Used Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S Nikkor Lens

2023-01-03T03:39:01

Great lens and so fun to shoot with!

Noreen B.

2022-09-15T12:20:14

Not a pro by any means, but this lens does what it is supposed to every time! I decided to try some astrophotography in Utah and I was overwhelmed. /KDB

KennethD B.

Originally posted at

2021-12-10T08:55:36

I?m writing for this for anyone deciding between this and the newer VR version. I have had both, in fact I?ve had four copies of the non-VR over the years. The VR has some advantages, one is obviously 4 stops of VR, well 3-4, 3 at the short end and 4 stops at the longer end. But that can really come in handy if you forgot or don?t like to carry a tripod. The VR also has better sharpness across the frame, so if you?re a landscape photographer get the VR. However the VR is not quite as sharp as this non-VR in the center. Which is one reason I no longer have the VR version. The other reason is the VR version just wouldn?t fit in my already packed bag. There is no larger version of my favorite backpack bag, the ThinkTank Airport Accelerator. I have a D5, D850 and 500mm f/4E VR FL and a 70-200FL in the bag already. The 24-70mm VR is a big lens, it?s almost as long and wide as some 70-200mm lenses. So it didn?t fit in my bag, and no I?m not carrying it separately. I do at times miss the VR, all of my other lenses have it and it?s nice to have. Especially the newer VR that does not ever need to be turned off, it?s a set it and forget it. I don?t know if I got lucky or the reviews are just plain wrong on the VR version, but my copy was very sharp. It was even sharp corner to corner wide open. I?ve heard others say there?s was not and they had to stop down to f/4-f/5.6 to get sharpness across the frame. The VR is honestly a better lens in my opinion if you want my honest low down opinion. I wish it fit in my bag and I wouldn?t be writing this review. If you can afford the VR and it fits your needs better, get it. You won?t be disappointed! But if you prefer this non-VR or you?re considering this for cost reasons, it?s a great lens. I have no complaints about the 24-70mm f/2.8G, that?s why I?ve had four copies over the years since 2007 when it was released. Why have I had four copies? One the zoom ring got stuck on, from it getting bumped too hard, the others I sold. Once to get a 24?120mm f/4 VR?big mistake, the other to get the 24-70mm VR. And now the fourth to go back to original which fits in my bag, lol. I?m most happy with this latest copy, it?s a high serial number, no longer has the US engraved on it. It?s a 1,200,000 serial number, no US engraving so do check the box and warranty card. Side of the box should have a 5 years sticker logo, the warranty card should say USA, and all serial numbers on the card, box and lens should match each other. Long story long, this is a great lens, a tried and true workhorse of a lens. It gets the job done and done well. But if I?m perfectly honest, I?d rather have the newer VR. I was sad when I had to sell mine and return to this old lug. But not too sad or for too long. It?s a great lens. The VR is just better in my expert opinion. The VR is built better and has better weather sealing, it?s zoom and focusing ring will not bind up or get stuck and ruined from bumps or drops. Yes the VR feels a little more plastic at first, but Nikon did that on purpose and NPS tells me that?s because tens of thousands of the 24-70mm f/2.8G were beyond repair with impact damage to the zoom rings. Yes this lens here I?m reviewing has a fatal flaw, it?s all metal barrel and construction is prone to denting and failure of the zoom ring. So if you can buy a VR, even if it?s a nice used copy, this lens here is great, but it?s been superseded by the VR.

PJ S.

Originally posted at

2021-03-30T09:13:00

My go to lens. Exceptional quality and would definitely recommend this as a must have in any photographers kit

MARYANN T.

2021-03-22T13:43:48

I had this lens in mind for a while and now I finally made the decision this lens doesn't leave my camera. Sharpness is amazing and if you have a small studio I simply recommend this lens.

MIRIAM O.

2021-03-17T08:52:53

Excellent 300mm for the money great sharp pictures.

JOHN S.

2021-01-06T01:54:24

A couple years after I purchased this Expensive Nikkor lens it was upgraded with VR (vibration reduction). Since my Nikon cameras don’t have built in VR, I don’t use this lens very often. Rather heavy lens for 24-70. Newer model with VR would be more useful.

MICHAEL K.

2020-12-17T10:07:41

Extremely versatile lens. This is my go to lens in most situations. Very durable and a great contribution to my kit of lenses.

ROBERT G.

2020-12-13T00:53:22

One of Nikon's best lenses. A must have for any photographer.

Cliff N.

2020-11-20T13:02:02

Most used all around lenses.

Jackie Y.

2020-07-14T05:14:03

The lens is high quality and fast. I have both this and the non-VR predecessor. Both are optically superb. This one has VR - which really helps with any kind of natural light shooting, particularly low light or night. It’s heavier than the non-VR version and significantly more expensive and takes costlier 82mm filters. Overall a great lens. I enthusiastically recommend the lens.

