The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 update in 2007 replaced the venerable Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 – itself a beast of a lens and longtime staple in the bag of many pros.
With the latest incarnation of Nikon’s midrange zoom, the 24-70mm f/2.8 features a broader range, Nano Crystal Coating, and a built-in AF motor. What’s more, we see an entirely new optical design that promises all the quality you’d expect from a 21st-century pro f/2.8 zoom.
Let’s be honest – this isn’t so much of a review as it is a love song to my most-used lens.
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To learn how you can help support www.ishootshows.com, visit the page Buy Yourself Something Nice. Now with that out of the way, let’s get to the review.
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Focal length
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24-70 mm
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|---|---|
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Maximum aperture
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f/2.8
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Minimum aperture
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f/22
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Lens construction
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15 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED glass elements, 3 aspherical lenses and one Nano Crystal Coat)
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Picture angle
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84° – 34°20’ (61° – 22°50’ with DX-format camera)
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Closest focusing distance
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0.38 m/1.2 ft. (with focal length 35-50 mm
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Maximum reproduction ratio
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1/3.7
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No. of diaphragm blades
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9 (rounded)
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Filter/attachment size
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77 mm
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Focusing
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Internal Focusing (IF) system; autofocus with a built-in SWM and manual focus
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Diameter x length
(extension from lens mount) |
Approx. 83 x 133 mm/3.3 x 5.2 in.
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Weight
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Approx. 900 g/31.7 oz.
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Supplied accessories
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Bayonet Hood HB-40, Semi-soft Case CL-M3
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No surprises here – the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 includes all the usual suspects – though the lens case is a nice, tough nylon that most people will most likely never properly abuse.
Ergonomically, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is a beautiful lens to use, and a nice improvement over the fatter Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 that it replaced. Overall, the lens barrel is relatively slim, tapering from the front element down to the lens element in such a way that this midrange zoom is very easy to balance and use.
The zoom ring is a very generous width, making operation quick and easy. The manual focusing ring is far enough away from the lens mount not to get in the way, but close enough that your fingers just have a short trip to engage MF.
The one switch on the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is the standard M/A -M switch to toggle between Autofocus with Manual override or Manual focus-only.
The build quality of the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is excellent. A lesser lens be a rattling pile of plastic and glass for how much I put this lens to use.
Overall, I do have to say that the 24-70mm I use shows more wear than the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 VR that I use. In particular, the zoom ring shows some dimples due to the rubber warping/separating. Of course, this may be attributed to how much I use the lens over my other zooms.
The lens hood of the 24-70mm f/2.8 is one of my favorite parts about this lens, strangely enough. It’s simply so solid once it’s locked in place for active use that I know that it’s never coming off.
Also: It’s huge. I like to call it the Intimidator. I make sure to put the lens hood on the 24-70mm when I’m shooting with people using kit lenses.
The hood for the 24-70mm is actually larger than the lens hood for the new 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII. For anyone doing stealth shooting, you’re probably not going to want to use the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 in the first place, but you’re definitely not going to want to use the lens hood if you do.
The speed and accuracy of the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is one thing that secures its place in my bag for assignment after assignment. Simply put, this zoom focuses as quickly and accurately as any zoom or prime I’ve used.
When I test the focusing speed of other lenses, the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is the standard to which I compare. Strangely enough, the only equal in terms of speed is the massive Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR (both VR I and II models are excellent).
In terms of accuracy, when properly dialed in to the AF Fine Tune needs of your DSLR, this lens always delivers. And for me, that means I can reply on it to help me capture the fleeting action of live music photography.
One thing about this lens that I’ve found is that it has a very naturalistic and flattering contrast response. Unlike some third-party lenses I’ve tested, the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 still keeps a subtlety in its rendition, so it’s just as comfortable shooting a wedding as it is at the rockshow. You get all the pop of bright colors without losing detail in black and shadow areas.
Somehow, this lens can render with both finesse and impact, and it does so beautifully.
The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is a lens that I can shoot with all day at f/2.8. For event and reportage work (everything from live music photography to weddings), this lens delivers so well wide open that depth of field is often the only concern for stopping down.
Aside from my main use for photojournalism, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 performs just as well at a distance as it does for close and midrange work.
