ePHOTOzine lens tester, Gary Wolstenholme tests the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens in a variety of situations.

Excellent central resolution throughout the focal length range; Great contrast; Superb resistance to flare and ghosting

Corner quality could be better; Rough zoom mechanism on this sample; Size – it is a long lens

While I hope to create a full Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Lens, my first priority is to include results from this lens in the lens comparison tools available on the site. This page currently exists because it is required by the database and content management systems for me to post information and...

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED ($1,889.95) is the standard zoom lens for event shooters and other pros carrying full-frame Nikon cameras . It's exceptionally sharp everywhere but the edges of the frame, though it lacks the optical vibration reduction system you'll find in some zoom lenses.

Great center sharpness throughout zoom range; Constant f/2.8 aperture

Edge performance suffers; Some distortion; Lacks optical stabilization; Pricey

Surprisingly, this $1,700 (street) lens is Nikon's first constant-aperture optic in the very popular, all-purpose, standard zoom category. Both of the company's previous pro and amateur 24-85mm lenses had variable apertures.

Normal zooms are not very useful but this one at least goes to 24 mm. Heavy in the bag but feels and works perfect when in actual use.

Sharp; built like a tank; perfect ergonomics; standard 77 mm filter ring; well spaced focal lengths; hood is attached to lens barrel in a way that protects the lens if dropped

Long with super large hood; Distortion at shorter focal lengths

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm is an excellent telephoto AF-S zoom lens that gives exceptional results on both the FX and DX formats of Nikon Image Sensor. It is a wide angle to medium zoom lens that is designed for adding sharpness to both the above mentioned formats of the Nikon sensor.

I'm returning this one for exchange. At $500/hr for helicopter time, you want your lens to be sharp. All the way out to the corners. And without VR (this lens doesn't have it) you need all the speed you can get to fight the helicopter vibration. This copy is unusable below f11.

Well built; Pretty quick focusing

Mediocre image quality, especially poor in corners; Must stop down to al least f11 to have any chance at full-frame quality; Susceptible to flare; No VR; Manual focus ring is too quick which makes fine focus adjustment impossible.

This is an amazing lens. Beautifully smooth, accurate and silent focusing. Extremely sharp and contrasty, even at F2.8. The only downside I have to say about this lens is the size and weight. It is big and heavy. It is, by no means, a general walk-around lens.

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED (77mm filters, 31.8 oz/902g, 1.2'/0.38m close focus, about $1,885 ). I'd get it at Adorama or Amazon or used at eBay (see How to Win at eBay ). My biggest source of support to keep adding to this free website is when you use those or any of these links when you get...

Perfect for use as your only lens

Don't use this on DX ; get the DX 17-55mm f/2.8 instead. Don't bother with this if you also carry wide or tele zooms; you don't need it. See Nikon FX Lenses for more