SCOTT F.

2020-02-21T08:07:29

This is a dream-come-true lens for me after a year of contemplating on buying. The lens is super sharp and fast, indeed meant to be my go-to lens in all aspect, may it portrait or landscape photography.

Ian A.

2020-02-19T14:46:32

Excellent lens!

Dorothy S.

2019-12-17T05:57:37

Love the optics of this lens! Had been waiting to get this for quite some time. I still love my primes, but the convenience of zoom is always great. This lens is a little too big and heavy to really use as a walk-around lens, but a terrific lens to keep in the arsenal especially when shooting in a changing environment. Great build quality and feel too

CATE B.

2019-12-15T12:48:08

I have only taken a few pics with the lens so far but am very happy with the quality. The tripod collapses much shorter than my other one making it more universal. A bit heavier than I figured it would be, but not more than my other and the carry bag is handy

PAUL B.

2019-12-06T10:46:00

I have only taken a few pics with it so far but it is well above the quality of the 24-120 Nikon lens. Much sharper images. Very happy with it

PAUL B.

2019-10-03T09:09:18

I give this lens 5 star,It is sharp corner to corner.

GEORGE M.

2019-09-04T14:37:18

Superior zoom lens. I use several primes in the same range and this is equal to their quality.

Thomas B.

2019-06-13T12:48:44

Was initially hesitant to order a factory refurbished item from anywhere for fear of being burnt. That was quickly quashed when I unboxed my Nikon 24-70 f2.8 from Adorama! I was pleasantly surprised to see a gold Nikon package with all the normal trimmings that come with new gear. I wholeheartedly believe in Nikon USA refurbished goods and trust in backing from both Nikon and Adorama. Now to the actual performance of the lens, it was clean, grabbed focus on my D750 from the first shot. It was fast and clean and the zoom ring was smooth throughout the focal range. This lens isn’t the VR version but that doesn’t or hasn’t been an obstacle as of yet. The images I’ve taken have been tack sharp and only wish I would have pulled the trigger on this lens sooner! Would Highly recommend utilizing Adorama and Nikon Refurb lenses and gear for those working on a budget!

JASON C.

2019-06-02T05:17:43

Been dragging my feet to purchase this lens. As I love prime lenses and already own all that are within this zoom range. Was waiting for a sale so took the plunge and I am so glad I did. It is super fast which I'm not used to but love it!!! Don't wait.

susan j.

2019-05-10T02:33:49

Great base lens. Solid. Feels good. The kind of lens to take when you want to get your camera dirty in the real world.

ERIC C.

2019-04-09T11:54:44

Sharper then sharp ,a little heavy but worth the strength you use once you see the results

Clarence L.

2018-10-05T21:20:54

So many people speak highly of this lens; it was between this and the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 FL version which was out of stock. I have multiple older Nikkor manual focus primes from film days; I feel those old primes can challenge the IQ of this lens even on a higher end Nikon FX body, and those primes weigh on average less than 9 ounces each. Not sure if having VR might have made a difference because at its focal length range I thought I could handle this lens without needing VR and the added expense; that was not the case for me. I seemed to get better photo IQ with some landscape shots than I got with some urban environment shots...better sharpness using it for landscape rather than in an urban setting. My budget was not quite up to ordering the 70-200 FL at the time so I tried this lens instead; I will wait and get the 70-200 FL when I can afford it because I want the extra zoom reach and its really fast AF and VR. If this lens fits your needs and budget, go for it. It's not quite what I personally wanted so I don't have a recommendation either way; the 24-70 simply did not fit my needs; that's not to say it will not fit yours. I took a lot of heat on a popular blog when I stood up and said I did not care for this lens.

Frederick B.

2018-09-27T14:13:58

Love it! Clear crisp images and wonderful all purpose lens for wedding photographers!

Kim H.

2018-05-28T07:02:34

This is the second one I have purchased. It’s sharp and dependable. Built like a tank. Stays on my D610 most of the time for photo or video application. Can not remember exactly why I sold my original one. If this one fails Iwill repair it. Don’t see a need for the VR version.

LLOYD M.

2018-05-12T06:06:12

It is a little heavy but it does a GREAT job!

Robert B.

2018-04-11T17:09:07

Waited a long time for this one. I was using a similar focal range lens but with variable aperture. The difference is night and day. Covers a usable walk around focal length. You will not be disappointed.

jim r.

2018-02-26T12:18:13

I love the versatility of this lens. It's an amazing do everything lens and has a really nice 2.8 aperture. I use it with my D3 and it works wonders. Used it this weekend for a birth photoshoot in the hospital and the range was awesome. I could get those good overall far away shots and then also perfect intimate ones as well. Love it 10/10 would recommend.

Lindsay K.

2018-02-04T08:38:37

Must have lens for event Photography.

Bennet M.

2018-02-01T10:48:05

Great Speedy Service

QUINARD T.