Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S

see the whole gallery in large	Full frame sized image Lenses that create APS-C sized image are designed for digital only. They cannot be used on cameras that have image sensor larger than the APS-C format. These lenses are not suitable for film cameras either. Ultrasonic AF Lenses with ultrasonic focusing mechanism tend to be quiter and faster than traditionally focusing lenses. One or more Low Dispersion lens element is used Low Dispersion lens elements help to reduce chromatic aberration. Not stabilized Image stabilization helps to reduce blur caused by hand shake, especially at high focal length or in low light situations. Image stabilization can give 1 to 3 stop advantage over none stabilized lens, based on the reciprocal rule. Metal mount Cheaper lenses are usually equipped with plastic mount, while more expensive, professional lenses have metal mount. In general, metal mounts are more durable, and a good thing to have when lenses are changed a lot. When a camera is used mainly with one lens, the material of the lens mount is not that important. Internal Focusing Internally focusing lenses don't change their size while setting focus. No Internal Zoom Internally zooming lenses don't change their size while focal length is changing. The front lens is fixed The fixed front lens is not rotating during zoom and/or focusing. This allows the photographer to use petal shaped lens hood. Fixed front lenses also make the use of polarization filters a lot easier. Not Sealed Weather sealed lenses are protected from dust and water. While they are not water proof, these lenses can be used in rain and other humid environments. Some sealings only provide protection against dust or water, not both. Sealing is only available when the lens is used on a similarly weather sealed camera body. No drop-in filter support Drop-in filters are used in those lenses where either the front lens is too large, or the field of view doesn't permit the use of traditional filters at the front of the lens. Usually bright tele and ultra-wide angle lenses support this filter type.
The AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED is a highly practical and multi-talented lens that allows photographers to photograph anything from tight portraits to expansive landscapes with just one high-performance fast aperture lens.

The AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED is a highly practical and multi-talented lens that allows photographers to photograph anything from tight portraits to expansive landscapes with just one high-performance fast aperture lens.

Datasheet
Reviews
Owner Reviews
Accessories
Sample Photos

Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S Specification

Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S Specification
Available mount(s)	Nikon F
Application(s)	Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Wildlife, Architecture
Category(s)	Standard zoom
Multiplier	1×
Stabilizer	no
Focal length	24 - 70 mm (2.9× zoom)
Lens construction	15 elements in 11 groups
Angle of view	35mm: 84-34,3° digital: 61-22,83°
Number of blades	9
Maximum aperture	wide: f/2.8 tele: f/2.8
Minimum aperture	wide: f/22 tele: f/22
Minimum focusing distance	38 cm
Magnification	N/A
Filter size	77 mm
Size	∅ 83 × 133 mm
Weight	900 g
Notes	3 ED, 3 aspherical and 1 Nano Crystal Coat-deposited lens elements
AF speed	N/A
AF sound
Internal focusing	yes
Internal zoom	no
Fix front lens	yes
Mount type	metal
Weather sealed	no
Drop in filter	no
Ultrasonic AF	yes
APS-C sized circle	no
Low dispersion lens element	yes
Hard case	not included
Soft case	CL-M3 (included)
Lens hood	HB-40 (included)
Tripod adapter	not included

Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S Reviews

Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S in the news

Other reviews

Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S review at www.photozone.de (English)

Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S Owner Reviews

Most useful owner reviews from Amazon

One Lens for Vacations, Portraits and Fun

Apr 27, 2008

I know what you're thinking: Seventeen hundred bucks or more for a mere midrange zoom?

There is nothing "mere" about this zoom!

Wide open, Nikon's new workhorse is sharper than most prime lenses. That's right -- I shoot all day long at f/2.8 (I like resulting blurry backgrounds) and never, never lack for sharpness. Being able to shoot f/2.8 at night doesn't stink, either.

Colors are vibrant, the bokeh (out of focus areas) is creamy, and you'll see ghosts and flares *only* when shooting straight into the sun. And I've never seen an autofocus do its thing so quickly or with such accuracy. I'm catching a lot of shots I used to miss.

