Vault Loc: Gig Harbor, WA and Yuma, AZ

Good evening fellow Hoggers; I have just received a Nikon 24-85 2.8-4 AF-D lens. I have taken about 50 shots on my D600 and D7100 and think it is a brilliant peice of glass. My eyes have never been the best but compared to other lenses I have this is very nice. The DX 35 1.8 and FX 50 1.8 D are faster and my go to lenes but for a mid zoom I love it. Any comments?

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flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

I upgraded from my 28-70 AF-D to the latest version of this lens, the AF-S 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 VR because I wanted something a little wider at the short end. I haven't used it a lot as yet, but find the pics I've taken with it to be pretty good.

In his review for the version I bought Ken Rockwell says the original AF-D version that you have was never really very sharp. Maybe he looked at a bad copy...don't know.

If you are happy with it, that's all that counts.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I also have a Nikon 24-85 f3.5-4.5 VR, AF-S lens that I use with my D600. It is a practical and sharp lens capable of excellent results.
I am not familiar with the f2.8 version but as has already been mentioned if you are happy with it that is all that counts.

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

I also use the 24-85 vr with my d810 and d700. Love it. Light weight, good range . Its focus is almost a constant f4. Very sharp and good enough for everyone except top end pixel pipers. The best attribute is it is cheap. I think it out performs the 24-120 f4.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

While I do not have that lens right now I did have it and used it for years. It was my go to and always have on the camera lens for me, on my Nikon D800. The sharpness was incredible and the light weight made it one to always be used to carrying. I think you will find many here who use that lens a lot and love it. Congratulations on the new lens. Waiting for some excellent photos from you.

Dennis

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Mostly, you just need to keep shooting with the lens and see how it works for you. I have lenses that work just fine for me that many here will certify are worthless. I could name a lens that I think is mediocrely made, disappointing in performance, and terribly overpriced (even used) that others love and feel is one of the best lenses ever made.

alphonso49uk

I had that lens...very sharp and pretty cheap....why pay more for something not much better

yorkiebyte Loc: Scottsdale, AZ/Bandon by the Sea, OR

My copy of said lens (AF-D) was NOT sharp - and the barrel and pincushion distortion were more than any other lens I have ever owned. I gave it a few years of trying my best with it and finally got rid of it.

JMEx.

lyja17 Loc: hawaii

I gave up on it as the zoom was not smooth. It was a major factor in my moving to Fuji XT system.

RVAshooter Loc: Richmond, VA

Yes, the older 24-85 2.8-4 AF-D is certainly sharper than the (similar era) first version of 24-120 and probably the second version of the 24-120 (red VR) as well. There's probably more distortion in the 24-85 than your two prime lenses, but it's great to have the flexibility of the zoom and the distortion is reduced in post processing. I have used all three of the older zooms and I always thought the 24-85 was better.

However, now I use the AF-S VR ED 24-85 3.5-4.5 and the newest AF-S VR 24-120/4 on a D3X and an 800e. The AF-S VR versions are much improved over the old lenses, with the AF-S 24-85 ED VR being a bit sharper than the AF-S ED VR 24-120 despite not having the coveted gold band.

Chicago312 Loc: Western suburb, Chicago

I have one myself. It was my first AF lens when I started shooting digital (D200). The zoom ring is a little stickier and the lens extension section wiggles back and forth. But it still functions perfectly well in my opinion. I really like the macro capabilities as well.

I also bought an AF-S 24-120 f4G because it was touted to be a sharper, better lens, etc. It’s a great all-around travel lens. I use both lenses about equally. Not sure which lens is sharper or “better”, but I don’t pixel-peep and look for imperfections in my gear. I’m more interested in what my gear can do for me.

I’m switching to the mirrorless Z mount. The 24-120 autofocuses on my Z6, but the 24-85 is manual focus. It doesn’t bother me as the focus ring is quite short. I love the 24-85 due to the lower weight, smaller form factor and macro option. It works wonderfully for photos and video work.

I’m planning to sell off the 24-120 soon, but will keep the 24-85. If it ever breaks down completely, I’d consider buying another one.

Enjoy your lens.