Review Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Many thanks for the opportunity to review the excellent full-frame zoom Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4D IF Sergey Svirida. and the store www.fotika.com.ua.

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Externally and functionally, the Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) is very similar to its younger brother Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1: 3.5-4.5D (1998 release). Nikon AF 24-85 / 2.8-4D was produced from 2000 to 2012. In 2012 the lens was replaced with a newer model - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical.

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) and Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1: 3.5-4.5D

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) and Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1: 3.5-4.5D

The name does not indicate a number of important lens parameters, for example Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4D IF has excellent 9 blade aperturewhich can create pleasing bokeh. Among similar lenses 9 blades aperture only have Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1: 3.5-4.5D (predecessor and younger brother) and Nikon AF Nikkor 28-70mm 1: 3.5-4.5D (+ its NON-D MKI version).

The lens weighs a little more than 500 grams. The optical scheme of the lens includes as much 15 elements in 11 groupsAt the same time, as many as 2 aspherical elements are included in the design. The diameter of the front filter is quite large, and is 72 mm.

The lens has an aperture control ring. So that he starts working normally on modern Nikon cameras, you need to set the value F / 22, using the aperture control ring on the lens itself, and fix it with a special lever, which is located near the F / 3.5 mark. After such manipulation, it will be possible to control the aperture directly from the camera, for more details in the section about Non-G Lenses... Nikon AF 24-85 / 2.8-4D is one of the few lenses that has a red 'L' ('Lock') near the aperture lever.

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) with covers

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) with covers

Nikon AF 24-85 / 2.8-4D replaces older model Nikon 28-85mm f / 3.5-4.5 AF Nikkor. The lens feature is macro option. The work in macro mode is rather strange, but effective. The lens has two modes of operation: Normal and Macro - modes are switched using the lever on the lens. In 'Normal' mode, the lens minimum focusing distance (MDF) is 50 cm.In 'Macro' mode, the MDF becomes 21 cm, while the lens can shoot at maximum 1: 2 magnification... This is a very good indicator for this kind of lens. In 'Macro' mode, autofocus even works, unlike, for example, Nikon AF Nikkor 35-135mm 1: 3.5-4.5 (MKII), which is available only manual focus in macro mode.

Maximum trunk length Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Maximum trunk length Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Attention: the 'Macro' mode can only be enabled if the lens has a focal length of 35 to 85 mm. At 24mm 'Macro' will not turn on. Also, to exit the macro mode, you need to set the focusing distance greater than 50 cm, otherwise the switch will not budge.

Important: if the focusing ring moves between the MDF and 50 cm, it will not be possible to turn on the 'Normal' mode and unscrew the zoom by 24 mm. This is pretty annoying. But, despite the fact that the 'Macro' mode is implemented with some inconveniences and limitations, the benefits of it are quite significant. Personally, I am a big fan of taking pictures in my free time.

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Nikon AF 24-85 / 2.8-4D has incredibly fast focusing. Yes, this is a very fast focusing zoom lens. Fast focusing is most likely due to the fact that the focus ring rotates only 30 degrees (in Normal mode). The lens focuses almost instantly... In this case, the lens uses an internal type of focusing (the front lens does not rotate during zooming and focusing). For a non-motorized old man of 2000, this is a huge praise. Well, in the 'Macro' mode, the camera rotates the focusing ring for a rather long time to focus. I personally recommend working in 'Macro' mode with manual focus. You can ask any 'macro shooter' (macro photographer), and he will answer that manual focus mode is simply irreplaceable for macro photography.

Aperture lock on the Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Aperture lock on the Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Note: During autofocus, the focusing ring rotates and it sometimes interferes. The lens does not have a focus mode switch, therefore, you will need to turn autofocus on or off using the lever on the camera (located near the camera mount). There are now many lenses with M / A + Mthat do not rotate the focus ring during auto focus.

