Over the years, Nikon has introduced some truly exceptional lenses. Models such as 20mm f1.8G, the 60mm f2.8D Macro, the 135mm f2 DC, and the 80-200 f2.8 D AF-S are some lenses that have been trusted by millions of photographers around the world. In fact, many still swear by it. However, there are also instances when Nikon misses the mark. While rare, such lenses do continue to sell, but not in the way the company intended. An example of this is the recently discontinued AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 G ED VR zoom lens.
First reported by Asobinet, the 24-85mm has already been listed as discontinued across the MAP Camera, one of Japan’s biggest retailers, website. However, if you look at Nikon’s ‘old’ product list, the lens has not yet been mentioned. It is possible that the lens has been quietly discontinued, and this will gradually reflect on the company’s website.
Either way, the 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 G ED VR was not the best lens in any way. It is good that Nikon is gradually ceasing its production. The 24-85mm lens was designed with 16 elements in 11 groups, had 7 aperture blades, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m; it was referred to as a kit lens at the time. Created for full frame cameras such as the D600, the 24-85mm was lacking in various departments. For instance, the ergonomics was off. It was bulkier than the G series lenses. However, it struggled the most with autofocus. As we said in our review:
While using the D600, I had some issues in an indoor, mixed lighting environment where the lens would not focus fast enough for my liking. I missed some simple shots that I would have gotten with other lenses.
In many ways, the 24-85mm was perhaps designed for people who wanted to make casual images of their families, travels, and parties. However, anyone who is more serious will find the image quality satisfactory at best. In fact, for people looking for something around $600, they could purchase the Tamron AF 18-270mm f3.5-6.3, which costs $50 more than the Nikon lens’ price. If you have an entry-level DSLR like the D600, which has a good autofocus and some truly nice image quality, then a good lens is the need of the hour.
Nikon has been discontinuing F-mount lenses as it gradually moves towards mirrorless. This is not surprising since Canon is also doing the same, and Sigma is following in their footsteps. It remains to be seen when each of these companies removes the last SLR lens from their portfolio.