bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

I have a Nikon D7200 which I love. One of the lenses that I have is a Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 24-85 1:3.5-4.5 G. It is an ok lens but not as sharp as I would like. I would like to replace it with a comparable zoom that is sharper. I know price determines the quality and I am trying not to break the bank in this terrible inflationary time so I would like some recommendations. Used is OK and does not have to be Nikon brand. Suggestions?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I have a Nikkor 16-85mm which I've always been pleased with.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Can you post and store some examples? Is it a lens issue, a technique issue, or an expectations issue? Unedited JPEG examples might help to clarify, possibly saving you money and / or pointing you toward a good selection of options.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I use a Nikkor 16-80 f/2.8-4 on my D7200. It was the kit lens on my D500. It's quite sharp and good used ones aren't terribly expensive, and being a Nikkor lens, it is 100% compatible with Nikon bodies, no reverse engineering, just solid Nikkor performance.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Lots of folks like the 16-80mm f/2.8-4. I felt like it was too mediocre and too expensive, and in my area (Dallas), used ones have sold for almost as much as new ones. To me, $500-600 is a much more reasonable price than $1100 for that lens.

I've used a Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 for close to 15 years as my primary lens on every Nikon DX camera, starting with my D200. It's an old design, but is a very good lens and was still in production very recently. The drawback is that it is pretty heavy.

My current DX "utility" lens is a Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 that I ordered from NikonUSA during a recent refurbished sale for less than $500. It is the full frame equivalent of the 16-80, but seems to me to be a much better lens. Nice used ones are readily available for about $450. It may not be as wide as what you prefer, but for me, it works great. I took it as my only DX lens on a week-long trip last week with railroad shooting outings, and it was perfect.

The 16-80 is the most direct replacement, but you will need to decide what focal lenght range will serve you best if you wish to consider one of the other options. There are a number of third party lenses that might work for you, but I cannot speak to those. Best wishes as you look, and as you decide.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 Contemporary .......Please READ the user reviews - https://www.ebay.com/itm/354119812699?epid=141784946&hash=item52732f865b:g:GDAAAOSwHWFisTHz#rwid
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If youre hoping to do better than that lens yet keep to a tight budget, then abandon all hope and get on with life.

Its a really excellent FF lens and youre not even using the edges. That doesnt even allow you wiggle room to blame sample to sample variation.

Acoarst if you happen to *need* f:2.8 then just buy one. Otherwise forget it.

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Consider the sources.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I am a source - as I have one and recommend it .....

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Ok, here is a simple suggestion, the updated lens. 24-85 AF-S,G 3.5-4.5 VR. MTF curves are significantly better than the one you wish to replace. I use one as my walk around lens on a D850, replacing a 24-120 f4. I'm quite persnickety about sharpness, more so than nearly all of the UHH universe. My conclusion is that it just works really well. By the way I picked up my copy used for $125; you should be able to find them under $200.

bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

Thank you so much for the detailed info you sent.

bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

Aren't you suggesting the same lens I have (as stated in my original question)?

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

It depends. Nikon has produced at least 3 different versions of the 24-85 over the past 22 years. The one the poster is suggesting is the VR (vibration reduction) version which is the latest.

Since you didn't list VR in the title of your current lens he assumed you had the previous version produced from 2002-2006.

I also have the VR version and it is quite nice. I picked up an excellent condition copy on eBay for $200.

I use mine on a Nikon D610 (full frame).

Jim Bianco

I have the same lens it is the sharpest mid range zoom lens that I came across,I use it on my d610. I just lend it to my friend that's going on an Africa safari trip he rented a nikon D 850.

photon-collector Loc: Tampa Bay Area, Florida

Generally, the sharpest lenses are those with limited zoom range....prime lenses being the best examples. For me, the Nikkor 24-70, the 70-200, and the 200-500 make a wonderful trifecta. Add the Nikkor 105 macro and you have a very desirable ensemble. These lenses are FF, built ruggedly, and deliver superb image quality.