bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

I currently am using a Nikon D7200 and I love it. I have a lens that I am less than thrilled with though. It is a NFS NIKKOR 24-85 1:3.5-4.5G. The problem is that it doesn't focus smoothly manually. It is jerky as I twist the focus ring. Sometimes I like to zoom the focus during the exposure to create an interesting effect. I can't do that with this lens because it is not smooth. I would like some suggestions for a lens to replace this lens. I can't afford a top notch lens but I can afford a middle of the road lens, as long as it is sharp. I am open to good used lenses. Any ideas are welcome. Also ideas on where I can find a good used lens.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Actually you can I think.

Try a MF 35-70 F3.5 AIS.

bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

What is MF?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I've been happy with my 16-85. If you'd like a bit more reach you might like the 18-140 which scores well in sharpness tests.

Beowulf Loc: Aquidneck Island, RI

manual focus

bleirer

I'm a canon shooter but on some of my older lenses I have to switch to manual focus to do that. My newer lenses allow it even if autofocus is turned on. So are you using the MF setting?

CO

I have two of the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lenses. I like that it has one-half the distortion (barrel and pincushion) of Nikon's superzoom lenses. It also has a better build quality than the 16-80mm f/2.8-4 that replaced it. Some camera stores may still have new ones in stock, otherwise some used in excellent condition can be found.

The 18-140mm is also a great lens. It's sharp but has more distortion than the 16-85mm.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Unless you are aiming for the look of a bowl of oatmeal, try zooming with the focal length ring instead of the focus ring.

bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

I use autofocus. It is the same jerky zoom whether autofocus is on or off. It does focus just fine. It's just the zoom that is the problem.

bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

There is only one zoom ring on this lens. One ring for the focus and one for the zoom.

bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

Thanks. I will check those out. 16 to 85 sounds about perfect for an every day walking around lens.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

bobburk3 I have and use the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens (Nikon F Mount) on my D7200s
This is a native DX optic that surpasses anything the Nikon offers in the "Classic 24-70mm range" it is an epic lens for Weddings and other events... It's fast 2.8 aperture is to be love... and it has fabulous VR (Sigma calls this Optical Stabilization i.e. OS)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/689623-REG/Sigma_583306_17_50mm_F2_8_EX_DC.html.

Since I shoot weddings and events I have two copies as well as two D7200s...
btw, bobburk3 Nikon refuses to provide DX "Professional" level optics... They seem to want to drive serious photographers in the Full Frame camp... Sigma has filled the void left by same.
The closes Nikon comes in stellar DX glass is their epic AF-S 35mm f/1.8 which I also have... it is exceptional, you would be well served with this fast 35mm DX Nikkor...

Food for thought... Your D7200 has an option for Auto fine tune which I used on my AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G Nikkor (also it is an "Full Frame" optic thus not optimized for your D7200). You'll likely do much better with third party crop sensor glass for Nikon's DX bodies in my humble estimation.

Hope this helps...
All the best on your journey bobburk3

User ID

You might enjoy a similar zoom range on an Ai-s lens that focuses super smoothly. Won’t cost much, so no big deal if you own it only for your special effect.

If you choose that path, you don’t need the cheapest supplier cuz there isn’t that much to be saved on an inexpensive item.

If it were my own project I’d shop on this forum and at KEH. Shouldn’t take very long to find something suitable. Two good oldies that I’m familiar with are the 28-50 and 35-70 Nikkors.
______________________________
———————————————————

BTW, other than being unsuitable for your special effect, have you been otherwise happy with the 24-85 ? In normal use I’ve never noticed the MF being objectionable. I engage the MF more than most folks, cuz I’ve also adapted the lens onto Sonys.

User ID

If it’s streaking that you want, listen to Leitz for a better effect. OTOH if softening or a halo effect is what you are after, just ignore his “oatmeal” warning.

Consider the difference cuz if you actually want streaks, you might not need a new lens ... just use the other control ring.

User ID

So how’s the focus spinning on those lenses ? Free and easy and smooth ?