write this, this lens is on my camera. In fact, whenever I go on any photo shoot, this lens is in my bag. This is my most used lens and I don't think there is anything at all that I can fault with this lens, it is that good.

Build Quality and Handling

This lens is rock solid. I've heard stories of professional photographers dropping this lens and it still being fully functional. Touch wood, I have never dropped mine but I have thumped it off things when my camera is hanging over my shoulder on its strap and there are no marks to show.

When zooming the front of this lens will move in and out although when using the supplied hood, you won't see this. This lens fits any 77mm filters and I use it with a Cokin holder and filter kit. Note that using a filter kit on this lens will produce serious edge darkening but if you zoom in to 28mm it disappears.

Zooming with this lens is very smooth and precise which makes it a joy to use. It also balances exceptionally well in the hand when coupled with a pro body. it features the standard A/M and M switches on the side.

When I first purchased this lens, I used it with my Nikon D80 and I wasn't too impressed with the focal range if I'm honest as it was reaching more at the telephoto end but once I put it on a full frame sensor, it became the perfect lens as my workhorse. The wide angle aspect was then opened up with the larger FX sensor in play and it became perfect for my uses.

Optics and Performance

The Nikon 24-70mm is a solid performer. Check out my sample shots for examples. Being one of Nikon's newer normal zooms, it is reported as Nikon's sharpest general use lenses.

When shooting at the wide angle end, there is a small bit of distortion noticed but this is easy to correct in Lightroom and is barely noticeable unless you really are scrutinising. Wide open at f/2.8 there is also a little vignetting but it is only when testing for vignetting that this is really noticed, when shooting normally and you'll be very hard pushed to pick up on it.

After a few general shots with this lens on an FX sensor, I was sold on it. I love the breathtaking sharpness and I knew this would be the lens that would become my workhorse in photography.

Uses

This lens will generally be on my camera most of the time. I have shot almost an entire wedding with this camera as well as product, landscape, action and interior scenes.

If you have purchased a full frame camera, then this a lens that will serve you well and often find itself being used for may purposes due to its versatility and great results. If you only had enough money for one FX lens, it would be this if your budget can stretch to it.

This blog is written by Paul Nimmo, a freelance web designer and photographer based in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire.

You can find out more about my design & photography services by clicking here.