No lens is perfect. This one has exactly three drawbacks.

1. It's pretty darn big for a midrange, so sometimes I miss Nikon's compact 18-200mm zoom. And that's without the massive lens hood in place. Snapped on, a big lens gets even bigger.

2. The zoom ring is too close to the camera body. I've only been shooting with it for a few days, but I keep grabbing the manual focus ring by mistake. There's a learning curve here, and I'm not yet over it.

3. It's in short supply. Good luck finding this beast at the suggested retail price.

On my D300 however, it's as perfect as a giant, expensive hunk of glass can get. It takes all my standard 77mm filters, and its DX-effective 35-105mm (approximate) zoom range makes it a great "walk around" lens. It goes wide enough for most landscape shots, and zeroes right in on my two-year-old's face.

But mostly I can't get over the sharpness, the color, and the responsiveness of the autofocus. I probably paid too much for mine, but it was worth every penny.

Outstanding quality, as expected

Mar 16, 2008

The image quality from this lens is, as other reviews indicate, nothing short of spectacular. Having used its ancestor, the Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8, I am not surprised in the least. Despite specifications to the contrary, the 24-70mm feels lighter in my hands than the 28-70mm did, and if it is possible, somewhat more responsive. Perhaps the weight distribution is more even in the 24-70mm than it was in the previous iteration.

After using this lens for a few weeks, two things did surprise me:

1. I don't miss VR in the slightest. I was, to put it mildly, dismayed to find out that Nikon did not include VR in their latest evolution of their fixed-aperture standard zoom. I was, to put it mildly, pleased to see that I get proper exposures with 1/100s shutter speed or higher in all the situations where it matters to me. The configurable auto-ISO on the D300 is a life-saver in this respect; I expect this observation will only become more true as camera technology improves. I suspect Nikon planned this all along.

2. The difference between f/2.8 and f/4.5 is substantial. For the longest time, I kept using my trusty 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 lens, because I felt sure that I wouldn't benefit very much from the extra 1/3 to 4/3 stops that the fixed f/2.8 lens has to offer. I was wrong.

I primarily use this lens indoors, and for basic portrait work. For these settings, it is exemplary; my only regret is that this lens may put my 50mm f/1.4 out of business. That would be a sad development.

Another area where this lens shines is quasi-macro work. With a reproduction ratio slightly better than 1:4, you get respectably close to small subjects, and have beautifully out-of-focus backgrounds at f/2.8 and 70mm. Shots of single flowers at close range against an interesting background, for example, turn out quite nicely.

I'm very much looking forward to using this lens for the next decade or two (or more). DX digital, FX digital, film-- whatever your game is, if you need a lens that covers this range, I don't think you will find any better than this for quite some time.

Just about perfect! Contrasty, sharp, colorful, and versatile!

Feb 3, 2008

This is a magnificent piece of kit. The Nikon 24-70 F/2.8 is a professional -grade lens and shows this in every way. The build quality of this lens leaves nothing wanting--all metal construction, wonderful damping of the zoom ring--this is a beautiful instrument.

This is a full-frame lens, which means that it is suitable for FX Nikon cameras such as the new D3. However, this lens also performs wonderfully on the usual DX sensor for the other Nikon cameras such as the D200/300, D70s, D80, etc. When used on a DX camera, like all lenses, the focal length is increased by 50%. This is both good and bad. The "wide angle" end of the lens becomes 36mm rather than 24; on the other hand the 70mm zoom becomes 105mm--a very useful focal length. Overall, I love the range of this lens on a DX camera.

The image quality of this lens leaves nothing discernible to ask for. This is a razor-sharp lens at all apertures including wide open at F/2.8. Images on my D80 are colorful, contrasty, and did I say razor-sharp at all apertures? This lens is as good within its entire focal range as any prime lens I have seen, used, or heard of. Of course, the price of this lens reflects this, alas.

