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NIKON 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens - White Box

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 478 ratings

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Purchase options and add-ons

Brand Nikon
Focal Length Description 24-85 millimeters
Lens Type Standard
Compatible Mountings Nikon F (FX)
Camera Lens Description 7

About this item

  • Engineered for Nikon FX-format DSLRs
  • Maximum Angle of View (DX-format): 61°, Minimum Angle of View (DX format): 18°50’, Maximum Angle of View (FX-format): 84°, Minimum Angle of View (FX-format): 28°30’.Focal Length Range : 24 to 85 millimeter, Minimum Focus Distance : 125 feet ( 038 meter)
  • Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
  • 1 Extra low Dispersion (ED) Element. Maximum aperture : f/3.5-4.5. Minimum aperture : f/22-29
  • Silent Wave Motor, Internal Focusing
  • No. of diaphragm blades 7 (rounded diaphragm opening)
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USA MODEL SERIAL #US2072598, FULL 14 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE, FULL 90 DAY PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY.

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NIKON 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens - White Box
NIKON 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens - White Box
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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras - (New)
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Customer Ratings
Auto focus
4.6
4.0
4.7
4.7
4.5
Picture quality
4.5
5.0
4.7
4.5
Sold By
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Global Camera USA
lens type
Standard
Zoom lens
Standard
Wide Angle
Macro
Standard
compatible mountings
Nikon F (FX)
Nikon F
Nikon F
F mount
Nikon 1
Nikon F (DX)
lens design
Zoom
Zoom
Zoom
Zoom
Zoom
Zoom
focus type
Ultrasonic
Auto Focus
Auto Focus
Auto Focus
Auto/Manual, Manual Focus
Auto Focus
minimum focal length
24 millimeters
80 millimeters
24 millimeters
250 millimeters
18 millimeters
max focal length
85 millimeters
400 millimeters
85 millimeters
55 millimeters
105 millimeters
fixed focal length
85 millimeters
400 millimeters
85 millimeters
20 millimeters
55 millimeters
105 millimeters
real angle of view
61 degrees
109 degrees
76 degrees
76 degrees
model name
2204
2208
2204
20067
VR Lens
AF-S DX VR 18-105 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED

Product Description

Product Description

Optical formula optimized for use with Nikon FX-format digital SLRs, provides sharp and high contrast images and HD video from infinity to close up. 36 -127.5mm focal length equivalent when mounted on DX-format D-SLR.

From the Manufacturer


Advanced and versatile FX-format standard zoom with VR II image stabilization.
Covering a versatile wide angle to medium telephoto zoom range, the new AF-S NIKKOR 24–85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR delivers noticeably sharper photos and HD videos thanks to Nikon's second-generation Vibration Reduction technology (VR II). Shoot at shutter speeds up to 4-times slower than would otherwise be possible for greater low-light capability, and enjoy the benefits of Vibration Reduction during HD video recording—even when using a tripod.


Sample Photography

A range of possibilities View larger Razor-sharp, high contrast results View larger Unwavering performance View larger

Features:

Vibration Reduction
A Nikon in-lens technology that improves image stability by automatically compensating for camera shake. Lenses that offer VR will feature the abbreviation VR on the lens barrel.

Nikon Silent Wave Motor
A significant innovation in AF lens technology, Nikon's Silent Wave Motor uses ultrasonic (inaudible) vibrations—rather than a gear system—to focus the lens, providing incredibly smooth, silent and precise autofocus operation.

M/A Focus Mode Switch
When fine manual focusing is needed, simply rotate the lens focus ring—M/A mode allows you to seamlessly override the AF system with virtually no time lag.

AS
AS stands for Aspherical lens elements. This type of lens utilizes non-spherical surfaces on either one or both sides of the glass in order to eliminate certain types of lens aberration.

Super Integrated Coating
Nikon's Super Integrated Coating enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced lens flare.

