Nikkor AF 24-85mm f/2.8-4 D IF (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 40.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 45.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 56.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 48.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 60.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 24.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/4000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/2500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/5.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 56.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 24.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/160s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 60.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/5.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 24.0mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure 1/200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 30.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 75.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 24.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/125s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/125s

Verdict

The Nikkor AF 24-85mm f/2.8-4 looks a bit dated on the D3x, both in terms of appearance and performance. The lens s capable of delivering excellent resolution in the image center when stopped down a little, but the borders and corners perform rather poor at large apertures. The lens needs to be stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8 to achieve at least good resolution across the frame.

Vignetting is quite pronounced at the shortest zoom setting, especially wide open, but moderate and thus on a typical level for this lens class at longer focal lengths. Distortion is very pronounced at 24mm and also often visible in tele shots when straight lines near the image border are involved. To be fair though: newer lenses like the AF-S 24-85/3.5-5.6 VR do not deliver better results in this regard.

The bokeh quality is not something to rave about, especially with busy backgrounds the image blur can be rather nervous.

The mechanical quality is decent without reaching the pro-grade Nikkors of course, mostly due to a rather extensive use of plastics and an old style AF.

One interesting feature of the lens is its close focus capability, offering image magnifications of up to 1:2. So, when you are willing to accept or work around the lens' limitations at the image borders and corners, and in addition want to take a close-focus shot occasionally, this might be a lens to consider.

Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
★★★★★

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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