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Great review and images. Tho didn't mention what the going price is?
Can look it up myself but thought it should be included.
And sorry you have to send it back. And never understood about large companies that can write it off and let the reviewers that they themselves felt could promote their product let them have it for free or significant discount :-)
And wonder how well the other 18-300vr they are releasing for $1000 will fare?
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Originally posted 12 months ago.
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Orbmiser edited this topic 12 months ago.
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I've had the non-VR version of this lens that I got for around $300ish on ebay and it's been a surprisingly sharp lens. I'll admit I got it as a place holder until I could get the 24-70mm for those times that I need a mid-range zoom, but it has come in handy many times when there was enough lighting. I'm sure the VR is very nice on it.
Mandatory pointless example
Originally posted 12 months ago.
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Houston Cougars edited this topic 12 months ago.
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Never pointless to admire good image Houston Cougars
And yep good to know about the older non-VR. As probably half the price at least of the newer one.
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Posted 12 months ago.
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I owned the 24-85/3.5-4.5 AF-S and used it first on the F5 and then later on a D200 and D300. Never understood why Nikon chose to discontinue it and keep the older 24-85/2.8-4 AF-D in the program. I never considered the 24-85 AF-S a stellar performer - but neither is the older AF-D version (which is selling at a ridiculous high price). So now the 3.5-4.5 is back and has VR to boot. A lot cheaper than the 24-120/4 AF-S VR - which is likely the alternative many are considering. I don't mind the "variable aperture" - the variation is rather minor anyway. At least Nikon didn't repeat the mistake made with the DX 16-85/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR.
I never liked the break at 24mm on a DX camera - too many lens changes involved. But as a single lens walk-around solution, a 24-85 or 24-120 isn't a bad choice on DX at all - though I would tend to favor the longer reach of the latter - but maybe not at twice the cost...
Posted 12 months ago.
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Orbmiser wrote And wonder how well the other 18-300vr they are releasing for $1000 will fare?
About as well as the 18-200 I would think. Those who consider these kind of lenses likely won't notice any difference in optical performance. Those who do won't consider either anyway. But $1K is a heavy price to pay for a "all-in-one, master of none".
Posted 12 months ago.
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Looks pretty good to me. It's a 1 pound weight loss from my 24-70mm and has VR. I'm sure the focus speed was fine with the D4, I hope it keeps up on my D3s.
Posted 12 months ago.
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+1 Agree beachwalker2008 .
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Posted 12 months ago.
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How does this compare to the 24-85/2.8-4.5?
I've shot with that and found it some what soft and dark.
Posted 12 months ago.
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nice shooting and review Steve. I agree this would be a first rate walk around lens, though many of us would not invest that amount of money on walk around glass.
Posted 12 months ago.
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BrokenToyShop--Haven't tried the older version but i suspect it can't touch this new lens...
GStrader-I think when you look at the lens landscape, the price of this one is extremely good, especially if you use it much...
Posted 12 months ago.
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You definitely put it to the test with the various shooting situations that you shot with the lens. You captured some beautiful images and from these images, you had great results with the lens. If I was in the market for a new "walk around lens", I would definitely take a long look at this lens as one of the lenses that I would consider. 24-85mm is a nice zoom range to work with. The one problem that I would have with it is that if I were to upgrade my "walk around lens", I would probably prefer a faster lens.
Originally posted 12 months ago.
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rizzolo edited this topic 12 months ago.
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heck with the lens- I am digging the photos. Nice shots
Posted 12 months ago.
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Houston Cougars : That is a lovely shot.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Looks like a great walk around lens. Have you tried it on a D800 too? Any comparison between this and the 24-120 VR?
Posted 11 months ago.
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I used the old AF-D version and it was nice and i should have hold on to it for general use, but my photo's with the primes i used had so much more pop to them then the ones i made with that lens.
In october i'll visit NY and again looking for a general lens and now i think this new 24-85 has potential, so also interested in comparison between the 24-120 VRf4.
Posted 11 months ago.
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I had the 24-85 F2.8-4 and I used it for two years with a 20mm F2.8AFD on DX. Photozone liked it better than the AFS version, which I tried and I did not like. It flared and had hot spots in my tests. I got really tired of variable apertures when used with with a Nikon speedlight.
Posted 11 months ago.
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How does this compare to the 16-35 F4 VR in terms of image quality/sharpness?
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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J David Ingram edited this topic 11 months ago.
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This thread is similar to lending a paint brush to Picasso, and then talking about the bristles, and whether its worth it to buy the brush.
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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Jim Austin Jimages edited this topic 11 months ago.
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For a walk around lens I use the 28-300mm. Be interested to see how it compares to the new 24-85.
