Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8g ED

£1479/$1747 Still going strong after more than a decade

With its ultra-wide zoom range and fast, constantaperture design, this FX format F-mount lens was a world-first when it was launched back in 2008. It’s become something of a legend in its own lifetime, but struggles to retain its crown against new Sigma and Tamron pretenders to the throne.

The Nikon matches the Sigma zoom lens on test for max viewing angle and is wider than the Tamron. Optical highlights include two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and Nano Crystal Coat. A rubber weather-seal is featured on the mounting plate, but the lens lacks weather-seals or a keep-clean fluorine coating on the front element.

Performance

Centre-sharpness is excellent but corner-sharpness at the shortest focal length and widest aperture lags behind that of the Sigma zoom, and is more on a par with the Tamron. Vignetting and barrel distortion are worse than in both other lenses. Coma and astigmatism are controlled well, again similar to the Tamron lens but not quite equalling the performance of the Sigma.

N-photo verdict

A great lens for astro as well as general photography, but not quite a match for the Sigma 14-24mm zoom.

Sharpness

It’s excellent across most of the frame at 14mm f/2.8, but drops off noticeably towards the corners.

Fringing

Lateral chromatic aberration is more noticeable in the corners than with the Sigma and Tamron zooms.

Distortion

As with colour fringing, there’s a little more barrel distortion than from the other F-mount zooms on test.