Nikon NIKKOR 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF 24-85mm

The Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4D is a compact zoom with a bright aperture and a killer 1:2 macro mode that punches above its weight. Bokeh is lovely, but you'll deal with some edge distortion and no stabilization. Worth it if you find one under $800 and your body has a focus motor.

Sharpness is solid in the center, landing in the top quarter of our database for optical quality. The real party trick here is the 1:2 macro capability, which is a standout feature for a standard zoom and lets you get surprisingly close to flowers or details. Bokeh is smooth thanks to the 9-blade aperture, but edge distortion at 24mm is a known weak spot that shows up in real-world shots. Autofocus speed is middle of the pack, and there's no stabilization, so you'll want to keep your shutter speeds up in low light.

Stacked against modern all-in-one zooms like the Tamron 18-300mm, this Nikon feels more specialized. The Tamron gives you stabilization and a massive range but a much slower variable aperture. The Sigma 16-300mm is another superzoom competitor that trades the bright f/2.8 for sheer versatility. If you need a one-lens solution for travel, those are better. But for portraits and close-up work on an FX body, the Nikkor's bokeh and macro chops put it in a different league.

Pricing for this lens is all over the map, with a wild spread from around $705 to over $1,200 depending on the bundle and warranty. The sweet spot seems to be the international models with accessory kits from Newegg, which get you the lens, filters, and a tripod for the lower end of that range. At that price, it's a lot of glass for the money, especially if you want macro without carrying a dedicated lens.

The Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4D is one of those lenses that feels like a secret handshake among Nikon shooters. It's an older screw-drive AF design, so it won't autofocus on the entry-level bodies without a built-in motor, but on a D750 or D850 it comes alive. You get a genuinely useful f/2.8 at the wide end that dims to f/4 when you zoom in, which is a fair trade-off for a lens this compact and light.

If you shoot a lot of video or need silent autofocus, look elsewhere. The screw-drive motor is loud, and the lack of stabilization makes handheld footage a jittery mess. Wildlife and sports shooters should also pass, as the 85mm reach is too short and the AF speed is just average.

This lens is for the Nikon shooter who wants a walkaround zoom with character. It's not the sharpest tool in the shed at every focal length, but the bright aperture, macro mode, and solid build make it a joy to use on a compatible body. If you're shooting a D7xxx series or full-frame DSLR and find a good deal, it's a smart pickup.