ED (Extra-Low Dispersion Glass)
An optical glass developed by Nikon that is used with normal optical glass in telephoto lenses to obtain optimum correction of chromatic aberrations.

IF Lens
A NIKKOR lens in which only the internal lens group shifts during focusing. These lenses will be designated with the abbreviation IF on the lens barrel.


How to read the MTF curve chart Lens Construction

Looking for specific info?

What's in the box

  • AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • LC-72 Snap-on Front Lens Cap
  • HB-63 Bayonet Lens Hood
  • LF-4 Rear Lens Cap
  • CL-1118 Semi-soft Lens Case
  • Product information

    Warranty & Support

    Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here. [PDF ]

    Feedback

    NIKON

    NIKON 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens - White Box


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    Product guides and documents

    Customer reviews

    4.5 out of 5 stars
    4.5 out of 5
    478 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the quality, weight and speed of the camera lens. For example, they mention it's an excellent general purpose lens, it takes great sharp shots and that it'll work well for an assortment of cameras. They appreciate the fast autofocus and relatively fast aperture throughout the zoom range. Customers are also impresseded with the focus, size and focal range.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    98 customers mention92 positive6 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the quality of the lens. They mention it's an excellent general purpose lens, works well, and is easy to use. The lens is reasonably sharp, and the VR works well. Some customers are happy with the results and mention it plays well on a cropped sensor camera.

    "...I'd still consider myself an amateur but this lens is working well for an assortment of different pictures both personal and for my small business..." Read more

    "...I also think that it is an excellent choice as a stopgap lens for anyone who broke their bank buying a D800...." Read more

    "...arrived 3 days earlier than expected, and I’m deeply impressed by the physical condition...." Read more

    "...day during this period, using the 24-85mm zoom, and I am completely happy with the results...." Read more

    56 customers mention50 positive6 negative

    Customers like the image quality of the lens. They say that it's optically pretty sharp, and takes great sharp shots. Customers also mention that the glass looks perfect.

    "I’m still experimenting with this lens so have no clear opinion. It seems sharp with fast, quiet auto focus, and not much distortion or vignetting...." Read more

    "Put it on my Nikon D810 high res camera and the pictures are great (of course a lot of it is because of the great camera), but the lens has no..." Read more

    "...I was truly amazed at what I observed. The 2485 is sharp wide open. In the center of the frame, these lenses are neck and neck...." Read more

    "...This is price point is great, and the picture quality is great!Nikon 810 body, taken at ISO1250, 85mm, f/4.5 and 1/100 sec...." Read more

    30 customers mention26 positive4 negative

    Customers like the value of the camera lens. They mention that it's a quality lens without the big price.

    "...third-stop difference isn't significant in my opinion and is well worth the lower price. I'm glad I have the 85mm, an incredible value...." Read more

    "...Pros:1. Great price per quality2. Fast and quiet focus, not super fast focus, but I'm happy with the speed.3...." Read more

    "...a relatively affordable Nikon f/2.8 28-120 mm with VR II, this is great value. Everything else just lacks something:..." Read more

    "Best bang for your buck for one of the sharpest Nikon lenses ever - I use it for a converted IR D850 and wow the black & white shots are amazing - I..." Read more

    29 customers mention24 positive5 negative

    Customers like the weight of the lens. They say it is a great, light walk around lens.

    "...Now, enter the 24-85mm at $600. It weighs comparatively little, and its size (and, unfortunately, feel) are reminiscent more of a cheap DX kit lens..." Read more

    "...4. Relatively light weight in its zoom range. It still weights pretty heavy. 16.4 oz per Nikon specs.Drawbacks:1...." Read more

    "...The weight of the lens is good. It actually feels more balanced than the 85mm 1.8G, though it is slightly heavier...." Read more

    "...It is pretty much what I was looking for, which is a small and light FX lens with a usable focal range and VR...." Read more

    21 customers mention16 positive5 negative

    Customers like the speed of the camera lenses. They mention that it has a relatively fast aperture throughout the zoom range, and the autofocus is fairly fast. The VR works well, and it's perfect for quick photo framing.