Stopped down for landscape work, the 24-70mm f/2.8 renders killer detail – the kind of sharpness that lets you use a very low sharpening radius because of the fine granularity captured by the lens.
For band portraits, I love the 24-70mm f/2.8. While lenses like the 14-24mm or 70-200mm f/2.8 will give more dramatic perspectives, the midrange zoom offers utilitarian range that works for everything from larger groups to individuals with ease. You really can’t beat the wide-to-telephoto flexibility of the 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom.
For almost the same reasons I love the 24-70mm f/2.8 as a portrait lens with my music photography, the midrange Nikon zoom is extremely well-suited for travel snaps. It just gives you a classic range that’s ready to tackle everything from landscapes to details with a twist of the zoom ring. For this kind of shooting and the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 – the mantra of “f/8 and be there” applies – the lens will take care of the image quality.
Bread, meet butter. The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is without a doubt the lens that I use the most for my live music photography.
The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is my bread and butter lens. Hands down, I’ve shot with this midrange zoom more than with any other lens on my Nikon D3 and D700. Simply put, it’s just insanely useful.
More than that, the optical quality of this zoom is excellent. Color, contrast, and sharpness – these are issues I never worry about with this lens. The AF speed is blisteringly fast, so much so that it makes most professional lenses seem sluggish by comparison.
While the 24-70mm doesn’t have the dramatic allure of the 14-24mm f/2.8 or the grace of the 70-200mm f/2.8, it’s a workhorse tool that never fails to deliver.
I bought my Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 from B&H in NYC, where I buy all my photo gear. If this review and other content on www.ishootshows.com was helpful to you, please consider supporting this site and purchasing your photo equipment any of the links in this review, my support page, or elsewhere on my site.
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Let ‘em rip.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 25th, 2011 at 12:01 am and is filed under Photography Gear and tagged with examples, nikon 24-70, nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, nikon 24-70mm review, photos, review, samples. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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Yep, it’s my most used lens too, apart from the weight it’s totally flawless. I prefer primes if possible, but the 2.8 zooms are all amazing. Canon’s equivalent is nowhere near as nice, the bokeh is awful.
One note of caution if you do use the pouch – don’t use the belt-loop without some extra stitching! Mine failed and sent (another) lens crashing on to the concrete. No damage done, but it’s very poor on such an expensive lens.
Hi Simon,
Thanks for the comment. Yes – the weight is a downside for extended carry. Not as bad as the 70-200mm, thankfully.
Good point on the belt pouch. I never do use mine, but at least it’s pretty well-padded case with that foam pad at the bottom. Thanks for the PSA.
Review: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 http://bit.ly/hX1McM
Review: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8: The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 update in 2007 replaced the venerable Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8… http://goo.gl/fb/4LB3i
RT @toddowyoung Review: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 http://bit.ly/eXQ3Tp
Great review as always!
I couldn’t imagine photographing anything without this lens close by.
Hey Paul, thanks for the comment. This lens is simply a staple for so many photographers. Anyone doing any kind of PJ work should have this lens. It’s just too useful.
Hey!
Great review, I also use this lens most of the time, but I have to say that the new 70-200 is a bit faster and more accurate at focusing, but there is only a subtle difference.
Greetings from Slovenia!
I forgot one thing and quite important one. My copy of the lens has a really awful rubber on the zoom right. It streched out so much that I had to cut and glue it back to the lens.
I’ve heard that some people have really had problems with the rubber zoom ring. Myself, I’ve only had it dimple in one spot. Other than that, the rubber seems pretty much fine. I know other people have had the rubber separate, though.
Guess the lens is just too useful for its own build quality. ;)
Hey Rok,
Thanks for the comment. You may be right – the new 70-200mm VR II does have excellent responsiveness.
I’m somewhat shocked that Nikon can make the 24-70mm and 70-200mm focus so quickly, while even the new AF-S primes don’t “snap to” quite like the zooms. Amazing.
Love your website and the energy here.
The information you share is very helpful.
I actually had to sell my Nikon f/2.8 24-70mm to free up some cash to buy the Nikon f/2.8 70-200mm VRII which I am now shopping for. I loved the lens, but far too often I am further away than I want to be.
My Sigma f/2.8 HSM 70mm-200 has served me well, but given the angles and distance I shoot from as well as my need for the best IQ I can afford, my work will be better served starting with the Nikon VRII 70-200mm.
