Nikon 24mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

When used on a Nikon D300 that applies a 1.5 multiplying factor to the length (this 24mm acts like a 36mm on a DX sensor), this lens is clear, collects lights well, and is extremely sharp. This is a great walk-around lens for scenery, touring, quick crowd shots, and snapshots. With this lens, if you can get the shot quickly and in focus, you will have something that can be easily edited (expecially cropped) in a photo-editing program. Highly recommended as a basic "on the camera all the time" lens.

I have a slightly older version of this lens (pre D), but the important point I want to make is the same: This is a great prime lens for events and general shooting on a cropped DSLR. On a D70 (what I have) it acts like a 36mm with the crop factor. It is wide enough to take shots of groups but not so wide that you can't get a nice portrait.

But, this is for people like me who prefer prime lenses, most people will be much happier with a zoom, like the 18-55mm VR. The prime lens lets more light in so you can shoot without a flash more often. But, if you are going to shoot with a good flash like the SB-600, you will be better off with the flexibility of a zoom.

These AF lenses will not auto focus on a D40 or D60. They will auto focus on the D50, D70, D80, as well as the higher end pro models.

This lens is a necessity when shooting with the Letus Extreme or Redrock 35mm adaptor!

I am one of the dinosaurs still shooting 35mm films. I am used to Nikon primes and wont change them for any zoom. I already own AF 24mm N and wanted (just for passion) to replace it with a newer 'D' version, just to fully use the Nikon 3D Matrix metering capability.

First of all, the lens arrived in an oversized package without ANY inside protection, no foam, polystyrene, air filled bags, nothing, so the small lens box could have been jumping and bumping through the delivery package at will. This is not the way how professionals pack and ship the precise and high quality optics!!! Just week ago I got Nikkor 180 from BH photo, you should have seen how this one was carefully packed and secured - like a nuke transport.

Second, the lens has somewhat wobbling front element, the focus ring is a bit loose, when you try to move it manually, you hear and feel slight inner bumps at the beginning as if the moving mechanism was not really tight. Funny thing is that when you hold the lens 90 degrees right, the focusing becomes smooth. Definitely there is a bit loose element inside. I know I might be too picky in these days of plastic consumer photo gear, but still, this could by acceptable for cheap zooms, but not for nikkor primes!!! This feels like my cheap chinamade Nikkor 50mm 1.8.

I am going to return the lens, disappointed. As said, I do have nikkor primes, even older AF 24mm f2.8 N, so I can well compare and said that this one piece does not make a good name for the brand. I am sure or hope though, that it is just an exception and that even these days Nikon's primes are still reasonably well built, in most cases.

So although I know the good one should have 5 stars for its optical performance, I gave just 3 as this should not happen for this product line. I am rather not rating the Amazon's packaging, it would be unfair to give the lens just one or two stars

I have three nikon primes: 50, 35, & 24. they're all great, but I prefer this lens because I use manual focus quite a lot, & it focuses much more smoothly. with the 35 & 50, there is a slight feeling of the gears rotating inside the lens (not just my copies -- I tested it on a friend's copy of the 35 & 50). with the 24, I don't get that feeling -- it's perfectly smooth -- perhaps because of the heavier & more complex lens elements.