Not satisfied with Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8

[Redneck]

I purchased the Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 about two months ago (US model, brand new), had several shoots with it so far. I use spot metering most of the time.
Anyway, the lens drives me nuts. 8 out of 10 low light shots are simply out of focus. It works great at daylight/sunshine conditions, but it totally sucks at low light. I'm very disappointed since I was expecting something great when I paid $$$$ for it. My 50mm f/1.8D performed so much better at low light.
So, my question is, has anyone of you experienced anything similar with this particular lens?
Or is this copy just not o.k. and I should have it repaired?
What would you do?

[srwatters]

Which body are you using?

Remember that the amount of light reaching the AF & metering sections is based on the maximum aperture of the lens. With the mirror down, the lens is opened to maximum aperture for focusing and metering. I would expect better AF and metering on a f/1.8 lena vs an f/2.8 model under the exact same conditions and same capture f-stop setting.

All that said, I have no issues with AF on my 24-70 with the D3.

[Redneck]

I use the D300, but come one the 1.8 costs $120 and the 2.8 about $1750. Am I expecting to much from a lens that costs more than most DSLR kits?

Redneck added 0 Minutes and 55 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

BTW, even the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 was more reliable at low light.

[90 5.0]

I believe you're the first person I've ever heard complain about this lens.

I would have someone look at it.

[KenJulio]

For the 'seniors' here, would samples and exif data help? I'm thinking yes... :)

[gmarblestone]

Man, the lens is awesome... I LOVE mine.
not really an answer...

[tc95]

Andre, I know you may not want to do this...but I experienced something like this when I had my D300 and my 14-24....I called tech support...and they had me reset my camera...the Hard-One...that erases everything...I lost my settings...but the lens worked flawless after that...you may want to try that...

The only other thing I can think of...is shine a light thru the lens with it wide-open and make sure there is no issues with the inner elements...

Good luck...and let us know what is up...

[Redneck]

Tony, can I reset the camera on my own or does anybody else have to do it? How did you do it?

Redneck added 2 Minutes and 34 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

BTW, one more hint. The focussing works well in low light when I use "Matrix Metering". I just don't want to use matrix.

[KenJulio]

BTW - I take no responsibility of whatever happens. :) Proceed at your own risk

Found this post on sportshooter, 7th or 8th post down: http://www.sportsshooter.com/message...html?tid=29662

->> I had a problem with the eRR error on my D300 and they told me it was generic error code and they have no idea what it is; could be a million things.

They told me to do the hard reset (hold two green dots and LCD will blink once) and reset all the custom menus, then turn it off. Then go back and make everything like you had it.

Since I've done that its been smooth sailing.

[srwatters]

Are you using the center focus point? You do realize that is the only cross type sensor available, right? I would see if there is any way to test your lens on another D300 or D3? body before accusing the lens. And BTW, the price of the lens doesn't matter. It's all about getting enough light and contrast to the AF system. ISO doesn't matter. Don't know why matrix metering would make a difference. My D3 seems to be agnostic to metering mode for focusing.

BTW, what AF mode are you using and how do you activate the AF drive? I don't want to blame your technique, but it's another variable to consider.

[msk2193]

This is my favorite lens in the arsenal. I have not had these problems.

[jeffkohn]

D3/D300/D700 actually have 15 cross-type sensors, you don't have to stay with just the center point.

[tc95]

+1 to Ken....also...I would take the battery out..and press the green buttons...just in case there is any stored power floating around...

Good Luck...

[jtriron]

Originally Posted by gmarblestone

Man, the lens is awesome... I LOVE mine.
not really an answer...

My exact thoughts as well .. mine works flawlessly and is second only to the 70 200 2.8 VR as my most used lens.
As suggested you may want to have it evaluated by Nikon.

J

[ElanR]

Originally Posted by 90 5.0

I believe you're the first person I've ever heard complain about this lens.

I've seen several others. Although not with this particular problem.


André, I think a call to Nikon support is the only way to clear this up. When you call in, they ask you what particular equipment you're calling about, so you stand a good chance of ending up with a person that knows your lens well. I personally don't understand why changing to Matrix metering would have any effect on the focusing action. The focus sensors operate exactly the same regardless what metering mode you're using. But again, Nikon made the gear and they should know how to make it work. Especially when considering how much you paid for this lens. Good luck to you.