In summary
The wide angles of view of the AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED are its main attraction. At the 10mm focal length it can encompass more than 90 degrees horizontally, providing very dramatic perspectives. There’s a fair amount of distortion at all focal lengths, although if you’re mounting this lens on a recent Nikon DSLR it can be largely overcome by switching on the in-camera Auto Distortion Control.
The built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus drive provides very quiet autofocusing, which will be useful for photographers who enjoy recording movies with their DSLRs. It’s fully compatible with all current cameras including entry-level models.
Full review
The AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED was introduced in mid-2009 as an alternative to the more expensive AF-S DX Nikkor 12-24 f/4G ED-IF. It offers a slightly wider angle of view at the expense of a constant maximum aperture across the zoom range. Both lenses are similar in size and weight. Interestingly, the 12-24 f/4G lens is not listed on Nikon’s Australian website, although it is still on sale in some specialist retail outlets and still appears on the Nikon America website.
The wide angles of view are the main attraction to potential purchasers. At the 10mm focal length it can encompass more than 90 degrees horizontally, providing very dramatic perspectives. There’s a fair amount of distortion at all focal lengths, although if you’re mounting this lens on a recent Nikon DSLR it can be largely overcome by switching on the in-camera Auto Distortion Control.
The built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus drive provides very quiet autofocusing, which will be useful for photographers who enjoy recording movies with their DSLRs. It’s fully compatible with all current cameras including entry-level models.
At an average selling price of around AU$940, this lens isn’t exactly cheap. And it’s not quite as robustly built as the 12-24 f/4G lens, which was selling for around AU$1360 when we checked local online re-sellers’ sites at the beginning of September.
SPECS
- Picture angle: 109 degrees to 61 degrees
- Minimum aperture: f/22-f/29
- Lens construction: 14 elements in 9 groups (including 2 ED glass elements and 3 aspherical elements)
- Lens mounts: Nikon F
- Diaphragm Blades: 7 (rounded)
- Focus drive: Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Stabilisation: No
- Minimum focus: 24 cm (through the entire zoom range)
- Maximum magnification ratio: 1:5
- Filter size: 77 mm
- Dimensions (Diameter x L): Approx. 82.5 x 87 mm
- Weight: Approx 460 grams
Rating
RRP: n/a ASP: AU$940; US$800
- Build: 8.5
- Handling: 8.5
- Image quality: 8.5
- Versality: 8.5