    "...It seems sharp with fast, quiet auto focus, and not much distortion or vignetting...." Read more

    "...Pros:1. Great price per quality2. Fast and quiet focus, not super fast focus, but I'm happy with the speed.3...." Read more

    "...Can be hand held with no problem and perfect for quick photo framing." Read more

    "...the 2485 is quite slow. Wide open it is f4.5. However, given the price, I'm not unhappy with this value...." Read more

    19 customers mention16 positive3 negative

    Customers like the focus of the lens. They say it focuses quickly and quietly, is sharp as a tack, and has good autofocus performance. Some customers also mention that the vibration reduction is quick and sure. Overall, most are satisfied with the focus and range of the product.

    "...It seems sharp with fast, quiet auto focus, and not much distortion or vignetting...." Read more

    "...Autofocus is positive, and the vibration reduction seems to be quick and sure too...." Read more

    "...Pros:1. Great price per quality2. Fast and quiet focus, not super fast focus, but I'm happy with the speed.3...." Read more

    "...same level as the Nikon 18-200 DX and the Nikon 10-24 DX and it focuses pretty fast. The zoom feel is pretty stiff...." Read more

    14 customers mention14 positive0 negative

    Customers like the size of the lens. They say it's not too large, it'll fit in a pocket, and it'd be a great lens for the size. Customers also mention that the hood fits well and the VR spec is a benefit. They like that it gives a moderately wide angle to a good portrait length.

    "...reach, the 2485 is half the price, half a pound lighter, and much more compact. So, yes it is special...." Read more

    "...It is pretty much what I was looking for, which is a small and light FX lens with a usable focal range and VR...." Read more

    "...in decent light (which mostly depends on the camera body), light, fairly compact...." Read more

    "This is a very useful lens with some nice features in a compact, light package. Great for a one lens hike or when you don't want change lenses...." Read more

    10 customers mention10 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the focal range of the lens. They mention that it is a nice intermediate zoom, with a usable focal range. Some say that it's a great walk-around zoom for their D810 and that it holds up pretty good.

    "...I'm pleased with this lens. Using a D700, it's good at all focal lengths...." Read more

    "...with my 50mm 1.8D and 85mm 1.8G, and found that the zoom held up pretty good...." Read more

    "...I was looking for, which is a small and light FX lens with a usable focal range and VR...." Read more

    "...His comments were basically, this is the sharpest mid-range zoom...." Read more