Operating Mode Switch Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Operating Mode Switch Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

The lens is assembled quite solidly, but it feels like it is made of plastic. Of course, the mount is metal. The focus and zoom ring are rubberized. After several years of use, a slight backlash of the zoom system is felt, and also the elastic band of the zoom ring swells a little. Also included is a hood that can be installed backwards.

Rumor has it that lenses with serial numbers starting with '2' or '3' are less assembled and give poor image quality compared to lenses with serial numbers starting with '5'. Lenses with a serial number starting with a '5' have been produced since 2006.

Tags Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Tags Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

It's important: auto focus with this lens is available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing.

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras with a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will focus automatically:

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras without a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will not focus automatically:

Only auto focus and sound confirmation of focus will not work with these cameras, all other important functions, such as automatic exposure metering and automatic iris control, will work well.

You will find a lot of useful information on the types of cameras and lenses Nikon here.


There is no focus mode switch on the lens itself, to translate the lens into manual mode focus should put the camera in manual mode focusing using the switch located near the camera mount.

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) with a hood

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) with a hood

Image quality:

Don't rely on the f / 2.8 aperture. Firstly, it is available only at 24mm, and secondly, the image at F / 2.8 at the edges of the frame is quite soft. Nikon AF 24-85 / 2.8-4D has a distortion that is strongly barrel-shaped at 24mm and light pincushion at 85mm. Strong vignetting is noticeable at 24mm and f / 2.8. It's funny, but in the center the lens shows good sharpness, at 85 mm the sharpness in the center drops slightly. In general, the lens is not the sharpest at fully open apertures, but this cannot be called “soap”. At 85mm F4.0, you can get good portraits. Replacing is very strong at a wide angle. HA... Color reproduction is normal. The lens is afraid of backlight. In general, for a zoom lens, Nikon AF 24-85 / 2.8-4D shows normal picture quality... But here's a new, darker Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical Significantly better in terms of image quality.

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) on Canon EOS M

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) on the camera Canon EOS M

Personal impressions

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) is a very interesting option for an all-rounder with a 3.5X zoom for a full frame. In fact, it is one of the most popular native replacements for very expensive professional Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm 1: 2.8GN ED и Nikon AF-S 28-70mm F2.8D (IF-ED). In fact, based on the aperture ratio, the Nikkor AF 24-85mm f / 2.8-4 D IF is the only replacement since its brother Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical already lost all the charm of f / 2.8 and macro mode. For cropped cameras Nikkor AF 24-85mm f / 2.8-4 D IF will greatly lose its versatility due to the wide angle, but it will also be suitable for a street reporting lens on Nikon DX cameras. If you are looking for such a lens, then there is a wonderful offer from Tamron in the face Tamron 28-75mm with excellent image quality and macro mode.

Different in size between Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) and 105 dc

Variable in size between Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) and Nikon 105 F 2.0 dc

Sample photos:

All photos were shot on camera. Nikon D7000 without processing. On-camera JPEG L, reduced size and imprinted data from EXIF.

Examples for a full-format camera for Radozhiva helped to prepare Natalya Romanenko:

Here link to the archive with the originals - 445 MB, 31 photos in .NEF format (RAW) from the Nikon camera D700 (FX).

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) on the ZK


List of all Nikon FX 24-XXX autofocus lenses:

  1. Nikon 24-50 mm 1: 3.3-4.5 AF Nikkor
  2. Nikon 24-50 mm 1: 3.3-4.5D AF Nikkor
  3. Nikon 24-70 mm 1: 2.8GN AF-S Nikkor ED Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Aspherical
  4. Nikon 24-70 mm 1: 2.8EN AF-S Nikkor ED Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Aspherica VR + its modification of the 'Nikon 100th Anniversary Edition'
  5. Nikon 24-85 mm 1: 2.8-4D AF Nikkor IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)
  6. Nikon 24-85 mm 1: 3.5-4.5G AF-S Nikkor ED SWM IF Aspherical
  7. Nikon 24-85 mm 1: 3.5-4.5G AF-S Nikkor ED VR SWM IF Aspherical
  8. Nikon 24-120 mm 1: 3.5-5.6D AF Nikkor
  9. Nikon 24-120 mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED AF-S Nikkor SWM VR IF Aspherical
  10. Nikon 24-120 mm 1: 4G N AF-S Nikkor ED VR SWM IF Aspherical Nano Crystal Coat

Catalog of modern lenses for Nikon can see here.