This is an AF-S lens, meaning that it contains an integral focusing motor (supersonic wave motor, or "SWM"). This, combined with the fact that this is an F/2.8 lens, causes it to focus lightening-fast. So this lens is great for action shots or low-light shots. Since this is an AF-S lens, it will autofocus on the D40/D60 series of Nikon bodies.

Some Nikon afficianados have complained that this lens does not have VR (Vibration Reduction) but VR is probably less important for a 24-70 focal range than for a longer zoom, and since this is an F/2.8 lens, it is usually feasible to increase the shutter speed of the shot to "freeze" the action.

A few points. The outer element of this lens extrudes, but not past the petal-configured supplied lens hood, which does a perfect job of protecting the front of the lens. Neat. One thing I am not crazy about is the relative placement of the manual focus ring and zoom ring. I sometimes confuse the two, and I think that given the fact that most people will use this lens in auto-focus mode rather than manual mode, Nikon might have placed the manual focus ring in a more out-of-the-way place. Not a big quibble.

This one is destined to be another Nikon legend!

No need for prime

Sep 30, 2008

For those of you who are satisfied with your 18-200 VR. You don't need this lens. I stuck with my f3.5-5.6 zoom for a long time because, heh, I took "good pictures". I adapted to low light, didn't miss f2.8. I was not convinced that a "pro" lens could make any difference visually...only if examining test shots of test patterns with a microscope.

I've been wrong before but this was a doozy. There is SUCH a HUGE visually noticable difference between shots made with this lens (and the 70-200 f2.8 VR) and my old stanby lenses that I about fell out of my office chair. My "good pictures" have become "great photographs". I now own both this and the 70-200. I sold my favorite lens of all time, a 24 mm prime, on a website. I'll never go back. You will get these two lenses from me when you pry them out of my cold dead fingers.

One more note. If you are like me and constantly read pro blogs and photo how-to books you will see most of the pros say something along the lines of "I don't use mid range zooms, I use wide angle for landscaps and long telephoto for close ups". I bought that for a while until I started looking closely at the metadata for photos they exhibit on their websites and books. Check it out, 6 times of 10, the lens is shown to be a 24-70 zoom. I use this lens almost exclusively for landscapes and lifestyle photos. I rarely go to a wider angle unless trying to make a visual "statement". So, here's one pro who says "I USE MID RANGE ZOOMS", and the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 is usually the one on my D3 when I pick it up.

Wow!!!!!

Jul 23, 2008

I've had the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 for a while now, and it gave me such a problem! The pictures that lens took were so beautiful and sharp that I couldn't bring myself to use any other lens. Caused such difficulty when I wanted to take portraits. I had to step so far back that, frequently, I would miss the shot! Went to my son's pre-school graduation. The kids were all standing together, perfect opportunity for a picture. But I had to get so far away that all the other moms with their point and shoots were walking in front of me and blocking my shot! This happened time and time again--at school events, little league games, swim meets, and on and on... The Nikon 24-70 has solved my problem! Finally, a lens to compete with, and possible surpass, my beloved 70-200! It produces pictures that are every bit as beautiful as those produced by the 70-200. Indeed, they are indiscernable. So now, I can get right up there with the other moms and take wonderful portraits of my kids. Only problem now is that now I want a 2nd body so I can pull out this lens for portraits, and quickly switch to the 70-200 for action shots.

This is a great lens, and a perfect compliment to the Nikon 70-200. Unless you're into landscape photography (which I'm not), those two lenses should be all you'll need.

6/23/2009
It's been a while since I wrote this review, and I've now gotten that second body--a D700 (to go along with my D200). Now that I've had a chance to use the lens on the D700, I have to say that the pictures the combination produces far outshine those produced by the lens on the D200. That's saying a lot because I loved the pictures I took with this lens and the D200. But the D700 is such a superior camera that, coupled with the Nikon 24-70mm, it takes some of the most beautiful pictures I've ever seen.

Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S Sample Photos

Nikon D3 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S

Nikon D3
Filesize: 4.60 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal length: 700/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 6.8 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal length: 320/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 3.6 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal length: 240/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 6.8 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal length: 240/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 8.20 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal length: 440/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 7.4 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal length: 340/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 6.1 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal length: 240/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 5.6 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal length: 240/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 4.8 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal length: 700/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 5.7 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal length: 320/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 6.4 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/8.0
Focal length: 700/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 5.7 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/8.0
Focal length: 450/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 5.10 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal length: 240/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 6.3 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/9.0
Focal length: 240/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 6.1 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/9.0
Focal length: 660/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 7.1 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal length: 700/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 7.2 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal length: 440/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 11.3 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/10.0
Focal length: 700/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 8.80 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/10.0
Focal length: 240/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 4.3 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/10.0
Focal length: 700/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 3.3 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/10.0
Focal length: 520/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 6.1 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/10.0
Focal length: 700/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 5.4 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/13.0
Focal length: 700/10

Nikon D3
Filesize: 5.3 MB
Resolution: 12.1 megapixel
Aperture: f/8.0
Focal length: 700/10

Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S Accessories

Lens hoods for Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S

77 mm Filters

77 mm Polarizer Filters

77 mm UV Filters

Opteka 27mm High Definition² UV (0) Ultra Violet Haze Multi-Coated Glass Filter 2.95 USD
Zeikos ZE-UV77 77mm Multi-Coated UV Filter 2.99 USD
Vivitar UV (Ultra Violet) Multi-Purpose Glass Filter, 77mm 5.95 USD
77mm Uv Ultra-violet Filter Lens Protector 77 Mm 3.89 USD
Opteka 30.5mm High Definition² UV (0) Ultra Violet Haze Multi-Coated Glass Filter 4.95 USD
Digital Concepts 77mm U.V. Filter 4.99 USD
Maximal Power 77mm Ultra-Violet/UV Filter 5.49 USD
Zeikos ZE-CPL77 77mm Multi-Coated Circular Polarizer Filter 6.38 USD
Sunpak Uv 77MM Ultra 8.74 USD
77mm 3-pc Filter Kit Polarizing+UV+FLD for ANY 77mm Camera Lens! 9.29 USD

77 mm Skylight Filters

Sunpak CF-7012-SK 77mm Skylight Filter 0.00
77mm Skylight Filter 16.95 USD
Tokina Multi Coated 77mm Skylight Filter 17.95 USD
Kenko KB-62ND8 62MM STANDARD COATED NUTRAL DENSITY 8X 0.00
High Grade Multi-Coated Multi-Threaded UV (Skylight 1A) Filter (77mm) + Nwv Direct Microfiber Cleaning Cloth. (Alternative For Tiffen Part# 77UVP) 19.00 USD
Hoya 77SKY 77mm Sky Filter 22.99 USD
B + W 58mm Skylight 1A Coated Glass Filter (KR1.5) 24.50 USD
Promaster 77mm Skylight 1A Filter 23.95 USD
Hoya 77mm Skylight Multi Coated Glass Filter 49.35 USD
Quantaray - 77mm Skylight 1A Multi-Coated Filter 28.50 USD

	Nikon Complete Lens Cleaner Kit$8.04
	Carl Zeiss Optical Inc Lens Pre-Moistened Tissues$4.81
	Tenba RC9, 9" Waterproof Nylon Rain Cover for SLR Cameras with a 28-80mm Lens.
	Tenba RC24, 24" Waterproof Nylon Rain Cover for SLR Cameras with a 400mm Lens.$51.95

Lens finder

Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8G ED AF-S

Full frame sized image

Ultrasonic AF

One or more Low Dispersion lens element is used

Not stabilized

Metal mount

Internal Focusing

No Internal Zoom

The front lens is fixed

Not Sealed

No drop-in filter support