    Excellent Choice for a Walk-Around Lens
    4 Stars
    Excellent Choice for a Walk-Around Lens
    When Nikon released this lens, most of the websites called it a nice consumer-grade lens, but a lens that was unsuitable for a D800/D800E. For Nikon since the mid-2000s, FX zoom lenses have been notorious for their compromises. The pro-grade zoom lenses like the 14-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm are huge bulky beasts that weigh a ton, don't easily fit into a compact carrying case, and cost a minor fortune (somewhat north of $2000 each). Lesser lenses like the 16-35mm and 24-120mm are slower--f4 instead of f2.8--, provide noticeably inferior IQ (but still quite good), for about 40% off--still north of $1000--, and are still quite bulky. In many cases it was hard to rationalize stepping down to one of these mid-grade lenses when getting a good-quality used pro-grade alternative could be had for just $500-$600 more.Now, enter the 24-85mm at $600. It weighs comparatively little, and its size (and, unfortunately, feel) are reminiscent more of a cheap DX kit lens than the built-like-a-tank FX zooms Nikon had been releasing. So, is this lens essentially an FX version of the DX kit lenses, or could it actually be something rather special? My answer to both question is, definitely "yes." It is almost certainly slated to be the kit lens for the forthcoming "affordable" D600 FX camera, and "yes" it is indeed special.In this review, I focus on the IQ. Others have covered the feel and ergonomics, so I have little to add to what they have said. Instead I tested this lens against four other lenses: the 14-24mm, the 28mm 1.8G, the 50mm 1.8G, and the 85mm 1.8G. My test camera was the D800E. I took all test shots hand-held. Therefore, if you want a scientifically verifiable test, look to the professional reviewers. I was particularly concerned about how well this lens performed under 35mm because I knew there would be times when I did not want to carry the big hulking 14-24mm with me, but I still wanted wide coverage. If this lens was good enough under 35mm, I could care less if it worked at 50mm or above because I have prime lenses covering that range. Okay on to the review.24mm: The 2485 starts at f3.5. The 1424 is faster starting at f2.8. This is just a 2/3 stop difference, so really no big deal. I was truly amazed at what I observed. The 2485 is sharp wide open. In the center of the frame, these lenses are neck and neck. Many say that the 1424 is weakest at 24mm, so that may explain why the 2485 kept up. Regardless, in the center of the frame there was little difference. In fact the 2485 was sharper in some regions close to the center. The edges were a different story. the 2485 is noticeably softer on the edges. Frankly, you have to get something for spending those pro-level dollars! Another thing I noticed is that the 2485 seemed sharper at distance. I don't think the lens is better, rather I think that I see the VR kicking in eliminating shake that becomes apparent only when magnified by (relatively) great distance. Overall, the 2485 performs nicely at this focal length.28mm: Pretty much the same result as at 24mm. Some important observations: the 2485 wide open is now f3.8 versus the 28mm at f1.8. This is now a much more significant 2 stop difference. This might matter to you. Also, the 28mm has a region of softness part-way to the edge that corresponds to the DX edge. It's not bad, but the 2485 is sharper in this area. So, you must trade edge softness for mid-sensor softness plus slower speed versus a quite fast lens. I don't really need a fast (faster than f2.8) wide angle lens, so the 28mm went back.50mm: Here, the 2485 is really losing ground on the speed frontier. Wide open, it is now f4.2 versus the 50's f1.8. the 2485 is still softer in the corners than the prime, but it is not nearly as noticeable. The 2485 doesn't appear to pick up that much sharpness stopped down. In the center it is just as sharp as the 50mm at f4 and doesn't lose much ground until very close to the edge. At 50mm, the 2485 is quite nice, but it is really too slow to replace the 50mm for all purposes (you will miss the prime shooting inside and in low-light settings).85mm: Here there is still edge softness, but it is not nearly as bad as observed at 28mm (perhaps, the new 28mm is one of Nikon's sharpest edge-to-edge). Center sharpness between the two lenses is comparable. Here, the benefits of VR are readily apparent. Anytime the shutter speed dropped below 1/100sec, the 2485 typically produced sharper results. Therefore, if you are shooting outside with the 85mm prime, you may want to bring along a tripod for the absolute best results. the 2485 is quite slow. Wide open it is f4.5. However, given the price, I'm not unhappy with this value. the 16-35mm and 24-120mm are both constant f4 lenses. This third-stop difference isn't significant in my opinion and is well worth the lower price. I'm glad I have the 85mm, an incredible value. However, I know that if I don't have time to switch lenses, I can be confident to get a very good shot by zooming all the way out with my 2485. Color and contrast are very close between all the tested lenses and the 2485. The 2485 in general had more CA (purple fringing) than the other lenses, but nothing that couldn't be easily