The Nikon f/2.8 24-70mm is back on my list of ‘must haves’ but for the time being, my primes, 24mm f/2.8 ~ 50mm f/1.4 and my 105mm f/2.8 VR will have to cover me.
On a D700, is there a difference in the IQ between the 70-200mm VRI and VRII?
Thanks
Hey Todd! I’m really enjoying reading your reviews since they are quite clear, straight to the point, and most of all chalk-full of professional insight. Keep up the great work and stunning photography. I’m quite tempted to buy this lens, even though I’ve got a 50mm F1.8 in the bag right now. I’m thinking instead of investing in some lights and some wireless triggers. Too much to buy! Looking forward to meeting up after my stint in Nicaragua, until then!
This Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 review is worth it just for the sample images at the bottom: http://bit.ly/hB4BIO from @toddowyoung
It is fantastic! RT @justinvl: This Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 review is worth it for sample images: http://bit.ly/hB4BIO from @toddowyoung
Had any doubt which is a must have to your camera bag? @toddowyoung reviews the Nikon 24-70/2.8 http://is.gd/ODFk2v
Love the review and love this lens! Swapped to this one after snapping my Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 macro for the 4th time. The Nikon is a lot faster to focus and the sharpness is amazing in comparison. This lens stays quite stuck to my D700.
Todd,
Thanks for another great review. I also love my 24- 70 f/2.8. The only thing I miss on this lens is VR. I know it’s not essential on a mid-range zoom, but I think it would be a nice addition, and squeeze a bit more usefulness out of the lens when shooting in low light.
How do you feel about this?
Best wishes,
Ian
Hey Ian,
VR would be a nice feature – it seems like there are some rumblings of Canon implementing this in their next version.
I do agree that it would help squeeze some more usefulness out of the lens, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the next version of this lens has VR in 3-6 years.
Am i right in thinking this lens is pretty dam heavy. I have been looking at it for a while as it will go very nice with my 70-200 2.8 but as i have a 50m and a 80mm prime i am not sure if it will be worth it to me.
Great review!
I recently got my hands on this lens. Todd, have you experienced any lack of sharpness shooting @ 70mm f2.8? Seems like no matter what I do I can not get tack sharp photos on the focus point. Other focal lengths @ 2.8 are amazingly sharp.
For me, “tack sharp” is relative. All things considered, the lens should be at its worst wide open, short of diffraction performance.
However, I never hesitate to shoot at f/2.8 when needed.
Excellent post as usual.
I picked this lens up late last year and I loved every moment of photographing with it.
Todd, quick question. You mentioned AF fine tuning in the post. How often do you find yourself needing to use it vs. shooting a lens out of the box?
Hi Jay,
It depends on the lens. Some are perfect out of the gate, others could use some tweaking. I test all lenses before using them on assignment.
very very nice!
Thanks, Jordan.
Great review Todd! I have become an instant fan of your gear reviews.
This lens has been on my wish list for a long time. I shoot with a DX camera and an 18-200 lens now. Do you think I will miss the wide end from 18-24, if I switch to this lens for general walk around photography?
Hey Raja,
Thanks for the comment, glad to hear you enjoyed the reviews.
Now whether you’ll miss the 18-24mm range, I guess that depends on your shooting style. If you do a lot of wide shots, the 24-70mm may disappoint you on the DX format, as 24mm isn’t all that wide on an APS sensor. If you truly want the wide-to-short-tele experience in a f/2.8 zoom, the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 is going to be your best option for DX.
However, if you’re more into portrait photography or may move up to a full-frame camera at some point, the 24-70mm is going to be a better option overall. Hope this helps.
The AFS 24-70 is optically a great lens. But the build quality inside is poor.
Shortely after I bought it, the front lens element was starting to waggle and the rear lens elements did get dusty.
Last month my 24-70‘s zoomring stucked. No way to turn back and forward. I sent it to NPS Switzerland, it will cost me 1000.- Bucks to get it repaired.
Without any reason like crashing or falling, I need to do a repair for 2/3 of the price of a complete new lens. Unfortunately, I know a least 5 photographers who had the same repair to do. Replacing of the LENS BARELL UNIT….
