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NIKON 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens - White Box
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Return this item for free
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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)
Frequently bought together
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USA MODEL SERIAL #US2072598, FULL 14 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE, FULL 90 DAY PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY.
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Price | $496.95$496.95 | -30% $1,599.99$1,599.99 New Price: $2,296.95 | $496.95$496.95 | $306.95$306.95 | $246.95$246.95 | -40% $238.99$238.99 List: $396.95 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Mar 28 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Mar 28 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it Apr 2 - 3 |
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 | Amazon.com | Xpress Products (We track Serial Numbers) | Wholesale Photo | Wholesale Photo | Amazon.com | 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 largerFeatures:
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
Product information
Product Dimensions | 3.23 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.07 pounds |
ASIN | B008B14TQ6 |
Item model number | 2204 |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #701 in SLR Camera Lenses |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | June 12, 2012 |
Manufacturer | Nikon |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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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.
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2012
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.
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)
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2022
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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I've used this lens quite extensively, simply to see how good it is. On the whole, I'm very satisfied. Optical quality is excellent within the extremes and I can't complain about it at the 24 and 85mm ends. The lens handles well - the zoom ring is very smooth and without too much travel needed. There is some extension of the front element, but with internal focusing, the element doesn't rotate with focus. If you're using filters, this is important. Even for a small range lens, VR is included to give that extra optical stability in lower light.
Okay, it doesn't compete with the wide aperture primes or the fixed aperture zooms, but nor does it cost anywhere near as much. For a general purpose short sweep zoom, it gives you a good shooting flexibility and quality experience.
Lange habe ich mir überlegt welches Objektiv für meinen doch schon etwas höheren Anspruch das richtige wäre. Nach dem ich viel gelesen habe, kam ich zu dem Schluss, dass das 24 85 als Allrounder ein Versuch wert wäre. Ich muss sagen ich habe es nicht bereut.
Hier meiner Erfahrungen:
Blende 3.5 - 4.5 geht am Vollformat in Ordnung und ist kein Dunkelzoom.
Das Objektiv ist wirklich Scharf. Klar muss man leichte Abstriche in den Ecken machen aber es fällt im Alltag nicht auf wenn man danach sucht.
Der Autofokus sitzt perfekt und ist durchaus schnell genug.
Die Brennweite ist für 90% der Anwendungen ausreichend.
Die Farben sind sehr schön knackig.
Nach so viel Lob könnte man jetzt Fragen warum sollte man ein teueres Objektiv kaufen?
Die Antwort ist schnell gegeben, das Objektiv ist nicht optisch korrigiert sondern rein digital. Ich empfehle daher unbedingt die Korrekturmöglichkeiten der Kamera zu verwenden. Falls man dies nicht tut, ist die Vignettierung in den kurzen Brennweiten deutlich sichtbar und auch Verzerrungen sind bei Architekturaufnahmen sofort zu erkennen. Mit eingeschalteter Korrektur ist aber alles im Lack und die Ergebnisse machen Spass.
Am Ende muss ich nochmal sagen, dass man durchaus auch Objektive von Amazon Warehouse kaufen kann. Meines hat ein winziges Staubkorn hinter der Frontlinse, dafür habe ich aber das Objektiv 35% günstiger erworben. Ich finde da kann man schon zugreifen. Staub kommt früher oder später in jedes Zoom.
Bezogen auf den Preis bekommt das Objektiv volle Punktzahl.