corrected in post. The 2485 bokeh (quality of background blur) is--not unexpectedly--weak. I was embarrassed to compare it to any of these lenses. It was especially inferior to the 50 and 85mm primes, which have very good to excellent bokeh.Therefore, the 2485 is in my opinion a keeper. It stacks up well against wide-angle prime lenses and isn't too much slower. Zoomed out, it is competitive for overlapping aperture values and can hold you over until you can afford a prime lens. I wish I had the 24120 to compare it to. I suspect the lenses are rather close. In exchange for 35mm less reach, the 2485 is half the price, half a pound lighter, and much more compact. So, yes it is special. It doesn't get 5 stars because it is a variable speed lens, and it does suffer from edge softness. Moreover, if you are a pro and/or you bang your kit around a bit, I wouldn't have high hopes for this lens' durability. But the 2485 offers very little else to complain about. I recommend it for any non-pro Nikon FX user who occasionally--or frequently--wants to travel light. I also think that it is an excellent choice as a stopgap lens for anyone who broke their bank buying a D800. This lens will serve you quite well until you can afford to purchase high-quality zoom lenses.UPDATE: 7-23 I was a bit concerned about results at 85mm and how much difference VR made at that FL. So, I retested at some of the focal lengths, but this time making sure that I kept shutter speeds high enough (1/300s or better) to eliminate the effects of VR. I also wanted to look at the effects of stopping the aperture down.In general, I am still extremely impressed with the 2485 performance up to 50mm. Except in the corners, it is really hard to distinguish this lens' performance against primes and pro-quality zooms in the 24-30mm range. Moreover, the corners do improve on stopping down. Therefore, if you can shoot at f8 or higher, the uniformity of the results increases significantly. Overall, my impression is that the 2485 seems to be best at almost all FL by stopping down to f8 (I'd need to test more to confirm). Still, it is very good wide open with excellent center resolution at most aperture values.I added my Tamron 70-300mm VC lens to the comparison and tested at 70 and 85mm. The Tamron was clearly better than the 2485 at both FLs. In addition the 85mm prime with high shutter speeds was also noticeably sharper. Therefore, the 2485 is good in the 50-85mm range, but not special. If you want peak IQ performance above 50mm, you need to look elsewhere.Now, for most, these differences are only noticeable at high magnification (100% or higher; the D800E looks good up to 300%!). For non-pixel-peepers at normal viewing size (printed or full screen on a 27" monitor) some corner softness is about the only noticeable difference between these lenses, and most of that softness disappears on stopping down to f8 or higher. Therefore, for a walk-around, I still find this lens useful. However, for critical shots when I want to get the best IQ at short-tele fL in good light, I will switch to the 85mm.UPDATE: Mid-Oct Most of the professional review sites have now tested this lens. Their results tend to agree with mine except that they--with one exception--do not observe the strong performance at wide FLs that I did. I suspect that most review sites, in order to be scientific, use test charts and at relatively short distances. My tests were done at about 10-50 meters. Lenses do perform differently at different distances. E.g., the 14-24mm is known to be relatively weak at 24mm when focused to infinity. I suspect that this is part of the reason that the 24-85mm performed better in my test at 24mm. My test results seem to be confirmed by the camera laboratory test (abbreviate laboratory with lab). They are one of the few sites that test lenses at far distance. They concluded that the 24-85mm is as good or better than the 24-120mm at infinity depending on the FL. Thus, for landscape shooting, the 24-85mm may be a secret gem. However, if you plan to shoot interiors--or you really dislike soft corners/edges--, you may be better off using primes or a more expensive zoom.
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    Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2012
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    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Choice for a Walk-Around Lens
    Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2012
    When Nikon released this lens, most of the websites called it a nice consumer-grade lens, but a lens that was unsuitable for a D800/D800E. For Nikon since the mid-2000s, FX zoom lenses have been notorious for their compromises. The pro-grade zoom lenses like the 14-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm are huge bulky beasts that weigh a ton, don't easily fit into a compact carrying case, and cost a minor fortune (somewhat north of $2000 each). Lesser lenses like the 16-35mm and 24-120mm are slower--f4 instead of f2.8--, provide noticeably inferior IQ (but still quite good), for about 40% off--still north of $1000--, and are still quite bulky. In many cases it was hard to rationalize stepping down to one of these mid-grade lenses when getting a good-quality used pro-grade alternative could be had for just $500-$600 more.

