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Hello Thomas,

Finally I managed to read this review, marvelous.

I was very surprised at the 24-85, I didn't think it would come so close to the Nikon 24-70.

If you were to give the two Nikons an overall rating out of 100, would their be much of a gap?

Also IS, would not having it on the 24-70 put you off buying it?

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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

Colin, I'm afraid that I wouldn't give numeric ratings with my reviews. There are too many factors to be considered that may be more or less relevant for different shooting-conditions and different photographers.
So saying that a lens is "Recommended" or "Highly Recommended" just means that you should have a closer look at the good and bad points of this lens and find out whether it fits your demand(s).
An Example: whether a maximum aperture of f4.0 plus image stabilization is "better" for you than a maximum aperture of f2.8 with no image stabilization depends on the subjects and the shooting conditions:
- If you shoot fast action normally the faster lens would be preferred regardless of IS because you need the shortest possible shutter times.
- If you're carrying a tripod with you at all times, the lens with the best image quality might be your favorite
- If you're more the walk-about type that normally shoots not-so-fast moving subjects but needs some decent low-light capability than you might prefer the f4+VR version as the VR should more than compensate for the loss in maximum aperture.

I hope these examples make it clear that there seldom is a clear-cut answer as to "which lens is best".
Unless of course when the lens of a shootout has the largest aperture plus IS plus the best image quality plus the lowest price.
But according to my crystal ball that is not going to happen soon...

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

Yes You're right, I thought about that when writing the question, and yes you've been very helpful. Well my main interest is architecture/street photography, sometimes I use my camera for landscape, but this is quite the exception.

Outside of this, in the future I might be doing wedding and real estate/realty photography.

So it doesn't seem i'd need a fast lense.

As for that perfect lense, yeah wouldn`t that be a dream

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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