Build quality, sharpness stopped down, great focal length, even on DX, smooth focus

f/2.8 is NOT usable

I needed something wider on my dx camera. I had many 50, 58, then even 85 and 105 mm lenses, but nothing wide. On DX 28mm becomes 42, so is not wide. I have the tamron 28-75 / 2.8, and not only is not wide enough at 28, but it doesn't have a good reputation at its wide end. So I hunted this lens, as soon as I found it on ebay, at a reasonable price. My has some dings and scratches, but "it doesn't affect image quality"... really! The manual focus on EOS cameras was based on my intuition or viewfinder, but the results are fine, as 24mm means a great depth of field. The lens is sharp and has good colors. What bothers me is that 2.8 is NOT usable. Is not sharp at this maximum aperture and very prone to flare, unfortunately. I is still a good lens to have in your bag. For those who can afford, probably 20mm is the best choice (on DX cameras) or 28mm on FF.

Build quality for sure!

None really noted.

Actually, I have both the 24MM F2.0 and the F2.8. I haven't used them much recently, opting to use the 20MM F2.8. Reading these reviews has prompted me to take both the F2.0 and f2.8 out in the field this weekend to see how they compare to each other. I'm anxious to see. I do remember a few years ago when I was out in Moab, Utah I had the 24MM f2.8 with me. I was looking at those slides and the brilliance from those shots were amazing. Kinda wished I would have had the F2.0 with me at that point to make a comparison. But I'll make it this weekend.

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor 20MM F2.8 AIS, Nikkor 35MM F1.4 AIS, Nikkor 50MM F1.8 AIS, Nikkor 28-50MM F3.5 AIS and the Nikkor 70-300 F4-5.6 ED

Sharp,excellent build quality,small size.Cheap comparatively to its quality.

Prone to flair.

I got this one used at Ebay.Generally speaking one of my favourites.I really like its angle view.

Customer Service

None!

Similar Products Used:

Nikon AF 24 f2.8 Nikon MF 28 f2.8

Light-weighted Good optical performance Excellent build quality

Optically slightly weaker than the MF 28mm/F2.8

Good to excellent wide angle lens, low distortions, good sharpness, but slightly less sharp and contrasty than the Nikkor MF 28mm/F2.8.

Customer Service

Not needed in 5 years

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor MF 28mm/F2.8 Nikkor MF 20mm/F2.8 Nikkor MF 35mm/F1.4

Wide angle of view is useful for taking shots of buildings and room interiors.

Lens flares when pointed into light source. Lens improves markedly when stopped down two stops.

I have mixed feelings about this lens. It is certainly invaluable if trying to photograph the interior of a room or an entire building, where the increased angle of view over a 28 mm lens is a distinct advantage. Also, it is not so wide that one need be extremely precise in composition & alignment as one needs to be with 20 mm and wider lenses. The lens improves markedly as it is stopped down from f/2.8 to f/5.6; and is best around f/8 up to f/11. I, however, do not use this for landscape shots, prefering a 28, 35, 50, 85 or 105. So, I pretty much use it for room interiors and entire shots of buildings outdoors (often at dusk or dawn). So, I am mainly concerned with performance wide open, or close to it (f/4), since I like to do city shots handheld, without a tripod.

Similar Products Used:

About 60 Nikon lenses and 5 Leica/Contax lenses.

-contrast is very good -good sharpness -excellent build quality -small size -minimal distortion -relatively cheap on used market

-centre is brighter than edges -f/2.8 may not be bright enough for some users

I've owned and used this lens for 9 years. I find the focal length to be very useful and I use this lens alot. Sharpness is good, although a bit soft in the corners. Distortion is minimal and contrast is very good. The lens is rather small and a delight to use (like all other AI and AIS lenses I own). If you have a manual Nikon kit you should consider this lens.

Customer Service

Nikon Canada - only used a few times, service was always very good and prompt.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon AI - 50mm f/2.0 Nikon AIS - 28mm f/2.8, 35mm f2.0, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/2.0 and 105mm f/2.5 Nikon AF - 20mm f/2.8, 24mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2.0, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f1.4 and 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6.

All Colour rendition sharpness contrast

almost none

Some Time ago i sold this old Lens,and unfortunately i regret doing it. I must admit it was silly of me,and the reason why is simply that this lens is unique in many aspects and have a caracter you learn to appreciate later. You see,the colour rendition and contrast is so remarkble natural,that you dont notice at once,it seems the sharpness is very good on this Nikkor 24 mm as well. But most of all the F-Lenght is very usefull and allround,and you can create very good Art and street phtographing with this lens. Today i have bought a zoom (16/17 -up to 35 mm) and a 20 mm Lens,so im satiesfied today anyway.But sometimes folks..when i see the prints from this 24 mm Gem..i miss it,it has> The Carisma >!

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

many types..Nikkor 20 mm 28 mm Canon ,Sigma and Vivitar(try the Vivitar 19 mm its good too)as well as zoom types from diff brands.