AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR review – Introduction:
Announced alongside a new 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G lens, the AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR is an intriguing optic. Designed for DSLRs with a full-frame sensor, this budget offering is somewhat in contrast to the expensive professional lenses normally associated with Nikon’s professional DSLR range.
The 24-85mm focal length and f/3.5-4.5 aperture make this lens perfect for everyday use – in effect, a kit lens for a full-frame camera. Yet given the cost of the professional-level Nikon D4, and to a lesser extent the D800, most photographers spending that much money on a camera would be more likely to opt for the tried-and-tested Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8.
It would seem, then, that Nikon is trying to make entry into its full-frame (FX-format) DSLR range more affordable. The question is, are those who demand the best image quality from their cameras going to be happy with this less expensive lens?
