It is a full-frame VR II lens with amazing optical
performance
Nikon 24-85MM
F3.5-4.5G ED-IF VR
Based on the performance of Nikon’s 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 lens,
getting a score of 91% and costing $300, we can’t help questioning whether
there’s a market for a 24-85mm lens sharing the same aperture whose zoom range
is half shorter yet price is twice costlier. The answer is yes, because of that
not only 24-85mm zoom offers full-frame coverage but also that its optical
performance is better than 18-105mm lens.
Nikon’s 24-85mm lens is seductively compact, with appearance
divided into 3 parts: the front section filled with the zoom rings, the middle section
where focused-distance window lie and the rear one providing a narrow
manual-focusing ring plus two sliders that configure the focus mode and
activate VR system.
It may be not right to say that the middle section is not
well used and it’d better sacrificing focused-distance window to create larger
zoom and focusing rings – yet that requires changes in features of Nikon’s
full-frame lens. (DX 18-105mm lens accepted this suggestion but it aims at a
different segment).
Focusing is internal and manual adjustments can be made at
any time. Like in the case of 18-105mm zoom, user needs to changes handling
position slightly to reach manual focusing ring but the lens still feels
balanced. Auto-focusing is fast, though not outstanding fast.
Image quality is an upside of full-frame 24-85mm lens. There
was no apparent sign of optical aberration in any real-time images and though
it was able to see the separation of curves when shooting technical test
targets, there was no color-fringing.
Besides, MTF figures were always high across the aperture
ranges, from wide-open to f/27, which is a minimum aperture setting from 28mm
onward, but the performance beyond f/22 was not penalized in tests of WDC as quality-concerned
photographers will avoid such apertures; there, image quality often decreases
due to diffraction.
At the other end of the ratio scale, the zoom’s maximal
f/3-4.5mm minimized usage of blurred background to some extent, but this limit
was forgivable in such a reasonably priced and amazing lens.
Overall, this lens is impressive. Essentially, there was
nothing to blame in any serious levels. Nikon’s use of ED glass and three
aspherical profiles has been rewarded with color vividness and sharpness. Any
Nikon users can live without the maximal f/2.8 aperture should consider this
lens as very serious as an alternate for 24-70mm lenses which are much
costlier.
Overall, this lens
is impressive.
|
Technical specifications
·
Max. aperture: f/3.5-4.5
·
Min. aperture: f/22-29
·
Lens mount: Nikon (FX)
·
Number of blades: 7
·
Image stabilization: Yes, VR II
·
Optics (elements/groups): 16/11
·
Min. focal length: 0.38cm
·
Filter thread: 72mm
·
Lens cover: Yes
·
Width: 78mm
·
Length: 82mm
·
Weight: 465g
Pros
·
Excellent MTF performance
·
Fast AF
·
No color-fringing
Cons
·
Nothing for a lens of this type
Verdict
·
Overall score: 95%
|