On shoots I went for the 35mm f2d and 85mm 1.8g. Currently trying to get a used 50mm 1.4d. Rather than buy the Nikon 24-70mm f2.8
Posted 11 months ago.
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I have not done tests between lenses, but you can see from the shots above that i was very happy with everything this lens brings to my photography, the zoom range, sharpness, speed of autofocus not to mention the price. When I want to keep light for general street shooting, this lens will get the call (When I get one! )
Posted 11 months ago.
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If as good as you say, i'll probably get one of these. I was toing and froing about the 24-70, but its quite pricey for my sort of needs. I wouldn't rule one out though if i needed one, but a lightweight walk around sound far more appealing if the quality stands up to it :)
Posted 11 months ago.
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thanks for the photographic tease @Steve. I can't find anyone who commented about this specifically but..
were these photos taken in La Havana? Gorgeous either way. but just saying, wish I were there again.
Posted 11 months ago.
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come to think of it,all my lenses are walk around lenses. I have no studio but the world is my studio, and all my gear is portable.
@
Jimages Digital
This thread is similar to lending a paint brush to Picasso, and then talking about the bristles, and whether its worth it to buy the brush
LOL, great observation!
Posted 11 months ago.
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I am looking at the rumored D600 to join my kit with my D7000, and am hoping this lens maybe the kit lens provided
Awesome results Steve
Posted 11 months ago.
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Kind of off topic, but for me at least with two camera bodies I may be able to get away with not having a mid-range zoom whether it's this lens or the 24-70mm.
D90- use the 14-24mm as a wide-mid range since on full frame it would be a special purpose lens not used that often and in that focal range, I can use a slower shutter speed and handhold.
D600, use the 80-200. Between 24mm on DX and 80mm on FX, there is not much to miss so I'd only use the 24-85mm when I just one one camera and one lens. Heck, I could slap my 50mm f/1.4 on the D600 to keep things really light.
Posted 11 months ago.
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its great to learn a wee bit about this lens from a pro like Mr SteveSimon1. currently I'm using the 16~35 f/4 VR & 80~200 f2.8 with my new D800 both of which are specific purpose lenses. I really wanted a kit lens in between these two for regular use which I find this new 24~85 VR perfect for my needs. given the comment from the reviewer that 'it's sharp, sharp, sharp.' I'll surely go, go, go for it........
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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Simanta's edited this topic 11 months ago.
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It's great that Nikon is coming up more and more with affordable but high quality glass.
For those who don't know Nikon also has some old but impressive glass like Nikon AF 28-105mm 3.5-4.5 D and AF 28-80mm f3.3-5.6 G.
www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28105af.htm
www.jonparsonsphotography.com/nikon-28-80mm-f33-56g.html
Of course they are only 28mm in the wide end but, nevertheless, they deliver incredible image quality for $50-$200 (on ebay)!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Am I missing something here? Why is there no comparison to the 16-85 f3.5 - f5.6 VR? A bit slower at the long end, but still a more useful range.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Stan, the 16-85mm is a DX lens. If you have a DX camera and want the range, stick with the 16-85mm. The 24-85mm is an FX lens and on FX, 24-85 IS very wide. the 16-85 will mount but you can only use it in DX mode or have a huge black circle around your pictures if you shoot in FX.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Stan: 16-85 is not an FX lens. If you'd want exactly the same field of views and depth of field on DX as you get with this new lens on FX, you'd need a 16-58/2,3-3. So what you really should do is compare this lens' performance on FX with the 17-55/2,8's performance on DX. I assume the first combination gives the better overall results.
16-85 is indeed a useful range on DX. The 24-120/4 FX zoom is a very close equivalent on FX in terms of field of view, but gives shorter DOF thanks to the longer focal lengths needed on FX.
The only reason to use this new lens on DX instead of the 16-85/3,5-5,6 DX would IMO be to get the 2/3 stops larger aperture in the far end.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Careless reading on my part. What? it was early!
Posted 11 months ago.
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I am thinking about transitioning to FX eventually, if nothing else for the size of the viewfinder and better bokeh quality. I do like 17-50 range on DX and new FX cameras will undoubtedly have DX mode. So, my question is whether this lens is comparable 2.8 DX lenses. Since, this NIkon lens is more walk-around, snap-shot type of lens, it is tempting to simply stay in DX mode even on FX camera and use DX lenses which are generally cheaper ...until now. This lens might be comparable to 2.8 DX lens and at a very attractive price point.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Hey Guys, I agree with you the lens you choose is a personal decision based on your experience (and budget). My take is, whatever lens is on your body, there's a world of photographic gifts there for the taking. The trick is to use the lens well by choosing a camera position that best works with that focal length. This lens has, in my opinion, greater flexibility for FX because of the wide advantage, but you can certainly use it well with DX.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Hi Steve, thanks for the review! Quick question, how does the build quality of this new lens compare with the 24-120 VR F4 and the 28-300mm VR?