I now think, that Nikon does have a designing problem. This should not happen with a pro lens even after 3,5 years of pro using. And when it does happen, it should be done in warranty.
Dominik
Nice review there, Todd.
I just found this website a few minutes ago, and I’m starting to read all of your review.
I had 24-70 too, and I paired it with my D70. I know it’s rather odd to pair DX and FX lens, but I called it investment. Looking forward to other reviews,
24-70 Nano ???????????????? ??????????? http://ishootshows.com/2011/01/25/review-nikon-24-70mm-f2-8/
Great review……… on the lens
I bought my 24-70mm lens before
I bought my d3s.
That is the only lens stucked on my d3s for general
Purpose. An amazing sharp lens in any zoom range
I carry my camera all day long and never have issue on heavy like others complained.
Todd,
Hello again from Down Under. Todd, I have a D700 and a new 24-70 f/2.8 Nikon lens.
What do you mean by this phrase …
“In terms of accuracy, when properly dialed in to the AF Fine Tune needs of your DSLR, this lens always delivers.” ? “properly dialed in” ?
What settings for AF would you select for normal work from the photographers’ pit – assuming the lighting conditions that you typically find and close proximity (say 2 – 5 yards) as shown in most of your example shots here on the /review-nikon-24-70mm-f2-8/ webpage ?
Any advice much appreciated.
john
@RichRatner If you have the D7000, I'd go for the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 first before the 70-200mm http://bit.ly/mWkNNc
One piece of the Nikon Holy Trinity will be mine on Sunday! Can't wait to mount this beast on my Camera Body!… http://t.co/4R84pwqh
My dream lens! I’ve just got to find someone who is looking to sell a used one now :(. I can’t wait to get my hands on this sucker!
Seriously considering this lens. Just getting into events (mainly fashion / glamour but with shorter catwalks and being able to get a reasonably close position). Was going to go for a 70-200 2.8 (which I still might get if I need) but figure the 24-70 will be most used considering where I shoot and the EXIF data I have. The 70-200 is great for the longer ranges but I’d never need the 200 reach at most indoor events and at its shortest the 70 minimum would almost certainly be too long also.
Hi, I just got this lens yesterday and I feel a slight click/clunk/skip when I turn the zoom ring and it passes the 50mm mark. I guess this is where the lens changes the direction of the movement inside. It happens when the lens is held horizontally as when shooting and only when going from 24 to 70, not the other way. Other than that the zoom ring is very smooth.
What do you think, is this normal? Can you advise?
Thanks very much!
Nice and clear review! Just found a link to your SB-700 review. Very nice site! I will read much more the coming time. I wonder why I never before found your site…
The 24-70 is almost stuck to my D300s. I expected to switch a lot with my Tokina 12-24 f4, but in practice I hardly use that last lens. The quality of this lens is simply amazing! It is sharp and fast with nice bokeh. It handles great as well.
On the long end I prefer my 70-200 f2.8 VR II; somehow photos with that lens on 70mm are even better than with this lens. Which says more about the 70-200 than about this lens.
The 24-70 is highly recommended!
Hey bro, thank you much for of the great reviews on 24-70mm 2.8 and 70-200mm 2.8 vrII, it really helped me a lot which lens I should buy it first, and I’m so excited because in 2 days I will receive my first PRO lens. I ordered 70-200mm 2.8 vrII on B&H.com, It was a great deal and I was delightful after I found out that there’s no tax and free shipping!!! I would definitely buy all my photography needs from now on.
Hey bro, thank you much for the great reviews on 24-70mm 2.8 and 70-200mm 2.8 vrII, it really helped me a lot which lens I should buy it first, and I’m so excited because in 2 days I will receive my first PRO lens. I ordered 70-200mm 2.8 vrII on B&H.com, It was a great deal and I was delightful after I found out that there’s no tax and free shipping!!! I would definitely buy all my photography needs from now on.
Hi Todd,
Im thinking of getting the 28-70mm f/2.8 but sigma.
What do you think,i mainly do low light gigs,is it worth the extra
to get nikon.? also the same with the 50mm f1:4
Thnakyou
Damian
Generally speaking, I prefer to buy Nikon lenses over any alternative. But if you search for a review of the Sigma 24-70mm on this site, you can see a comparison against the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, which I found excellent.