24-85 Lens Question

[Paul_Potash]

Does anyone have any feedback on Nikkor 24-85 2.8 Zoom lens? I've shot with one for a few weeks now and it seems a bit soft at either end. The zoom action binds so my local dealer has a replacement on order, however for me the jury is still out. Perhaps the replacement will be an improvement.
Any help welcomed.
Paul

[Thom_Hogan]

I don't regard the 24-85mm as one of Nikon's better zoom efforts. It is soft in the corners at 85mm on a D1, though I'm a little surprised to hear you say that you think it's soft in the corners on a D1 at 24mm (on a 35mm body, it is).

Thom Hogan
author, The Nikon Field Guide
author, The Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1 www.bythom.com

[Roger_Martin]

I`ve been using a 24-85 dedicated to one of my D1`s with no problems. Very fast and good low light capabilities.

[Paul_Potash]

What do you reccomend for a Nikon zoom lens for the D1 in the wide to medium range? I really like the 80-200 2.8 AF, but need something smaller like the 24-85 2.8.
Thanks,
Paul

[BWBrock]

I absolutely love my 24-85 having upgraded from a 28-105 that had given up the ghost. I don't shoot it wide open at 24 because it is soft there, but F4 at 85 is pretty good and 5.6 gives me sharp pics with plenty of contrast at both ends. Colors from a wedding I shot were superb. In some shots, I really cannot tell if I used my 80-200/2.8 set at 80 or the 24-85 set at 85. Some flare when pointed to the sun, but hey, it's a zoom.

Paul:

Have you checked out Sigma's 24-70f2.8? The lens comes in at just under $350 at a few mail order places and is very sharp throughout the zoom. I played with one for a few days and am now very tempted to purchase one to replace my 28-70f2.6-2.8 from Tokina(which means I'll end up getting it when my better half is not looking) :0)

I have used the Sigma 24-70f2.8 on the D1 and F100 , with Fuji Colour 200, and loved what I saw.

Just a suggestion

[Bill_Dewey]

Would you replace your Tokina with the Sigma because of the wider range, or because you see a problem with the Tokina? The reason I ask is that I am looking for something in this range and have been considering the Tokina ProII 28-70.

Thanks,