Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Review

January 7, 2016 | Mark Goldstein | Rating star Rating star Rating star Rating star

Sharpness at 24mm

The sharpness tests for this review were carried out using a real-world subject rather than a test chart. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens was attached to a Nikon D810 body, which in turn was mounted on a sturdy tripod. Exposure delay mode was activated. Tonal and colour variances across the crops are due to changes in natural light during the session.

The full frame at 28mmThe full frame at 24mm

Centre sharpness is very good wide open, and remains high through f/16. At f/22 there is a slight drop in sharpness due to diffraction, but the results are eminently usable.

Edge sharpness is best at f/5.6 and f/8 but again, we wouldn't worry too much about using other aperture settings either.

Aperture Centre Crop Edge Crop
f/2.8 f2_8.jpg f2_8.jpg
f/4 f4.jpg f4.jpg
f/5.6 f5_6.jpg f5_6.jpg
f/8 f8.jpg f8.jpg
f/11 f11.jpg f11.jpg
f/16 f16.jpg f16.jpg
f/22 f22.jpg f22.jpg