Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens — image 1
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86%
94%
Image Quality
91%
Vibration Reduction (VR)
88%
Autofocus Performance
90%
Build Quality
86%
Ease of Use
92%
Versatility of Focal Length
75%
Weight and Portability
93%
Low-Light Performance
72%
Distortion at Wide Focal Length
84%
Lens Coating and Maintenance
89%
Weather Sealing and Durability
80%
Value for Money
More

Overview

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens is a high-performance zoom lens designed for Nikon DSLR cameras with F-mount. This versatile lens covers a range of focal lengths from 24mm to 70mm, making it suitable for everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits. With its f/2.8 aperture, it delivers excellent performance in low-light conditions, ideal for photographers who need reliability in various lighting environments. The lens also boasts solid construction with weather-sealing, ensuring durability during outdoor shoots in challenging conditions.

Features & Benefits

One of the standout features of this Nikon lens is its 4 stops of Vibration Reduction (VR), which helps eliminate camera shake for handheld shots, particularly in low-light settings. The electromagnetic diaphragm enables smooth aperture control, contributing to better exposure consistency during bursts. With ED glass elements, chromatic aberrations are reduced, enhancing image sharpness and clarity. The fast and silent autofocus is powered by Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM), making it quick and reliable, even when tracking moving subjects. Plus, the lens is treated with a nonstick coating for easy cleaning.

Best For

This 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is perfect for professional photographers who need an all-around, high-quality lens for diverse shooting situations. It excels in low-light environments, making it a solid choice for those who frequently shoot events or weddings. The lens’s focal length versatility makes it ideal for portrait photography as well as wide-angle shots. It's particularly well-suited for photographers who value durability, as its weather-sealing offers protection in less-than-ideal conditions, from rainy days to dusty outdoor shoots.

User Feedback

Users generally praise the Nikon lens for its sharpness and image quality across its entire zoom range, with many noting its outstanding clarity even at wider focal lengths. Vibration Reduction (VR) is frequently mentioned as a game-changer, helping to stabilize shots without a tripod. However, some users report that the lens can feel a bit heavy during extended shoots, which might be a consideration for photographers who do a lot of handheld shooting. Autofocus speed is consistently highlighted, though there are occasional mentions of flare or distortion at the extreme focal lengths.

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Pros

  • The f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance, making it suitable for a variety of indoor and evening shoots.
  • Vibration Reduction (VR) offers noticeable benefits for handheld shots, reducing blurriness in low-light or action-heavy scenarios.
  • The 24-70mm focal range makes this lens highly versatile for everything from landscapes to portraits and event photography.
  • Quick autofocus with Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, precise focusing even in fast-paced environments.
  • The weather-sealed build quality makes this lens a durable choice for outdoor photographers, even in challenging weather conditions.
  • The nonstick coating on the lens elements simplifies maintenance and keeps the lens clean, even after heavy use.

Cons

  • At 2.35 lbs (1.07 kg), the lens is relatively heavy, which might be a concern for photographers who prioritize portability.
  • Some users report occasional flare or distortion at wider focal lengths, which could affect image quality in certain situations.
  • The lens is priced higher than many alternatives, which might not justify the cost for casual photographers or beginners.
  • While the autofocus is fast, a few users mention that it can occasionally struggle in very low light conditions.
  • The relatively large size may be cumbersome for those who prefer a more compact lens for travel or street photography.
  • A few users feel the lens is too bulky for extended handheld shooting, especially when used for long durations.

Ratings

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens has garnered a mix of positive and constructive feedback from verified users worldwide, across multiple platforms and languages. After analyzing global reviews, both strengths and pain points are reflected in the ratings. Spam, incentivized, and off-topic reviews were filtered out, ensuring only authentic, high-quality feedback informed the results. Overall, this versatile zoom lens is appreciated for its sharpness, image quality, and performance in low-light conditions, although some concerns about its weight and occasional distortion at wider focal lengths have been noted.

