Camera Labs

*******UPDATE: My review is now up there.********

Trying to sort the wheat from the chaff I'm busily beavering my way through 24-xx lenses that satisfy the hunger for image-quality of the worlds highest MP full-frame DSLR: The Nikon D800.
After completing my Tamron SP 24-70/2.8 Di VC USD review I've now done the same for Nikon's equivalent zoom. Just a few more days for me to finalize the write-up and for Gordon to review and publish it.
As was to be expected the Nikon puts in a very good performance although you'll see that there are some weak points too. But one should not forget that this still is a zoom-lens and that the 36MP of a D800 are putting incredible stress on every lens.

As usual this thread is for your comments, questions and own experiences with this lens.
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P.S.: The old thread is here. I've locked it.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

I have a D800 and the 24-70mm f2.8 so can't wait to read your take on it.

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Nikon D800
Nikon 14-24mm f2.8G, Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f2.8G, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f2.8G VRII, Tokina 100mm f2.8D Macro and Nikon AF 50mm f1.8D.
Nikon SB-700, Nikon SB-600

Let me guess - wide open, subject at a medium/long distance, off centre? That's the only weak point I've found regarding image quality

My review is now up there.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Given that this lense has no VR, and the option of the recently released Nikkor AF-S 24-85/3.5-4.5G VR, do you think there is a huge difference between these two Nikkor lenses? Certainly the VR alone is a significant + factor.

I would need a f2.8 but with the latter having VR it might be better choosing this instead.

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Nikon D700, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Future purchases: Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8G ED & AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D

You're lucky, Colin: My direct shootout between the Tamron 24-70/2.8 VC, the Nikon 24-70/2.8G and the Nikon 24-85/3.5-4.5G VR is just in the final rounds of editing! So expect to have all your questions answered in a few days.
Until then you have to compare the results from my individual reviews yourself and draw your own conclusions regarding features, performance and price.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Ha ha I certainly seem to be Thomas!

Excellent, looking forward to that.

I have read the reviews on the Tamron 24-70/2.8 VC, Nikon 24-70/2.8G and 24-85/3.5-4.5G VR.

It seems a mixed bag of results, I don`t know what I would choose so far. I'm unsure about the Tamron, the absense of VR is certainly an annoyance, but at the back of my head I am thinking should I go for the 24-70/2.8G anyway or the 24-85 as it is a viable option it seems.

I read earlier if you can shoot and avoid camera shake well the non VR is fine, but there can`t be to many individuals who can avoid camera shake, albeit a bit, I don`t know if I could, as for the 24-70/2.8G lense at 70mm

Maybe your review will be my deciding factor.

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Nikon D700, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Future purchases: Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8G ED & AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D