24-85 AFS lens review

[kahheng]

Originally posted by YSLee
You forgot about the incredible distortions at either end.. and it's not exactly cheap, for that price I think I'd prefer a 28-105..

The 24-85 AFS is a cheap lens, which is why you're getting what you pay for - flimsy construction, etc. The 28-105 is also a cheap lens BTW.

The 24-85 2.8-4 is not a cheap lens.

 

[kingpin]

Thanks Larry. Anyone with the 24-85 to compare with. I am familiar with the distortion of the 24-120 at 24. Thot that most 24 or less will have distortions.

 

[Knighthunter]

Nikkor AFS 24-85 ED G, is good buy because there is balance between price and performance. One thng that stand out compared to 24-84 f2.8-4/28-105/24-120 is the ED (extra dispersion glass) element used on this considerable cheap lens, usually ED element only reserved for expensive lenses. ED element is similar Fluorite element or UD element on Canon L lens series. This element will help to bring better contrast to the picture. I tried to compare the pics taken with EF 28-105 USM and AFS 24-85 ED G. I can notice better contrast with slightly warmer tone on AFS 24-85 ED G.
I think I still rated this lens as a good starter lens; light weight, good to average performer and affordable.
If the picture quality is the main concern/critical then AFS 28-70 f2.8 and AF 20-35 f2.8 will deliver the punch at a cost.

 

[YSLee]

The 24-85/2.8-4 is an expensive lens that performs like a cheap lens. Heh.

Let's not get too caught up with the so called ED glass, the 70-300 ED also has a piece, but I don't find the performance fantastic.. you get what you pay for folks.

 

[Knighthunter]

Originally posted by YSLee
The 24-85/2.8-4 is an expensive lens that performs like a cheap lens. Heh.

Let's not get too caught up with the so called ED glass, the 70-300 ED also has a piece, but I don't find the performance fantastic.. you get what you pay for folks.

I am totally agree with you, everything comes at a cost.
FYI, ED (extra dispersion) element is technical term not a marketing label only, suppossely lens with ED element should produce better colour rendention/contrast compared to normal one.

 

[kingpin]

For that matter the 24-120 is not cheap either. I found it a useful range of zoom and the quality of pics are good. But rather like the very quiet and fast AFS 24-85G. Still the question of distortions at the wide end? Which is worse? AFS 24-85G, AF 24-85 f2.8-4, or AF 24-120. Think prime 24 mm should be the least. Anyone can throw some light?

 

[Kit]

Originally posted by kingpin
For that matter the 24-120 is not cheap either. I found it a useful range of zoom and the quality of pics are good. But rather like the very quiet and fast AFS 24-85G. Still the question of distortions at the wide end? Which is worse? AFS 24-85G, AF 24-85 f2.8-4, or AF 24-120. Think prime 24 mm should be the least. Anyone can throw some light?

I've been using a 24mm AF-D borrowed from a friend for the past month or so. In my opinion, distortion is pretty well controlled.