    Now, enter the 24-85mm at $600. It weighs comparatively little, and its size (and, unfortunately, feel) are reminiscent more of a cheap DX kit lens than the built-like-a-tank FX zooms Nikon had been releasing. So, is this lens essentially an FX version of the DX kit lenses, or could it actually be something rather special? My answer to both question is, definitely "yes." It is almost certainly slated to be the kit lens for the forthcoming "affordable" D600 FX camera, and "yes" it is indeed special.

    In this review, I focus on the IQ. Others have covered the feel and ergonomics, so I have little to add to what they have said. Instead I tested this lens against four other lenses: the 14-24mm, the 28mm 1.8G, the 50mm 1.8G, and the 85mm 1.8G. My test camera was the D800E. I took all test shots hand-held. Therefore, if you want a scientifically verifiable test, look to the professional reviewers. I was particularly concerned about how well this lens performed under 35mm because I knew there would be times when I did not want to carry the big hulking 14-24mm with me, but I still wanted wide coverage. If this lens was good enough under 35mm, I could care less if it worked at 50mm or above because I have prime lenses covering that range. Okay on to the review.

    24mm: The 2485 starts at f3.5. The 1424 is faster starting at f2.8. This is just a 2/3 stop difference, so really no big deal. I was truly amazed at what I observed. The 2485 is sharp wide open. In the center of the frame, these lenses are neck and neck. Many say that the 1424 is weakest at 24mm, so that may explain why the 2485 kept up. Regardless, in the center of the frame there was little difference. In fact the 2485 was sharper in some regions close to the center. The edges were a different story. the 2485 is noticeably softer on the edges. Frankly, you have to get something for spending those pro-level dollars! Another thing I noticed is that the 2485 seemed sharper at distance. I don't think the lens is better, rather I think that I see the VR kicking in eliminating shake that becomes apparent only when magnified by (relatively) great distance. Overall, the 2485 performs nicely at this focal length.

    28mm: Pretty much the same result as at 24mm. Some important observations: the 2485 wide open is now f3.8 versus the 28mm at f1.8. This is now a much more significant 2 stop difference. This might matter to you. Also, the 28mm has a region of softness part-way to the edge that corresponds to the DX edge. It's not bad, but the 2485 is sharper in this area. So, you must trade edge softness for mid-sensor softness plus slower speed versus a quite fast lens. I don't really need a fast (faster than f2.8) wide angle lens, so the 28mm went back.

    50mm: Here, the 2485 is really losing ground on the speed frontier. Wide open, it is now f4.2 versus the 50's f1.8. the 2485 is still softer in the corners than the prime, but it is not nearly as noticeable. The 2485 doesn't appear to pick up that much sharpness stopped down. In the center it is just as sharp as the 50mm at f4 and doesn't lose much ground until very close to the edge. At 50mm, the 2485 is quite nice, but it is really too slow to replace the 50mm for all purposes (you will miss the prime shooting inside and in low-light settings).

    85mm: Here there is still edge softness, but it is not nearly as bad as observed at 28mm (perhaps, the new 28mm is one of Nikon's sharpest edge-to-edge). Center sharpness between the two lenses is comparable. Here, the benefits of VR are readily apparent. Anytime the shutter speed dropped below 1/100sec, the 2485 typically produced sharper results. Therefore, if you are shooting outside with the 85mm prime, you may want to bring along a tripod for the absolute best results. the 2485 is quite slow. Wide open it is f4.5. However, given the price, I'm not unhappy with this value. the 16-35mm and 24-120mm are both constant f4 lenses. This third-stop difference isn't significant in my opinion and is well worth the lower price. I'm glad I have the 85mm, an incredible value. However, I know that if I don't have time to switch lenses, I can be confident to get a very good shot by zooming all the way out with my 2485.

    Color and contrast are very close between all the tested lenses and the 2485. The 2485 in general had more CA (purple fringing) than the other lenses, but nothing that couldn't be easily corrected in post. The 2485 bokeh (quality of background blur) is--not unexpectedly--weak. I was embarrassed to compare it to any of these lenses. It was especially inferior to the 50 and 85mm primes, which have very good to excellent bokeh.

