Nikon SLR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Wide Angle Review

If you're a Nikon shooter hunting for a wide-angle zoom lens, the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is a classic option that's been around for a while. It gives you a constant f/2.8 aperture across a super-wide 14-24mm zoom range, which is great for landscapes, architecture, and tight interior spaces. People often ask, 'is this lens good for video?' Well, it's sharp and fast, but the lack of stabilization means you'll want a gimbal or tripod for smooth footage. At around $1265, it's a serious investment for your kit.

In terms of pure specs, this lens lands in the 74th percentile for versatility, which makes sense given its wide zoom range. The constant f/2.8 aperture is solid, sitting in the 54th percentile, so it performs well in low light. Where it starts to show its age is in the autofocus and optical performance, ranking in the 48th and 33rd percentiles respectively. That means while it's sharp, newer lenses might have an edge in clarity and focus speed. For portraits or video, its scores are in the low 40s, so it's capable but not exceptional for those specific uses.

At $1265, this lens isn't cheap. You're paying for the Nikon name and that useful f/2.8 wide zoom. But for that price, you might expect features like weather sealing or stabilization, which it lacks. If you're locked into the Nikon F-mount and need this specific focal range, it's a proven workhorse. However, there are newer and sometimes more affordable third-party options that offer similar or better performance for less money.

Let's look at some alternatives. The Sony FE 24-240mm is a superzoom that covers a massive range but has a variable, slower aperture (f/3.5-6.3). It's more of a travel lens, while the Nikon is a specialist. The Panasonic 14-140mm is for Micro Four Thirds, so it's not a direct competitor for Nikon DSLRs. More interesting are primes like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 or Meike 55mm f/1.8. They're much faster (great for low light and bokeh) and cheaper, but you lose the zoom flexibility. If you need a wide zoom, the Nikon does the job, but if you're open to primes, you can get better low-light performance for a lot less cash.

So, should you buy the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G? If you're a Nikon DSLR user who needs a reliable, wide-angle f/2.8 zoom for landscapes or interiors, and you find a good deal on it, it's a solid choice. But be honest about your needs. The lack of stabilization and weather sealing are real drawbacks. And if you're into video or shoot in tough conditions, you might want to look at newer lenses. For most people, it's a capable but aging lens that gets the job done without being exceptional.