Nikon 24-70/2.8E VR

[Erik Lund]

Thanks Bjørn, then I skip that test on the D200 IR 

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Erik, just do a test to verify my results in IR. I used a modified Nikon D5300 with internal filter.

The hot spot is clearly visible when you begin to stop down the lens, but luckily lacks the "brutal" appearance of the spot occurring on the new 24/1.8 Nikkor. That one is downright ugly and the worst seen so far.

[Tristin]

By the way Erik, I liked the first shot in the second round of images you posted.

[Erik Lund]

Thanks Tristin! It's actually the first shot of the series,,,

IR, well the D200 IR is able to stop down these new E-Type lenses, the camera is too old technology,,,

[Erik Lund]

Just an observation; At f/2.8 the camera knows that the E-Type lens is fully open so it doesn't fire the aperture in the lens.

Any other lens type and the camera always activates the aperture lever for the selected aperture value, even for the wide open setting.

It would make for the fastest FPS shooting, wide open,,,

The 'stop down aperture' button of course stops down the lens but it also activates the VR

[Ilkka Nissilä]

I've noticed a few minor negative aspects of the 24-70E; there is more vignetting wide open but also some vignetting continues to my typical landscape aperture (f/9) and basically it must be corrected in software, otherwise it is too noticeable in snowy landscapes IMO. With the G version there was a bit of vignetting at 24mm, f/2.8 in the corners but stopped down the vignetting was below my threshold of perception. This is not a huge deal but I find it that often the profiles in Adobe software are not always accurate enough for perfect correction and I find this mildly annoying. (I took some shots accidentally in  JPG mode  as in the D750 the ISO and QUAL are close to each other) I would prefer lenses not to require correction after they're set at least 1-2 stops down from maximum aperture. With DXO's software I find the software correction to be more accurate though, but otherwise I'm not enthusiastic about their software as part of my workflow. I use it for photogrammetry since they have excellent distortion correction profiles (very accurate, and they automatically consider the effect of focus distance on the distortion which is crucial). Also the 24-70E's distortion is more complex in shape than what I found with the G lens. And finally as discussed above it seems I will have to purchase a longer panoramic rail to work with this lens.

However, the images from the 24-70/2.8E are very pleasing to my eye (assuming we correct the distortion and vignetting) and the AF works extremely well. I'm generally happy with the new lens. The images are clean, crisp, with vivid colours etc. and as mentioned many times already, the off center sharpness and CA characteristics are much improved from the G version.

I wish Adobe would put more attention to making more precise profiles that account for focus distance. Also it would be nice if they would take advantage of all the EXIF data instead of a minimum of it.

[Erik Lund]

Thanks Ilkka! I'll remember to look out for the vignetting, for many scenes I like the slight darkening of the corners, keeps the image together somehow, but yes it can be troublesome especially also when stitching images.

So far I have only noticed a bit of barrel at the wide end and slight pincushion at the long end - No moustache,,,

[Erik Lund]

The latest Nano Crystal Coat works nicely, There is fine contrast and details are crisp even shot directly into the sun, in portrait mode I got a bit of Orange/Green flare in the two lower corners an a little Green blob just below the sun. both at f/2.8
No Ghosts here

[richardHaw]

That vignetting issue is really a let down. I do expect more from this lens. Specially for the price. And to think that they have made the filter to 82mm 

[Bjørn Rørslett]

What about looking at an actual photo? The examples Erik exhibited now do not show much in terms of vignetting?

[Erik Lund]

The vignetting is a total non issue for me, actually as I stated earlier I like it  The very out-most tip of the corner you can see the effect of pushing the file a lot to lift the shadows, it is shot directly into the sun,,,

I don't use filters any more so I have no comment,,,

[Ilkka Nissilä]

Nikon has some new videos discussing the manufacturing of the 24-70E.

http://www.nikkor.com/philosophy/04.html
[edit: I accidentally linked to an older page and corrected it]

I haven't used filters regularly in years but in shooting the sea coastline with sunset and sunrise, there can be situations where either exposure blending or ND graduated filter may be required for an optimal result. The D810's large dynamic range at ISO 64 does make it feasible to go with a single exposure more often than with some other cameras. If the sun is visible without clouds in between, then definitely some technique is required to capture a full range of tones. Many now seem to use ND grands merely by holding them in the hand in front of the lens, but this is not so good if a panoramic shot is to be made (the position won't be exactly the same in the parts if the filter is hand held). If there is open water, exposure blending may be difficult if the images are to fit perfectly into each other. But my landscape photography is focused on winter and if it is -23C, dealing with the filters may often be too much for me. ;-) Next summer I will see if I use them in Iceland.

[richardHaw]

the polariser is amust for me
japanese autumns and springs are just gorgeous with CPL.

by the way nikon has made an official response to the people fussing about the specs under the front element. (like the 70-200VR2 from 6 years ago)

[PedroS]

Just got mine yesterday...
Wish I had it before, but the winning all over the media refrain me. But with no reason, it's a gorgeous lens!

 

[Thomas G]

Nikon has some new videos discussing the manufacturing of the 24-70E.

http://www.nikkor.com/philosophy/04.html
[edit: I accidentally linked to an older page and corrected it]

I haven't used filters regularly in years  [...]   ;-) Next summer I will see if I use them in Iceland.

I'm looking forward for the pictures.