Posted 11 months ago.
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I think it stand up well-- it's a lot smaller and lighter than those two lenses.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Great article, and images, Steve! I'm very close to ordering the D800 and though I prefer primes, this lens looks like a great general purpose one!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Nikon seems to be making some good moves of late. This lens looks like the perfect fit for the upcoming, consumer-friendly D600. Offering affordable full frame bodies and lenses seems like a great idea to me. The transition to full frame is becoming more and more painless. The only real problem is what becomes of dx when full frame is within reach for me and the rest of the masses? Most of my lenses are fx except for my midrange so this looks lens like a great fit--if you give me a considerable handicap.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Hi Steve.
Nice pictures, but why can't we see the pictures in full resolution and the exif data?
Can you say anything on how the 24-85mm campares to the 24-120mm in terms of vignetting and distortion?
Posted 11 months ago.
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Any lens has sweet spot and these lenses are highly unpredictable. Some time it deliver fantastic result and some time its not. It also depend on the person behind the camera. Travelers/Journalist wouldn't mind the much higher quality but professionals.
Ebay sell this lens for £100-170 range.
I would consider Tokina 28-80mm f/2.8 instead this lens.
Tho thumbs up for your work with this lens and thanks for sharing it with us .
Posted 11 months ago.
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Anjitha: I think it is highly improbable that this lens is selling for £100-170 on ebay since it is not even in the stores yet.
Are you maybe thinking of the older 24-85mm lenses from Nikon?
And what do you mean when you say that a lens like this is unpredictable? Are you thinking about good and bad samples of the lens or are your talking about each lens having its own mind deciding when to take a good picture and when to do the opposite?
Posted 11 months ago.
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Hi Mr Simon,
My personal preference goes to standard fixed lenses, but I need one standard zoom lens for general purpose photography and I cannot afford for the moment the AF-S 24-70 which I had in the past but sold it. I own a Nikon D800e, do you think that the lens will be good enough for this sensor for everyday photography or should I wait to get the 24-70 ?
Thank you
Michel
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thought I would change up some of the photos since I had so many with this new lens. skiiiiizo--I think this lens is going to be great with the D800 and 800e, though I only got to use the D4 with it....
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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SteveSimon1 edited this topic 11 months ago.
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Thanks, Steve. I've pre-ordered it. I needed something between my Nikkor 10-24DX, 70-300VR G and Nikkor 500f4 VR G. This one will fit the bill when I'm doing events better than my 35f1.8.
Next up...whatever comes out to replace the D300S...
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thank you Steve , I preordered it.
Posted 11 months ago.
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I'm going to hire one of these (24-85) for a shoot tomorrow night - I regularly use the AF-S version but am finding the AF a little iffy in the studio and I'm hoping the new version is better. Mind you the old AF-S version owes me nothing at this stage, it has worked hard for me for along time.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Got mine coming tomorrow, looking forward to it :)
Posted 11 months ago.
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It looks like the 24-85mm is in stock now at both Amazon and B&H Photo
Nikon 24-85mm on Amazon
Nikon 24-85mm on B&H Photo
Posted 11 months ago.
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Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the lens when you get it.
Posted 11 months ago.
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First impressions were lovely, second impressions were me getting unsure, but then realised i made a few errors...
Overall, it's a good lens, and probably one i'll be keeping :)
Posted 11 months ago.
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Can you be more specific Royally ? What errors did you make or what are the things to avoid using this lens ? I'm going to have mine probably this week if it hit my store in Brussels. What body do you use and if you have the 24-70, how would you compare the 24-85 to it ?
Thanks
Posted 11 months ago.
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I bought this lens (24-85mm f/3.5) half a week ago - for my new D800E. Fantastic midrange lens, I love the sharpness, lightness and the versatility - for a travel/walk around lens. Originally my only issue is that I seemed to be getting a lot of vignetting at all ranges of my lens. I have a funny feeling that it's simply "this specific" lens (and not all of them in general) as my 50mm 1.4 prime isn't causing me any issues AND I see in your test shots, you do not have the falloff vignetting.
Unless of course you PP'd them, which I now have had to do. LR4 obviously fixes this for me, but it's an unwanted pain. is this happening to anyone else or should I go in and exchange my lens? I've mentioned it to the Store, they are happy to help me check out another box in case it's just this one - but I thought I would check here for feedback before I go back in....
