Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm F1.8G ED

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm F1.8G ED is an impressive piece of glass designed specifically for Nikon's F mount, tailored for both full-frame and crop sensor (DX) cameras. In the realm of wide-angle photography, this lens shines, making it a strong contender for various genres, including landscape, street, and documentary photography.

Build and Design

The build quality of the Nikkor 24mm F1.8G ED is robust yet relatively lightweight, weighing approximately 355 grams (12.5 ounces). This makes it an excellent option for photographers seeking a portable lens. The lens features a weather-sealed design, which provides some level of protection against dust and moisture - a crucial aspect for outdoor photographers who often work in challenging conditions. The exterior boasts a classic Nikon finish, which means it feels premium in hand while providing smooth operation across its controls.

Optical Performance

Optically, this lens is outstanding. The F1.8 maximum aperture allows for ample light gathering, making it suitable for low-light conditions and creating beautiful background blur (bokeh) when desired. The lens includes ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, which help minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion, resulting in sharp and clear images—even at the corners—when stopped down to F8 or F11. Additionally, the anti-reflective coatings significantly reduce ghosting and lens flare, making it a reliable choice for shooting against bright light sources.

Autofocus and Handling

The lens utilizes Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for autofocus, which makes it both quick and quiet. In practice, autofocus is generally fast and accurate, which is especially handy when capturing fleeting moments in dynamic environments. Manual focus override is easy to access, providing photographers with complete control when required. The focus ring is smooth, allowing for precise adjustments.

Compatibility

For DX-format cameras, the effective focal length increases to approximately 36mm due to the 1.5x crop factor, making it a versatile option for various shooting scenarios. However, on full-frame cameras, it serves as an excellent wide-angle lens, allowing for expansive compositions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent optical performance with minimal aberrations
• Good low-light capabilities with a maximum aperture of F1.8
• Weather-sealed construction for additional durability
• Lightweight and portable design
• Quick and quiet autofocus with manual override

Cons

• Some users may find the focal length slightly limiting for certain compositions
• Price point might be higher compared to competitors with similar focal lengths

Verdict

Overall, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm F1.8G ED is an outstanding lens that excels in multiple aspects, from build quality to optical performance. While it may have a higher price tag, the benefits far outweigh the downsides, making it a worthy investment for Nikon F mount users. Whether you're a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this lens could certainly enhance your toolkit, providing stunning results across a variety of photographic applications.