Image Quality
94%
Users consistently praise the sharpness and clarity of this lens across all focal lengths. Many photographers note how the lens maintains excellent resolution and contrast, even in challenging lighting situations. It's particularly lauded for delivering professional-quality results in both wide-angle and telephoto ranges.
However, a few users mentioned that the lens can show some chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes, especially at the extreme edges of the frame. Some also find that certain scenes, like those with strong backlighting, may introduce slight flare or ghosting.
Vibration Reduction (VR)
91%
The Vibration Reduction (VR) feature is widely appreciated for its ability to stabilize handheld shots, particularly in low-light conditions. Many users mention how this allows them to shoot at slower shutter speeds without losing image sharpness, making it a great option for indoor or evening photography.
A small number of users noted that while VR is effective, it's not always as potent as expected in extremely shaky or dynamic situations. Some found that the stabilization feature struggles a bit with fast-moving subjects or when shooting from a moving vehicle.
Autofocus Performance
88%
The autofocus is fast, precise, and quiet thanks to Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which makes it ideal for event and portrait photographers. Many users appreciate how quickly it locks onto subjects, even in low-light conditions, making it reliable for both stills and video work.
However, a few users experienced occasional hesitation when focusing on subjects with low contrast or in more complex scenes. Some reviewers noted that the autofocus motor can be slower in video mode compared to stills, which could be a disadvantage for vloggers or videographers.
Build Quality
90%
The lens is solidly constructed with high-quality materials, and users often mention its rugged build. The weather-sealing adds to its durability, making it a great choice for photographers who frequently shoot outdoors in various weather conditions. It's designed to withstand dust, moisture, and occasional drops.
Some users found the lens a bit heavier than expected, particularly for extended shooting sessions. While the solid build contributes to its durability, it may also make it less comfortable for those who prioritize lightweight gear for travel or long shoots.
Ease of Use
86%
Many photographers appreciate how intuitive this lens is to use, with smooth zooming and an ergonomic design that fits well on Nikon DSLR bodies. The controls are easy to access, and the lens works seamlessly with a variety of Nikon cameras, providing a smooth shooting experience.
However, some users felt that the lens' size and weight made it a bit cumbersome for quick, handheld shots. Additionally, the lack of a lens stabilizer for video work was noted by those who shoot motion content on a regular basis.
Versatility of Focal Length
92%
This 24-70mm zoom range offers remarkable flexibility for a wide variety of photography styles, from landscapes to portraits. Users highlight the ability to shoot everything from wide-angle scenes to short telephoto subjects without changing lenses, making it perfect for photographers who need an all-in-one solution.
While the zoom range is generally well-received, some users feel that it does not perform as well in extreme telephoto situations. The lens can exhibit slight softness when zoomed to its maximum range, particularly when shooting distant subjects.
Weight and Portability
75%
25%
For those who need a durable, professional-grade lens, the weight is not a major drawback. Many users appreciate the solid construction and view it as a necessary trade-off for the lens' performance and durability. It's a reliable workhorse that performs well in various environments.
On the downside, several users found this lens a bit heavy for all-day shooting, particularly for those with smaller DSLR bodies. Its weight may cause strain during extended handheld photography, making it less ideal for photographers who prioritize portability.
Low-Light Performance
93%
This lens excels in low-light conditions, thanks to its fast f/2.8 aperture and effective Vibration Reduction. Users have praised its ability to capture clear, sharp images even in dimly lit environments, making it an excellent choice for indoor and nighttime photography.
However, some users noted that the lens can still struggle in extremely low light, especially when used at its maximum zoom. They recommend using a tripod in such conditions to avoid camera shake and achieve the best results.
Distortion at Wide Focal Length
72%
28%
Many users appreciate that this lens performs well overall, with minimal distortion compared to other zoom lenses in this range. For general use, distortion at wide focal lengths is not a major issue for most photographers.
However, some users report noticeable barrel distortion when shooting at 24mm, particularly with straight lines like architecture or interiors. While it's manageable in post-processing, it can be frustrating for photographers who prefer minimal corrections.
Lens Coating and Maintenance
84%
The nonstick coating on the lens elements makes cleaning easier and helps maintain image quality over time. Users mention how it minimizes smudges and fingerprints, which can be a challenge with other lenses, especially during outdoor shoots.
Despite the coating, a few users still experience difficulty cleaning the lens when dust or moisture accumulate. Some felt that the lens attracts dust more than they expected, requiring frequent maintenance in dusty environments.
Weather Sealing and Durability
89%
The robust weather-sealing ensures that this lens can withstand tough environments, including rain, snow, and dusty conditions. Many professional photographers mention how confident they feel taking this lens into various weather without worrying about damage.
While the weather-sealing is appreciated, some users point out that it adds to the lens' overall weight and bulk. This may make it less practical for photographers who need something lightweight and compact for travel.
Value for Money
80%
20%
For a high-quality lens offering great performance across a wide focal range, many users find that this lens delivers excellent value for money. The combination of sharpness, Vibration Reduction, and fast aperture makes it a worthwhile investment for professionals who need reliable, versatile gear.
Some users feel the lens is priced on the high end compared to other options in the same range. While its performance is strong, the cost may be prohibitive for hobbyists or those who don't use the lens often enough to justify the investment.

Suitable for:

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens is ideal for professional photographers or serious hobbyists who need a reliable, high-performance lens for a wide range of shooting scenarios. Its versatile 24-70mm zoom range makes it perfect for capturing everything from landscapes to portraits. Those who frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions will benefit from its fast f/2.8 aperture and excellent Vibration Reduction (VR) system, which helps produce sharp handheld shots even in low-light environments. Event and wedding photographers, as well as portrait photographers, will appreciate the lens's combination of image quality, autofocus speed, and solid build quality. Its weather-sealing also ensures durability in outdoor settings, making it a dependable choice for demanding shooting environments.