UPDATE
I went back to the store today. It turns out that my lens was definitely faulty. Luckily, Henry's Photography Store is always very accommodating and we checked out another box. Sure enough the other brand new lens has zero vignetting. I have been given a full exchange - a brand new 24-85mm f/3.5 lens and it is terrific. I will be soon doing another series shoot to re-test the lens in as many ranges as I can.
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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Random Moments Photography by Sandi Graham-McWade edited this topic 11 months ago.
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Mine arrived on Monday. Haven't had much time to shoot with it yet but it is light and versatile. Might try some fireworks shots tomorrow.
Posted 11 months ago.
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I probably need more time with the lens mostly. When shooting snakey pictures I think I was wanting to get so close, that I was probably breaching the close focus distance. Either that or the target and background might have thrown off the focus, or a mixture of both.
Normal people photos always turn out great though.
The landscapes - I forgot to turn VR off on my first outing and I felt there was a slight fuzziness to the long exposure images. I also realise I don't have a timer remote at the moment and had the camera mounted with Nikon grip on a tripod. I don't want to evaluate it with so many variables that could have made it go wrong. My second outing for landscapes found one sharp photo, so it can be done. I just need to wait for my timer remote, and this will allow me to use MuP as well.... Like I'd normally use for my pictures. Unfortunately due to me upgrading my camera at the same time, I am playing catch up with accessories like this :)
Posted 11 months ago.
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Hi Sandi
Like you, I have a D800e and I'm waiting for the 24-85. I tried one sample and made outside the shop some shots. I do not find this lens very sharp and very good in the angles, but on the other hand it's 5 shots on a hurry with bad light and to be honest, I plan to use it as a walk around lens. I usually prefer fixed lenses, so this would be my only zoom lens alongside with the 14-24. But you seem to enjoy the lens and say that it is sharp so for me it's a good surprise. Could you share your experience and share some pictures ? Thanks a lot
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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skiiiiizo edited this topic 11 months ago.
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Hi
I made my first shot with the 24-85. Il already like this lens, it's light and reasonably sharp. It seems to me that it's sharper @ 24mm but I might be wrong.
Posted 11 months ago.
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So far, I am happy with the new replacement. I do find that it's sharp, (since I was expecting it to be less sharp than it turned out to be) and like you, I prefer my 50mm prime which is ultimately sharper. But for me, the 24-85 is a terrific walkabout/travel lens, it's really great. I spent my last two shoots testing this lens, and the images are quite sharp without much PP editing.
Here is a couple of samples from different times:
AND
OR from the newly replaced lens here:
Both times I did not use the VR, as I also forgot to turn it on. But the shots are still quite sharp having not used VR.
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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Random Moments Photography by Sandi Graham-McWade edited this topic 11 months ago.
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I just received my new 24-85 VR lens and it does appear to be quite sharp. However there seems to be no difference between when I have the VR on and when it is off. Either VR is totally quiet or there is something wrong. Is there a way to tell if it is working? I am using it on a D800.
Thanks
Posted 11 months ago.
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You should hear a sound when it comes on.
Posted 11 months ago.
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OK, I hear it now. It is just a different than my 28-300 Nikkor. This may be due to the newer version of VR, or my hearing.
Thanks
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thanks for the review and photo samples. i've been thinking of getting this lens and this helps make a case for it.
Posted 10 months ago.
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Thanks much Steve!
I really had no interest in this lens because of the lack of 2.8...appreciate the review, but now I want it! Hope you are coming back to Burlingame for Nikonians in January--will check it out!
Posted 8 months ago.
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Just got his 24-85 afs ed vr day before. I have traded this new lens with my old 16-85 afs DX. This hew 24-85 focuses 2x faster and 2x times sharper compared my old 16-85. It sharpness is from corner to corner since I am on D7000. Really glad making this choice
Posted 8 months ago.
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Well, I've kept mine after 3 months so if it wasn't any good I'd have returned it. Overall it's a nice lens.
Posted 8 months ago.
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I have a D7000 and am considering either the new VR version or the f2.8?
Anyone had the experience of using both to make the comparison?
Posted 7 months ago.
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Hello all, just joined.
The sample images shown here look great.
My D800E arrived. I am thinking about this lens as a general walkaround, family photo, vacation lens.
Those that have had it for a while with their D800's, are you still happy with the sharpness ?
Bokeh looked a bit busy in Random Moments car shot however for this price one cannot expect greatness there and I am nit picking that aspect.
Sharpness and contrast are more important to me at this point.
Would you recommend this lens to a friend ?
Thanks for any input.
Posted 6 months ago.
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