Nikon NIKKOR AF 24mm f/2.8D Lens

I bought the 24mm 2.8 to shoot low-light, interior settings. The lens has been a revelation. Wide open, it's sharp with colors so saturated the effect can be almost photo-realistic. Stopped down, it's even sharper. I've used it on both my D600 (FX) and my D7000 (DX) with excellent results. Focus is quick and mostly accurate. Be aware of the shallow DOF wide open.The focus ring does move during AF, so watch your fingers. As a D lens autofocus is not functional on the newer D3XXX and D5XXX cameras. Also, the small size and light weight are welcome, but can feel unbalanced on a larger body, especially if you're used to the heft of a zoom.My copy was manufactured in Japan. It has the weight and solidity of all the D series lenses I own. I've compared it to the ... MoreI bought the 24mm 2.8 to shoot low-light, interior settings. The lens has been a revelation. Wide open, it's sharp with colors so saturated the effect can be almost photo-realistic. Stopped down, it's even sharper. I've used it on both my D600 (FX) and my D7000 (DX) with excellent results. Focus is quick and mostly accurate. Be aware of the shallow DOF wide open.The focus ring does move during AF, so watch your fingers. As a D lens autofocus is not functional on the newer D3XXX and D5XXX cameras. Also, the small size and light weight are welcome, but can feel unbalanced on a larger body, especially if you're used to the heft of a zoom.My copy was manufactured in Japan. It has the weight and solidity of all the D series lenses I own. I've compared it to the current 28mm 1.8 S series, and the older lens stands up well. I continue to discover how versatile the 24mm can be, both close up and for interiors. It's a lot of performance for the money.

I have always liked the 24mm prime, having had one since the early days of the 70s and Nikon F series. Interestingly the lens has not changed much optically since then, and a side by side comparison with this one and my dear old NC Ai-S from 1973 confirms little difference. I purchased mine to add auto focus convenience when I need it, not for anything better optically. The auto focus is consistent, within the limits of a shaft drive system, but it is also easy to manually focus. I regrease my plastic primes to remove the dry rattly feel, and to say it transforms them for the better is an understatement! I like the 24mm length as a normal prime on DX, and its rich traditional renditions, but it must be viewed in context. The reality is that these lenses, while being ... MoreI have always liked the 24mm prime, having had one since the early days of the 70s and Nikon F series. Interestingly the lens has not changed much optically since then, and a side by side comparison with this one and my dear old NC Ai-S from 1973 confirms little difference. I purchased mine to add auto focus convenience when I need it, not for anything better optically. The auto focus is consistent, within the limits of a shaft drive system, but it is also easy to manually focus. I regrease my plastic primes to remove the dry rattly feel, and to say it transforms them for the better is an understatement! I like the 24mm length as a normal prime on DX, and its rich traditional renditions, but it must be viewed in context. The reality is that these lenses, while being superbly sharp in the centre, do not carry their sharpness to the corners, particularly at wider apertures. Ironically it is part of what I like for the subjects I shoot, as it lifts the subject from the background. Just do not be deluded that it is perfect just because it is a prime lens, or expect edge to edge sharpness for architectural/landscape work. But it is a good honest work horse.

There are better 24mm lenses out there, even on the Nikon system. Of course, those "better" lenses are also much more expensive and more importantly bigger and heavier.I'm mostly a travel photographer and tend to use primes whenever I can get away with it. I own the Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR, but honestly I'd prefer to use primes, and not just for the speed. This one doesn't disappoint, with far better performance at f/4 than my zoom at the same aperture, and while both lenses are about equal at f/8, the little AF-D is small enough to just stay in the pocket of a light jacket or fanny pack until I need it.24mm is not my primary focal length as I tend to be a 35mm or 50mm shooter. When I carry just a camera and one lens it is invariably one of those two focal ... MoreThere are better 24mm lenses out there, even on the Nikon system. Of course, those "better" lenses are also much more expensive and more importantly bigger and heavier.I'm mostly a travel photographer and tend to use primes whenever I can get away with it. I own the Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR, but honestly I'd prefer to use primes, and not just for the speed. This one doesn't disappoint, with far better performance at f/4 than my zoom at the same aperture, and while both lenses are about equal at f/8, the little AF-D is small enough to just stay in the pocket of a light jacket or fanny pack until I need it.24mm is not my primary focal length as I tend to be a 35mm or 50mm shooter. When I carry just a camera and one lens it is invariably one of those two focal lengths and I never really feel too limited. 24mm is, for me, strictly a travel lens. There are times when you just can't step far enough back, or when you really want the majestic perspective that only a true wide-angle lens can give, but most of the time, for me at least, its people, and for people, nothing beats a good 50mm.So why all the talk about 50mm and the heavy 24-120 zoom? Because this lens is about the best available for the way I travel. It is very lightweight, but well enough made that it will take some abuse. Its also cheap enough that if it does get damaged in an unpadded pocket it can be easily replaced. Most importantly, however, when I do mount it on my Df, I know the results will be far better than just "good enough". Even wide open at infinity focus the detail incredible, though remember I'm shooting at 16 megapixel (D800 owners may want something better).Optically this thing hits above its weight class. It has correction for close focus through a floating element that results in impressive sharpness at all distances and apertures, especially in the center of the frame. Corners are excellent by f/4 and outstanding by f/5.6. Set at f/8 depth of field is immense, making this a great lens to shoot from the hip.I can't recommend this lens enough for travel photographers who want to stick with prime lenses. For me, this lens in a pocket and the AF-S 58mm f/1.4G on the camera makes the perfect kit. I could travel the world with just those two primes and really not feel like I'm missing anything.As an added bonus, being a D lens I can unlock the aperture ring, mount it to my 37-year-old FM and enjoy a well-corrected 24mm lens in full manual glory with identical optics and much less cost and weight than the AIs version.