chemdoc Loc: West Coast

Hi everyone,

Last May I purchased the 14-24 F/2.8 lens and tested it with my D750 and found the sharpness to be excellent from edge to edge as one would expect. Recently I have become concerned that it is not as sharp at the sides of the frame and was interested in getting opinions form those of you who use this lens. I am attaching a variety of images which are the best I have for comparison. I am just looking for honest assessments as to whether my concerns are warranted. The first two images are from a wall I like to use to check sharpness since it has a lot of detail. Yes, I know that the distance was not quite the same 8 months later and the light is different but it is the best I have at the moment. The more recent image was taken right after I had my D750 cleaned at Nikon last month. When I zoom in to 100% the pipe on the left side of the frame seems fuzzy in the newer image.

A few days ago I was taking some pictures in the Sierras and when I examined the images there was a decided lack of sharpness on the sides. I am attaching the original image along with crops from the left and right. The trees toward the center seem much sharper than those at the sides, even though the distance was about the same. The image was taken at 14mm F/8 and 1/1600.

I look forward to any constructive assessments of my images and whether you feel that there is an issue or not. I should mention that all of the images were taken on a tripod with a 2 sec delay. Thanks.

Phil

14mm F/8 Feb 2017

(Download)

14mm F/8 June 2016

(Download)

14mm F/8 1/1600

(Download)

Right side crop

(Download)

Left side crop

(Download)

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I understand the issue given the $1,900 mainstream retail cost of the lens. I was unable to discern any noticeable sharpness difference, but my eyes are old. Are you focusing manually? Using a tripod/monopod? Perhaps you should arrange to send it to Nikon for the most precise adjustment.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

It is unrealistic to expect valid comparisons to be made from an assortment of images. Unless something is very grossly out of whack...

Get a good test chart, hang it on a wall, light it well, and use a timer with the camera on a tripod. That might (not necessarily) be something that can be compared! The next best thing is a newspaper with fine print, but relatively all you can do with that is compare two different lenses by making images from each, one after the other.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I don't see it, at least on the download. I was able to resolve the security camera on the upright beam on the far left, enough to see its a PTZ camera, and the left looks sharp as well.
There is some chromatic aberration present at extreme magnification in LR, but nothing to get into a twist about.

In fact, it will be awesome desktop wallpaper for a dual monitor system.

Carlo Loc: Maryland, NW.Chesapeake Bay

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

The 14-24 is good at the edges but not as good as it is in the center. In looking at these images, it's hard to say for sure. I kind of expect more sharpness on the left side than what I'm seeing, but without a direct comparison to another copy of the lens it's tough to say for sure. If you have any doubts, I would just send it in to Nikon - it should still be under warranty - and see what they say.

chemdoc Loc: West Coast

Thanks for the opinions everyone. I can't be certain either and wanted to get some other eyes on it. It is still under warranty and sending it in for a check seems to be the best solution.

Phil

cthahn

You need to have better equipment than what you have to determine the specifications of your lenses.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Edge fall off is inherent in all wide angle lenses and especially zooms regardless the brand. The closest lens I've seen tested for edge sharpness are the Zeiss primes in the 14 to 18 range but even they have a slight fall off and then you are talking about a 3000.00 prime lens.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I wouldn't complain about these. Zooming in and then magnifying even more is not how people view photographs. Do some more test shots using a tripod. If you don't like the sharpness, post another thread about focus adjustments for camera and lens. I use the much less expensive Tokina 16-28mm lens ($700) on my D750.

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Welcome and enjoy