Nikon 24-120mm AF-S f/3.5-5.6 G IF ED VR

[ac250364]

Hi
I am about to purchase a D700 and was going to add this lens to the deal, however after some reading of reviews i am now in doubt.
Would i be better to go fo r the 24-85 and then add a 70-300 G IF ED VR at some stage?
Has the 24-120 been improved by Nikon?
I am fully aware there is no point in buying the D700 and not putting decent glass on the front, hence why i am posting this.
thanks in anticpation.

[PaulMontgomery]

I use one on my D700. Its not the best lens ever, but it certainly isn't bad, especially when stopped down. I've seen the reports too and can only guess that maybe there are QC issues and some people got bad samples. I can't comment on the 24-85 as I've not tried it.

[OldBoy]

I would stay away from the Nikon 24-120mm F3.5-5.6 VR as it isn't a great lens and have never been happy with mine and even more so considering it's price. The Nikon 70-300 VR is the better buy.

[ac250364]

thanks guys, it really does get a bad press about sharpness and resolution.
Anyone any more thoughts on a mid zoom, the 24-85 seems to get the more favourable reviews
thanks again

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by ac250364

thanks guys, it really does get a bad press about sharpness and resolution.
Anyone any more thoughts on a mid zoom, the 24-85 seems to get the more favourable reviews
thanks again

Haven't got any experience of this lens, so can't say if it's any good. Ken Rockwell has some views on it and he doesn't rate it. See here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/2485af.htm

If you click on the home page you can see reviews of other Nikon lenses. Most people take his views as over the top but I found it to be pretty good and it matches the lenses I have. Consider the Nikon 85mm F1.8 prime which give great results for the price and is great for low light and portraits.

[chris-p]

The 24-85 should be sharper and (according to some reports) is much better built as well. The 70-300 is well worth adding to your collection. I use one on my D90 and it's very sharp. Example image (at
300mm) below...