The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is a versatile ultra-wide zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon's DX-format cameras. This lens is an excellent choice for landscape photography, architecture, and any situation where you want to capture a wide field of view. With a focal length range of 10-24mm, it provides a 15-36mm equivalent in 35mm terms, making it ideal for capturing sweeping vistas or tight interior spaces.
The build quality of the lens is commendable. The lens features a solid plastic construction that feels durable, while remaining relatively lightweight for an ultra-wide zoom. The rounded aperture blades contribute to a pleasing bokeh when shooting at wider apertures, which is often overlooked in ultra-wide lenses. Additionally, the lens incorporates a weather-sealed design, providing some level of protection against the elements.
This lens delivers impressive image quality across its entire focal range. At wide open, the sharpness is quite good, with details remaining crisp and clear. Stopping down a bit to f/8 or f/11 will yield even sharper results, especially along the edges of the frame. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, and distortion is minimal, though you may notice some barrel distortion at the extreme wide end (10mm). Fortunately, this can often be corrected in post-processing.
Equipped with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM), the autofocus on the AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm is quick and nearly silent. This makes it an excellent choice for video work, where noise can be an issue. The lens also features a manual focus override, allowing for precise focus adjustments when needed. However, in low-light situations, the autofocus may struggle slightly, which is typical for many wide-angle lenses.
The zoom range of 10-24mm makes this lens incredibly versatile. It can handle everything from sweeping landscapes to tight architectural shots. The flexibility of a zoom can often be more useful than a prime lens, especially when hiking or traveling when you may not have the opportunity to switch lenses frequently.
While ultra-wide lenses are not typically known for their bokeh, the rounded diaphragm blades of the Nikon 10-24mm do provide some pleasing background blur when shooting at wider apertures. It might not be as creamy or smooth as longer focal lengths, but it can still create an aesthetically pleasing effect in certain compositions.
In summary, the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is a solid choice for photographers looking for an ultra-wide zoom lens. Its combination of build quality, sharpness, and versatility make it a great investment for landscape, architectural, and travel photography. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as low-light autofocus performance and slight distortion, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making this lens a highly recommended option for Nikon DX users.