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| Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm |
Similar to Nikon's other mid-range lenses, the lens barrel is constructed from high quality plastics with a metal lens mount. It has a slighty textured finish, which doesn’t show marks easily and a large rubberised zoom ring, which stays put when set as desired. At only 460g, it is a quite a lightweight lens too.
As focusing is performed internally the 77mm filter thread does not rotate during use, making this lens ideal for use with graduated and polarising filters. Due to the wide angle of the lens, thin filters may need be used to avoid vignetting. Focus speeds are quick and the thin manual focus ring offers just the right amount of resistance to make fine adjustments easy.
The minimum focus distance of 24cm makes this lens suitable for shooting in claustrophobic environments, which wide angle lenses are particularly suited for. Care may need to be taken to avoid the distorted perspective you get when close in on your subject though, unless it is desired.
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Performance
At 10mm, sharpness in the centre of the frame is already excellent at maximum aperture and this clarity holds up well towards the edges of the frame. In the far corners a little softness can be seen at maximum aperture, but this disappears as the lens is stopped down beyond f/5.6 where sharpness across the frame is outstanding.
At 15mm overall sharpness drops a little, but it still remains excellent in the central portion of the frame. Clarity towards the edges is still very good, but just the same as at 10mm, the far corners are visibly softer. Again this phenomenon disappears as the lens is stopped down and peak quality across the frame is achieved at f/8.
Finally at 24mm, the excellent centre sharpness is mantained, but the quality towards the edges of the frame drops off noticeably. Stopping down improves matters considerably towards the edges, with peak performance being achieved between f/5.6 and f/8.
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Verdict
Overall the 10-24mm Nikkor puts in a respectable performance, producing images of excellent sharpness, especially when used at optimum apertures. The issue with softness towards the corners at maximum aperture is worth being aware of, but this shouldn't pose too may issues for most users. Optically it isn't as good as Nikon's 12-24mm, but then it is wider and cheaper, so should still win over many fans.
The light weight of the lens and reasonably good build all stack in favour of this lens. If the price were a little closer to that of the third party opposition, then it would be difficult to separate them in terms of value.
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Pros
- Excellent sharpness in the centre
- Very low vignetting for an ultra-wide
- Good build
- Handles well
- Lightweight
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Cons
- Softness in far corner regions at maximum aperture
- Flare when shooting into the light
Source : http://www.photodo.com
