Camera Price Buster User Reviews
Nikon AF 24-85mm f2.8-4 Lens
Average Rating: Excellent
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Review by Austin Taylor on 5th June 2011
Rating: Excellent

Product: Nikon AF 24-85mm f2.8-4 Lens
This lens is an absolute bargain and perhaps overlooked because its not constant aperture. It also might not seem like a good lens for DX bodies because it only goes out to 24mm. Dont worry about either of those things, whether on DX or FX. Its faster than most kit lenses at F4 and performs extremely well in low light and for general use, 24mm (36mm equivalent on DX) is extremely useable, take along a super wide zoom as well if you need one.
Its far sharper than a standard kit lens and I think its sharper than the Nikon 18-70mm F3.5-4.5 G, which is well-regarded as an above average standard zoom. Its WAY sharper than the AF-S DX VR 18-200mm 3.5-5.6G IF-ED but that lens is trying to do so much more of course.
For portrait and weddings its great - its very quick to focus (even though its not AF-S) and has a nice bokeh, especially at 85mm. Its wide enough for most groups unless youre working in a tight space and covers a very useable range of focal lengths for 1 or 2 person portrait shots. Its light and unobtrusive but Ive found mine to be well made and durable.
To add to this lens versatility it has 0.5x macro facility, which enables good close-ups of (e.g) rings, wildflowers, insects etc. Macro can be used at focal lengths from 35-85mm, making it extremely versatile and I used it a lot with good results until I got my 105mm VR macro lens. For weddings I would use this rather than carry the 105 just for a couple of shots.
This lens has an aperture ring, which some users might find useful, though I never use it. Also, it doesnt have an internal focus motor so users of certain lower range cameras wont be able to use it.
I suppose its quite an old lens now and theres nothing like it in terms of range of features, quality and price so now might be a good time to get one. At the price, I cant fault it.
Im a part-time pro.