ELNikkor

Since you have a crop sensor camera, why not look into crop-sensor lenses? They are lighter and less expensive.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

imagemeister the OP has a Nikon NOT a Sony camera... I like others on this thread I really could care less about your Sony mount beast... It's no longer even relevant to Sigma's current Sony marketing efforts... They have changed their marketing paradigm for Sony.

Case in point: Sigma has just announced it new new Sigma 18-55mm f/2.8 DC DN lens
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1667228-REG/sigma_18_50mm_f_2_8_dg_dn.html

Sigma is moving away from heavy "Pro" grade glass for Sony since the Lion's share of Sony users are now focused primarily on Video... Sony is a leader in video kit... Sony user's are likely only interested in Light weight, Silent AF, Parfocal, ease at which it can "Pull" focus... limited focus breathing etc. (this list goes on and on for video attributes)

Please don't hyjack threads for your personal edification imagemeister
Stay on point and speak to the OP's request for a lens for his D7200.

Besides you're a day late and totally off base... Sigma isn't pushing it's Art Series for Sony anymore.
As an aside, Sigma isn't even making their new Sigma 18-55mm f/2.8 DC DN lens available in either the Nikon or Canon mounts!

Smart Move Sigma... Perhaps they see which way the market is going...

All the best on your journey imagemeister

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

Try going to KenRockwell.com, do a review of all Nikon lenses he recommends, In buying a used lens, MPB.com or KEH.com

keywest305 Loc: Baltimore Md.

My 24-85 afs VR lens is super sharp on my D3s and D850...nice lens

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

Thomas is right...the Sigma is a superior lens...my go to on my D7xxx when I had them and then my D500. I preferred this setup to my 24-120 on full frame camera when I had it. Perhaps I didn't do enough homework but I listed my copy for $275. Apparently a sweet deal as it is in a 9+ condition. I am original owner, have box etc. Kim

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Whoa, take your EGO and Settle down there Mr Thomas ! YOU are the one who is OFF BASE - this thread is ALL about the Sigma 24-105mm - THAT is what the OP is asking about - I just happen to relate my experience with one on my Sony........Had your meds yet today ????
.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Take a look here for comparisons.
https://versus.com/en/nikon-af-zoom-nikkor-24-85mm-f-2-8-4d-if-vs-sigma-24-105mm-f4-dg-os-hsm-a

https://www.google.com/search?q=Nikkor+24-85+vs+Sigma+24-105&oq=Nikkor+24-85+vs+Sigma+24-105&aqs=edge..69i57j0i10i22i30j0i22i30.3181j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

Before you buy a new lens, photograph the same subject handheld and again on a tripod using a 2-second timer. If both images are not sharp it is likely a lens problem. If the tripod image is sharp, it isn't a lens problem and you will have the same problem with any new lens.

Photomac Loc: The Dalles, Or

I have the Tameron 24-105 f4 Artistic lens shooting on the Nikon 810/850. It is very sharp. It is heavy, but I feel well worth the extra effort. Just say'n its my sharpest of my Nikon stable.

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

I have the Sigma 24-105 Art lens and purchased it years ago for my D750. It takes excellent photos on the D750. With the VR I can routinely take interior shots without flash as long as the light is reasonable so the VR works very well. Though I have a D7100 & D500 I have never tried it on those cameras. I sold all my DX lenses a few years ago and now use the DX cameras for wildlife only. At age 77 the VR has become more important to me and though I had an outstanding Sigma 24-35 Art lens it did not have VR and even on a wide angle lens handheld it as not steady enough for me. Yes, at 31.2 oz it is on the heavier side but it feels great on the D750 and still takes great photos. MPB has become a good source for me for used equipment, Roberts is also very good. Good luck!

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

Thomas;
Outdoor venue, and checking the EXIF for the shoot, my shutter speeds were from 1/180 sec., with the majority being in the 1/350-1/500 sec. range. When I receive the 24-120, I'll do some tests, and if not satisfied, return it. Never had the problem before, but I will persevere and overcome! Thanks for your input.

k2edm Loc: FN32AD

the differance between what you have and what you are thinking about "up grading" to is really very slight. my (FREE) advise to you is: "do nothing" ,, we all do like to buy our equipment (and ourselves) new toys though ..Ed

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Thomas--I always enjoy the shots you post and your comments.

PicsGuy

I also have a Nikon 24-85 and noticed that it was not sharp across the image. The center was sharp but got less so as you moved toward the edge. I now use a Nikon 24 - 120 and I love it. Yes, it's bigger and heavier, but it is sharp.
Both those lenses are designed for full frame cameras, and you said you were using it on a D7200, which is an
APS-C. They will certainly work, but they will crop differently.

awesome14 Loc: UK

I highly doubt the problem is the lens, unless it is defective. It's difficult to tell the difference between top-end lenses in this focal length simply by examining the images. I could scarcely notice any definite, materially significant differences in sharpness between the sigma and nikkor 24-85 compacts.
So, I would ask, do other lenses you own produce better results in terms of sharpness? Or do they all leave something to be desired?
I can shoot macro with a Nikkor 300 f4 P such that inside an insects mouth is clearly visible it's prey, in perfectly sharp imagery. But, I need 50-100 frames to get a good one. Autofocus does not always work, either. Sometimes it is visible in the finder, so you can tweak it. Other times it is not.

Camera shake is the most likely culprit. It's kind of like buying a new set of clubs to improve your golf game. Most people are willing to invest money. But you can't buy skill. You have to experiment, take mental notes, shed bad habits. I have noticed the best photos are the ones that require the greatest skill and planning.

If you examine photos by anyone offering paid courses in photography, you won't see what is behind them, an incredible amount of work! I usually plan 1/2 day for the simplest projects. I make sure I've got what I want before I pack up. That's the attitude you need: you are going to get the shots you want, no matter what!

No more, shucks, I didn't get what I wanted. But you need to be your own harshest critic. No one else will. When I began years ago, I wanted to shoot photos like a pro! And, in objectively viewing my work, I discovered how to do it. Then, I became a pro for a while. But once you start earning a living, it isn't fun anymore. It's work. And it's hard work!

So, I hope some of this helps. I have faith in you.