Nikon DSLR Users- 24-70 f/2.8G vs. f/2.8E VR Focus Speed

[bunnspecial]

I currently have the "G" version of this lens, and am mostly very happy with it.

Several reviews address the optical performance of the newer E version, and of course VR is always a selling point. I can't find any direct comparisons of focusing speed, though.

I'm still debating about whether or not to buy one, but for those of you who have used both, do you notice any difference in focusing speed of the newer lens?

I'd mostly be using it on a D850 with occasional use on a D810 and/or D800. I've found the G version sometimes won't keep up with a moving subject at closer distances(where DOF is shallower) as well as I'd like, and if the E VR version is a bit better, it may seal the deal for me...

 

[r.harris1]

I don't currently own either of these so I'm fully qualified to pronounce judgement . In a local camera group we occasionally bring lenses in to have a play with on our cameras. These two have been a part of the mix for a while and I've always found the E to be better at AF performance on my d850. I wouldn't be able to put actual numbers to it, but Thom Hogan describes "zip and snap" better than I ever could in his review:

"After spending so much time with the f/1.8G primes recently, the 24-70mm f/2.8E was just a joy in terms of autofocus. On my D5 autofocus has a snap to it that’s much appreciated. No small delay before moving, no measurable move time. Instead of the buh-zip, buh-zip thing I’ve been writing about, the 24-70mm is snap, snap for smallish focus changes and zip, zip for long ones. Pretty much exactly what we expect from a high performance lens. "

E-wise, I've owned in the past the 300 F4/E which was much, much better AF-performance-wise than the D which I owned previous to that. Not the same lens you're talking about of course, but really, just that those gains are real with the different generations.

 

[bunnspecial]

I don't currently own either of these so I'm fully qualified to pronounce judgement . In a local camera group we occasionally bring lenses in to have a play with on our cameras. These two have been a part of the mix for a while and I've always found the E to be better at AF performance on my d850. I wouldn't be able to put actual numbers to it, but Thom Hogan describes "zip and snap" better than I ever could in his review:

"After spending so much time with the f/1.8G primes recently, the 24-70mm f/2.8E was just a joy in terms of autofocus. On my D5 autofocus has a snap to it that’s much appreciated. No small delay before moving, no measurable move time. Instead of the buh-zip, buh-zip thing I’ve been writing about, the 24-70mm is snap, snap for smallish focus changes and zip, zip for long ones. Pretty much exactly what we expect from a high performance lens. "

E-wise, I've owned in the past the 300 F4/E which was much, much better AF-performance-wise than the D which I owned previous to that. Not the same lens you're talking about of course, but really, just that those gains are real with the different generations.

Thanks! Should have thought to read Thom!

It sounds like the lens is exactly what I'm looking for with AF speed. The G version isn't exactly slow, but it lacks the "snap" Thom talks about that I have in some of my other lenses(including the 14-24mm of the same age).

Seems that it's a worthwhile upgrade. I don't care as much about VR in it, although there are times where I opt for something like my 24-120 f/4 as in the "real world" losing one stop(or the DOF from f/4) is offset by having VR..

 

[mollyc]

I had the G version and never noticed any issues with it, but I'm not one who needs super zippy AF. It did fine for swim and late elementary lacrosse games for me.

What are you having trouble capturing?

 

[bunnspecial]

I had the G version and never noticed any issues with it, but I'm not one who needs super zippy AF. It did fine for swim and late elementary lacrosse games for me.

What are you having trouble capturing?

Okay, well my curiosity got the better of me and I bought a nearly-unused example B&H had in their used section. As a side note, B&H doesn't give a lot of details, but this lens arrived looking basically like it had been unboxed, checked out, and then boxed back up. I'd not be surprised if it was a return that they sold as used.

Basically what I was having issues with is not holding focus fast enough for people at close distances(particularly...well...people who don't hold that still which I may be photographing a lot in the coming months). Initial evaluation is that if it's better than the older lens, it's not better enough to get excited about.

With that said, I know I initially said VR wasn't a big deal, but my first playing with it is that VR is pretty darn good on this lens. This is my newest Nikon lens technology wise(well, maybe not-the cheap little 10-20mm might be a bit newer) and the VR improvement over lenses like my 70-200 VR I or 24-120 f/4 is very noticeable.

Optically, quick checks are it's better, but whether or not I'll actually notice that in the real world remains to be seen.

My wife and I are taking this one on a short trip this coming weekend(hopefully can post some photos this coming week) and will take this lens along. I'm not sure if I want to cart both this and the G version with me, but I'll be in some familiar places so will at least have some basis for comparison.

Regardless, one of the two will most likely be going. If I resell the new one, I'd probably about as much of a hit as if I'd rented it for a weekend, and considering that I've had the other for ~3 years now I can't exactly complain about selling it for probably $200 less than what I paid for it.

I have to admit too that even though I was initially concerned about film compatiblity, the new one is good enough that being stuck at f/2.8 isn't exactly a big deal, and I seem to keep going to my fast primes more and more with film anyway. VR is a big help too. Heck, in a pinch, the new one would even work just fine(at f/2.8) on an F2AS.

I do admit to being a little peeved over needing 82mm filters on the new one, especially since a good 82mm polarizer is not cheap. I did find a used Nikon at B&H, which took the sting off a bit. If I decide I'm going to keep the lens, I guess that means another set of step rings too...