Lens prices in popular stores can look at this link, or in the price block below:

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Conclusions

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2) is a good versatile full-frame zoom lens with a rather unusual aperture and the possibility of macro shooting. Lost in image quality to new Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Koba

 

 

Comments: 181, on the subject: Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)

  • Arkady

    Good day! I think it’s better to take 24-85 zoom or staff 20 and 50, already at your advice I took 80-200 happy with everything except its weight, d610 camera
    Shoot reportage, sport, movement
    Maybe there are other alternatives?

    • Koba

      “It is rumored that lenses whose serial numbers start with '2' or '3' are less assembled and give poor performance compared to lenses whose serial numbers start with '5'. Lenses with serial numbers starting with '5' have been produced since 2006. ”

      Here is the exact information on the numbers and years of manufacture of this lens. Under the numbers 200145 - 306721 it was produced from August 2000 to December 2005, in the amount of 106721 pieces. And since 2006, they produced under the number 500118 - 594321, in the amount of 94321 pieces. Indeed, according to some reports, some parts have been modernized, it is very possible that Nikon quietly took into account the noticed flaws either in the design or in the production itself and fixed them, as is usually the case with them (and other manufacturers too). An indirect proof of this is the fact that, for example, in China, lenses with numbers from 5xxxx, that is, a new release, cost $ 50 higher than the rest, besides, it is for such lenses that sellers of used equipment give a 7-day test guarantee, and for others give a 2-hour (!!!) guarantee, or no return at all, and greatly discount the price to those who are ready to buy them. I personally spoke with 6 sellers and was convinced of this myself. Therefore, yes, it is highly probable that lenses with numbers from 5xxx are the best among this series.

      • Sergei

        I would not be so carried away by HEARINGS. And it’s not serious, it’s like a womanish rumor. All the same, a science that requires accuracy, measurement and research. And not rumors, speculation, hypotheses and conjectures.
        Even if there were changes in the design, the earth of parts, etc. , then the rise in prices is quite logical and logical. But no one said that number 2 shoots worse than number 5. Or something worse.
        The test was conducted with which lens number? If 2-3, then what is it worse?
        In general, you muddy something. Only enter people into the harlot. I came, checked, liked it, took it. Everything. The rest is from the evil one. IMHO.

        • Mikhail V.Ch.

          Yes, yes, Sergei, this is clearly not a rumor ... The lens that you sold to me is just that. Soap and lack of sharpness literally down to F5 / 6. Then something like sharpness appears. Sold without regret. I bought it on AVITO with the number 540xxxx. It got better and much better. But again 2,8 working is only conditional, but you can already remove some tasks. I gave it to a friend, everything suited him. Acquired on the occasion of 24-85mm 1: 3.5-4.5G AF-S Nikkor VR. He was a whale on the D610. Everything fell into place at once. 3,5 - 4,5 are fully operational throughout the entire focal range. Especially 85 by 4,5. he became a staff member on the D610. For more serious tasks, there are 50 1,8G, 35-70 2,8D, SIGMA 24-70 2.8 HSM. SIGM can be sold. Something like this. IMHO ...

      • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

        Well, where can I find this serial number on it? I can't find it on this lens, where is it?

        • Alexey

          The number is located under the elastic band of the zoom.

  • Sergei

    Arkady as well as all experienced photographers! Who will say anything about portrait shooting on this lens. and what are the alternatives for this money. I guess that 85 1.8 for a portrait will be better, but it very much undermines the 24mm. d700 camera.

