Not satisfied with the Nikon 24-70 2.8?

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/12/2009 01:37:43 AM · #1

Or am I way too picky?

I got the Nikon 24-70 2.8 recently.

First copy had a nick in the front element out of the box and shards of metal in between the elements.
Second copy was really soft on the right side with the infamous zoom grind.
third copy (what I currently have now) doesn't seem as good as a 18-55 3.5-5.6 at the same focal length and aperture. It isn't as sharp not nearly as good as any of my prime lenses. the focus seems inaccurate too.
I also feel the this lens now has a bad omen from going through 2 bad copies already.
Though this lens seems great otherwise, I am not sure if I can justify $1800 for something that I am not 100% satisfied with.

My question is am I being picky or insane? Should I try to keep it or return it? I have till Wednesday.

If I do return it, I'll likely replace it with the 18-70 3.5-4.5, a tripod and 2 sb-600's, PMP and a few other things. Maybe a much nicer monitor.

Prash

Nikon D90

04/12/2009 04:06:02 AM · #2

If you have the slightest doubt that the quality isnt worth the money for you (it may be for some, but everyone is different), return it at once. Keeping it longer will only agonise the situation and make it harder to return. Listen to your gut: nobody else but YOU has to decide if you are ok with keeping it.

04/12/2009 05:23:55 AM · #3

Hi Ben
Thats awful that you've experienced so much trouble with that lens, its supposed to be one of the best around. You could be right about the omen though, I don't think I'd survive 3 goes at an expensive lens! Looking at your lineup, can I suggest you swap it for the 17-55? Its a brilliant lens and fits the D300 perfectly. We've had quite a few discussions around here lately about this lens, and most people who own it are using it 90% of the time. I'm included in that lot. You've now scared me about the 24-70 though - are you buying from a reputable shop?

04/12/2009 11:48:40 PM · #4

The Nikon 17-55mm wasn't my cup of tea. Great lens but not for me.

Since I will be sending my camera in for some repair, I could send the lens to be adjusted and re-calibrated.

Does that sound like an good idea?

pro: with this is, I won't have to deal with the return, and it would be adjusted correctly by hand.

con: I won't be able to return it at all, even if I don't like even after it get's repaired. Which is not likely. My first copy was AWESOME except for the scratch!

Message edited by author 2009-04-12 23:49:14.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/13/2009 01:27:38 AM · #5

Its difficult to know what to do. I was hoping the other owners of this lens would chip in on this thread. Everything I've heard from people who use one is that its the best wide angle zoom around, and better than the Canon equivalent. The fact that you've had such a distressing experience is really unfair, and as you say, the first model was awesome, so you know the optical quality is there.
I did wonder where you've been getting your lenses from - is it worth sending it back, and buying one from somewhere else? Its possible that whoever you're dealing with is shonky, maybe selling seconds at full price, or something like that? It just doesn't make sense that you should have not one, not two, but three bad experiences with an otherwise brilliant lens.
So the long and the short of it is, IMHO, you should perhaps not trust the dealer, get your money back, but do trust the lens. Especially if you don't want the 17-55. You're not going to find a better equivalent for that focal length.

ShutterHack

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

04/13/2009 01:46:08 AM · #6

What company are you dealing with reference the purchase?

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

04/13/2009 02:18:14 AM · #7

Prophoto Supply. In Portland, Or.
I have dealt with them before, so far so good. Maybe until now?

Until, now...

Maybe I am just having the worst luck!
3 bad lenses
a button falls off my camera (DoF preview button)
the rubber grip on my camera peels off
I get a group of insect bites near my mouth that makes it look like I have some weird STDs
I go to a place to meet some friends for an event brief, and turns out it's NEXT Sunday
what's next!?!

caba

Nikon D800

04/13/2009 02:33:03 AM · #8

I think it's time for some lotto action, with all that bad luck, you've got to win.

04/13/2009 03:28:58 AM · #9

here is a couple of photos
24-70 vs 18-55

the first one is the 24-70, the second is the 18-55 third is the nikon 35-105mm 3.5-4.5D

both are at 55mm at F/5.6, tripod, shutter released via remote.
sharpening set to 2
contrast: 0
brightness: -1
sat: 0

I did make the 18-55mm a +1/3 EX comp. just to make sure they have about the same overall brightness.

As you can see (the first pic), the upper left hand corner is REALLY bad, the upper right and central side being only ok. The bottom left being somewhat mediocre, but the bottom right is still good. whereas the 18-55, is somewhat soft in all four corners, but acceptable overall, and no obvious sign of decentering.
I also want to note the me second copy was MUCH worse than this.

Other thoughts:
The copy I have now also has some erratic AF, needs +20 or more for AF-C and +11 for AF-S. Weird, huh?
doesn't the d300 use the "sweet spot" and should reveal a little less decentering, especially when a 2 whole stops down?!

Message edited by author 2009-04-13 03:51:52.

04/13/2009 03:50:46 AM · #10

Originally posted by ben4345:

Lol, I'm so glad to meet someone who has my kind of day :-)
Don't blame the lens. You need an exorcist! lol

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/13/2009 04:12:38 AM · #11

I added a 50mm 1.8D at 5.6. It's the fourth one.

ShutterHack

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

04/13/2009 05:11:00 AM · #12

Ben don't stress my friend. Just come over to the dark side. Canon is calling you my friend.

Message edited by author 2009-04-13 10:02:51.

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

04/13/2009 06:24:27 AM · #13

Originally posted by ShutterHack:

Ben don't stre my friend. Just come over to the dark side. Canon is calling you my friend.

Yeah, you could get a Canon and have your mirror fall out in the middle of a shoot :-)

bmartuch

Nikon D7200

04/13/2009 08:06:13 AM · #14

I just recently purchased the 18-70 3.5-4.5, which was the kit lens for the D70. I'm amazed at how sharp that lens is for the $250.00 that I paid for it. I also really like the fact that it's faster on the long end than the 18-55.

Prash

Nikon D90

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/13/2009 02:14:56 PM · #15

Originally posted by ShutterHack:

Ben don't stress my friend. Just come over to the dark side. Canon is calling you my friend.

DOnt listen to Agent Smith, Neo! Run.. RUN for the Nikon booth:-)