Nikon AF Zoom NIKKOR 24 85mm F 2 8 4D IF Review | 54 Data compared

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon AF 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF as a versatile, compact, and affordable FX-format lens, notable for its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture at 24mm and a specialized 1:2 macro mode. Its key advantages include sharp center performance, pleasant bokeh, and internal focusing, which prevents front element rotation, making it a viable alternative to more expensive zooms, particularly for portraiture and travel. However, the lens has notable drawbacks, including significant barrel distortion at 24mm, soft edges, and strong vignetting when shooting wide open. Because it lacks an internal motor and relies on a screw-drive system, it cannot autofocus on entry-level Nikon DSLRs or Z-series cameras, while its overall sharpness is surpassed by newer alternatives.

The Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF scores the highest overall at 23 points, performing optimally at 35mm and f/3.2. Its main advantages include a brighter maximum aperture range of f/2.8-4, the best light transmission at 3.9 TStop, and a low distortion rate of 0.6%. It features 9 diaphragm blades for smoother bokeh. However, it suffers from high chromatic aberration at 17 µm. Its design lacks image stabilization, an internal AF motor, and a dedicated manual focus ring. The Nikon AF-S VR 24-120mm f/4G ED and AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR both earn an overall score of 22. The 24-120mm lens stands out for its extended focal range, lowest chromatic aberration at 11 µm, and built-in stabilization. Conversely, it is heavy at 710g, expensive at $1,300, and has a high vignetting profile of -2 EV. The newer 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G variant delivers the highest sharpness at 15 P-Mpix, features stabilization, and is the lightest at 485g. Its drawbacks include a slower light transmission of 4.5 TStop and a lower-quality 7-blade diaphragm assembly.

The Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF achieves a slightly higher overall DXOMARK score of 17 compared to the 16 scored by the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR when tested on a Nikon D700. The older f/2.8-4D lens brings pros like a brighter maximum aperture range, superior light transmission (3.9 TStop vs. 4.5 TStop), lower distortion (0.6% vs. 0.8%), and more diaphragm blades (9 vs. 7) for smoother bokeh. However, its cons include higher chromatic aberration (16 µm vs. 12 µm), a heavier build (545g vs. 485g), a higher initial price ($700 vs. $599), and the complete lack of image stabilization or a built-in autofocus motor. Conversely, the newer f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens offers the distinct pros of built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quieter, camera-independent autofocusing. It is also lighter, more affordable, and controls chromatic aberrations more effectively. Despite these modern features, its main cons are a slower, more restrictive variable aperture, worse light transmission, and slightly higher distortion. Interestingly, both lenses tie perfectly when it comes to sharpness, with each...