    • anonym

      I have such a lens 24-85 and a d700 carcass. Portraits are indisputably better at 85 1,8 will be

      • Jury

        and with porn - vashpe otpad :)

      • Gennady

        without porn spelled separately

  • Gennady

    and undeniably united

    • Denis

      so it’s not clear at all, demon or with porn

    • Bogdan

      since when is porn unified?

  • Sergei

    Tell me, where is the serial number on this model?

  • Alexander

    You missed something a lot! Maybe the opposite is true with these figures in your conclusion about lenses ????????????????????????? Maybe Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24 -85mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical plays and much more on the Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm 1: 2.8-4 D IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2). ?????????? ???????????????????????????????

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Not confused, optically G is better, despite the lower class of the lens.

      • Alexander

        Where did you get this from? So that Eph 2 was worse than eph 3 / figuratively and roughly speaking! /

      • Alexander

        What are you saying in diopter? ??? How is focus ef 2 going to be worse according to dioptric data ef3? Have you checked by eye ???????????????????????? ????

  • Alexander

    You something mixed up in lenses on the contrary !!!

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Explain, please.

  • Novel

    Hello.
    Maybe someone saw a review somewhere or a video on disassembling this lens.

  • Dmitriy

    If you compare it with Nikon 28-105, what will be more interesting? Carcass d610.

  • Svetlana

    Good day! I bought a D750 for training in a photo school. For the first time I took 50mm f 1,4. Please tell me the universal zoom for shooting children. I choose from 24-85mm f 2,8-4,0, 24-85mm f 3.5-5.6 and 24-120 f4. What will be better in sharpness for shooting children in motion, group and portraits. Not interested in shooting flowers and butterflies, only people and real emotions. Nikon 24-70 f 2.8 not to offer, limited on a budget. Thank you in advance.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Good day. Of these, 24-120 / 4 VR is the best. You can do with Tamron 28-75 / 2.8 (non-motor version is very fast) and Sigma 24-70 / 2.8 HSM, which are not very expensive (cheaper than the same 24-120 / 4). And in a photo school you should have the opportunity to ask this question to eminent teachers who should help you with all such questions.

  • Svetlana

    Arkady, thanks, I heard that the sigma is a little yellow. Or is it all the rumors of Nikon lovers? And what about the Nikon 28-300 f3.5-5.6?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It may be an option that yellow. In the review of 28-300 everything seems to be said.

  • Ivan

    Hello! Tell me where on this lens is the serial number?

  • Alexander

    Used in a bunch of D7000 + 24-85mm2.8-4d slightly soaped the lower left corner. Over time, he switched to the D610 and was horrified! There was no lower left corner, and it was not soap but a complete mess! Closing the diaphragm at 8-9-11 did not help! Corner soaped godlessly, had to sell. I read a lot on this topic, I realized that all the fresh samples came with defects, (Displacement of the optical axis) And the first copies, with a black screw on the mount, did not suffer from this jamb.

    • 1ds_mk3

      Perhaps the lens was dropped or hit unsuccessfully.

      • Alexander

        Yes, it is possible they dropped it! Not just one lens, but a whole carriage! A huge batch of these lenses went to Russia and the CIS with marriage.

  • anonym

    Thank you Arkady

  • Mirlan

    Good laziness, Arkady. Allow to consult. I use the D300, it shoots elegantly, but infinity does not focus on a wide angle. Is it a breakdown or what?

  • Viktor Filvarkovy

    We got it wrong, so in order to switch the switch from Micro mode to Normal mode, you need to turn the focus ring from 0,5 to non-stop.

  • Andrei

    Explain to me how with a variable aperture you can take a photo at 85mm focal length and F / 2.8 - as in the first photo)))
    Arkady, Arkady ...))

    • Arkady Shapoval

      there is a mistake

    • Sergei

      Arkady's work is priceless and not paid for by you, but you still demand an explanation. You should be more specific about typos.

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