So why did I finally decide to add the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens replacing the old and trusted 24-70AFS? This past weekend of shooting pushed me over the line. The new 24-70VR I’m seeing just a bit cleaner, sharper, sweeter image at f/2.8 at all the focal lengths. Having a fast zoom is only worth the price if at that fast f/stop the images are what you need. For me the overall plane shot at the top wasn’t enough to make me take the plunge.
When I started to look at the portraits I’ve taken with it though, that’s why I took the plunge. The shot of Stan who is trying his best to see out of that Stearman, the softness, cleanness of the background I really like. Is it radically better than the 24-70AFS? No, it is not and in fact, it is a tad better and that’s all. But I’ll take that edge when I can find it.
Now why does a wildlife photographer look at portrait qualities while selecting this lens? It’s because the 24-70 is the primary lens I use for portraits. I nearly always shoot portraits wide open at f/2.8 varying only the focal length. The photo of Stan was at 70mm and that of Dale & Brian around 46mm. The band of sharpness is gorgeous edge to edge just as is the out of focus. Then there were the little things. The VR versions focuses a tad closer. The VR version shade is a tad shorter and fits in the camera bag easier. I’m still not thrilled with the 82mm filter size but that just comes with the total new design incorporating VR and faster AF motor. The weight, balance, speed, VR and sharpness are incorporated into a beautiful lens that I really enjoy shooting. So, it’s in the bag now, the 24-70VR.