Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S ED

Nikon’s new standard range zoom is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on a full frame camera such as the D3 or D700, but works superbly on DX format cameras also.
Contains two extra low disperson elements as well as aspherical lenses and Nikon’s new Nano Crystal Coating with Silent Wave Motor for high speed autofcusing. The lens can focus as close as 15 inches.

Roger’s take: It took a bit of time for this lens to grow on me – not because it isn’t great, it is great. But its predecessor, the 28-70 f.2.8 was such an excellent lens that I simply took the 24-70 for granted: a 28-70 with AF-S and a few extra mm on the wide end. But from an image quality point-of-view is better in every way, just subtly so. The autofocus is clearly quicker. Flare control and chromatic aberration are controlled better in the 24-70. The 28-70 was supremely sharp for a zoom, as is the 24-70, but I have to give props to Nikon: usually making a zoom range longer interferes with sharpness and that’s certainly not the case here. If anything the 24-70 is a bit sharper.

Unfortunately as I’ve used the lens more and more, one thing really irritates me: the zoom ring. The inner and outer barrels seem to catch on each other and the zoom mechanism at the same time feels loose and rough. Its a little thing, but in a lens of this price its a little thing that bothers me.

High Risk Lens: I’m surprised to have to do this, but the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 lens has a higher failure rate than most lenses in our lineup.

• How high? The Nikon 24-70 f2.8 lens has a problem rate of 2% of rentals, despite being checked out thoroughly before it leaves us.
• Why? There is a recurring problem with very stiff or ‘catching’ zoom rings, and less frequently focus rings. We’ve looked enough to know the problem is caused by something in the outer barrel catching on the inner barrel during zooming.
• What’s the point? We’re letting you know on the front end make sure you order this lens in time to check it out before you leave for vacation or schedule your big shoot. We can send a replacement if it has a problem, but we can’t send a replacement Friday night to get to you you Saturday morning.
• Type of problem: Problem with stiff or ‘bumpy’ zoom rings, to the point its very difficult to zoom the lens. Often manually turning the focus ring to one extreme or the other, then zooming back and forth a few times will clear the problem – for a while. Also please note: all of these lenses have stiff zoom rings at best.

We probably delayed too long in putting this warning up: to be honest Nikon lenses are usually so reliable we thought, at first, that perhaps it was just a coincidence. However, we’ve since confirmed in conversation with other rental houses that they are seeing similar problems.