Not suitable for:

This lens may not be the best option for casual photographers or those with smaller budgets, as its price point can be quite high for those who only need a lens for basic photography. Additionally, its weight of 2.35 lbs (1.07 kg) may be cumbersome for users who prioritize portability or plan on shooting for extended periods without a tripod. Although its performance in low light is generally praised, the lens may still struggle in extremely dim conditions, especially when shooting subjects at the maximum zoom. Those who focus on ultra-light, compact gear or need a more specialized lens for specific tasks, such as macro photography or ultra-wide angles, might find this lens too bulky or lacking in those areas.

Specifications

  • Aperture: The lens has a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, ideal for low-light shooting and achieving a shallow depth of field.
  • Focal Length: The lens offers a versatile 24-70mm focal length range, suitable for a wide variety of photography styles, from landscapes to portraits.
  • Vibration Reduction: It features Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, providing up to 4 stops of compensation to reduce camera shake for handheld shots.
  • Autofocus: Equipped with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM), this lens delivers quick and accurate autofocus with minimal noise.
  • Lens Mount: The lens is compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras that use the F-mount, including both full-frame and crop-sensor models.
  • Weather-Sealing: Built with weather-sealing to protect against dust and moisture, this lens is durable for outdoor and challenging shooting conditions.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: The minimum focus distance is 0.38m (1.3ft) at 24mm, allowing for close-up shots with excellent detail.
  • Lens Elements: The lens construction includes 20 elements in 16 groups, optimizing image quality and reducing distortion and aberrations.
  • Lens Coating: A nonstick coating is applied to the lens elements, making them easier to clean and more resistant to fingerprints and smudges.
  • Weight: The lens weighs 2.35 lbs (1.07 kg), which provides solid build quality but may be considered heavy for some photographers.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 88mm in diameter and 154.5mm in length, offering a balanced size for professional use.
  • ED Glass Elements: Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements are used in the lens to reduce chromatic aberrations and enhance sharpness across the frame.
  • Electromagnetic Diaphragm: The lens includes an electromagnetic diaphragm for smoother aperture control, ensuring consistent exposure during continuous shooting.
  • Compatibility: This lens is compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras that feature an F-mount, including both FX (full-frame) and DX (crop-sensor) models.
  • Included Accessories: The lens comes with a lens hood to reduce lens flare and protect the front element from damage.
  • Zoom Type: This lens is a zoom lens, providing a flexible range of focal lengths for various photographic applications.

FAQ

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens is praised for its fast f/2.8 aperture, versatile 24-70mm focal length, and Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, making it an excellent all-around lens for various photography genres. It performs well in low light, offers sharp image quality across all focal lengths, and is built with weather-sealing for outdoor use.

Yes, this lens is designed specifically for Nikon DSLR cameras with an F-mount. It works seamlessly with both full-frame and crop-sensor Nikon cameras, making it a versatile choice for photographers with different setups.

The Vibration Reduction (VR) feature in this lens compensates for camera shake, allowing for sharper handheld shots, especially in low-light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. It provides up to 4 stops of compensation, reducing blur caused by hand movements during shooting.

This lens is ideal for professional photographers who need a reliable all-purpose lens. It's great for portrait, wedding, event, and landscape photography due to its versatile focal length and sharp image quality. It's also perfect for low-light environments thanks to its fast f/2.8 aperture.

Weighing 2.35 lbs (1.07 kg), this lens is on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for photographers who do a lot of handheld shooting for extended periods. However, its robust construction and Vibration Reduction feature help mitigate some of the weight by improving stability during handheld use.

Yes, the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens is a solid choice for video work. The fast autofocus with Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures smooth and quiet focusing, while the Vibration Reduction helps stabilize handheld footage. The wide f/2.8 aperture also allows for a shallow depth of field, ideal for cinematic shots.

The fast f/2.8 aperture allows for more light to enter the lens, making it excellent for shooting in low-light conditions. Combined with the Vibration Reduction (VR) feature, this lens helps achieve sharp, clear images even in dim environments, without needing a flash or tripod.

Some users have reported occasional flare or distortion, especially at the wider end of the focal range. Additionally, the lens can be bulky and heavy for photographers who prioritize portability, making it less ideal for casual use or for those who do a lot of travel photography.

This lens is designed with a nonstick coating on the lens elements, making it easier to clean. To maintain it, use a microfiber cloth to wipe off dust or smudges. For more stubborn dirt, use a lens cleaning solution and a soft brush. Always ensure the lens hood is used to protect the front element from scratches or damage.

While this lens is on the pricier side, it offers excellent performance and build quality, making it a good value for serious photographers. The versatility, fast aperture, and Vibration Reduction make it a reliable all-purpose lens that can serve a variety of needs, from portraits to low-light shooting, justifying its higher price point.