    Therefore, the 2485 is in my opinion a keeper. It stacks up well against wide-angle prime lenses and isn't too much slower. Zoomed out, it is competitive for overlapping aperture values and can hold you over until you can afford a prime lens. I wish I had the 24120 to compare it to. I suspect the lenses are rather close. In exchange for 35mm less reach, the 2485 is half the price, half a pound lighter, and much more compact. So, yes it is special. It doesn't get 5 stars because it is a variable speed lens, and it does suffer from edge softness. Moreover, if you are a pro and/or you bang your kit around a bit, I wouldn't have high hopes for this lens' durability. But the 2485 offers very little else to complain about. I recommend it for any non-pro Nikon FX user who occasionally--or frequently--wants to travel light. I also think that it is an excellent choice as a stopgap lens for anyone who broke their bank buying a D800. This lens will serve you quite well until you can afford to purchase high-quality zoom lenses.

    UPDATE: 7-23 I was a bit concerned about results at 85mm and how much difference VR made at that FL. So, I retested at some of the focal lengths, but this time making sure that I kept shutter speeds high enough (1/300s or better) to eliminate the effects of VR. I also wanted to look at the effects of stopping the aperture down.

    In general, I am still extremely impressed with the 2485 performance up to 50mm. Except in the corners, it is really hard to distinguish this lens' performance against primes and pro-quality zooms in the 24-30mm range. Moreover, the corners do improve on stopping down. Therefore, if you can shoot at f8 or higher, the uniformity of the results increases significantly. Overall, my impression is that the 2485 seems to be best at almost all FL by stopping down to f8 (I'd need to test more to confirm). Still, it is very good wide open with excellent center resolution at most aperture values.

    I added my Tamron 70-300mm VC lens to the comparison and tested at 70 and 85mm. The Tamron was clearly better than the 2485 at both FLs. In addition the 85mm prime with high shutter speeds was also noticeably sharper. Therefore, the 2485 is good in the 50-85mm range, but not special. If you want peak IQ performance above 50mm, you need to look elsewhere.

    Now, for most, these differences are only noticeable at high magnification (100% or higher; the D800E looks good up to 300%!). For non-pixel-peepers at normal viewing size (printed or full screen on a 27" monitor) some corner softness is about the only noticeable difference between these lenses, and most of that softness disappears on stopping down to f8 or higher. Therefore, for a walk-around, I still find this lens useful. However, for critical shots when I want to get the best IQ at short-tele fL in good light, I will switch to the 85mm.

    UPDATE: Mid-Oct Most of the professional review sites have now tested this lens. Their results tend to agree with mine except that they--with one exception--do not observe the strong performance at wide FLs that I did. I suspect that most review sites, in order to be scientific, use test charts and at relatively short distances. My tests were done at about 10-50 meters. Lenses do perform differently at different distances. E.g., the 14-24mm is known to be relatively weak at 24mm when focused to infinity. I suspect that this is part of the reason that the 24-85mm performed better in my test at 24mm. My test results seem to be confirmed by the camera laboratory test (abbreviate laboratory with lab). They are one of the few sites that test lenses at far distance. They concluded that the 24-85mm is as good or better than the 24-120mm at infinity depending on the FL. Thus, for landscape shooting, the 24-85mm may be a secret gem. However, if you plan to shoot interiors--or you really dislike soft corners/edges--, you may be better off using primes or a more expensive zoom.
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    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2022
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    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast Delivery with Lens in Great Condition
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2022
    Order arrived 3 days earlier than expected, and I’m deeply impressed by the physical condition. Other than a tiny mark on the inside of the hood, the lens looks brand new and is completely functional. Frankly, it’s even in better condition than some of my other lenses.

    As for picture quality, this being a lower-end Nikon lens, photos taken aren’t top-notch but nothing that some basic Photoshop work wouldn’t correct. In summary, I’m satisfied with the purchase. Would also recommend this lens for those new to Nikon FX size but unable/unwilling to splurge on higher-end zoom lenses at the moment.

    (Picture samples are reduced in size, but otherwise without touch up)
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