ASK COREY: What’s a good sharp mid-range Nikon lens?

by Corey Rich

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Hey Corey. Do you have a recommendation for a Nikon mount lens, 24-120ish range but SHARP? —@Mlev1968, via Twitter.

Sharp? SHARP? What kind of question is that!? All of the Nikkor glass I have is sharp!

Two rules when it comes to lenses.

One: there is no such thing as a single lens that does it all.

Two, and this is most important: You get what you pay for.

My three primary lenses are the Nikkor 16-35mm f/4, the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8, and the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8. I rely on these three fine pieces of glass for 99 percent of the shooting I do.

For something longer and cheaper, but still tack sharp, you can look at the Nikkor 70-200mm f/4 lens. It’s lighter and significantly cheaper, but will restrict your ability to shoot in low light.

But for that middle-focal length range that you’re after, I would recommend the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8.

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7 comments

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Ian Reid December 13, 2013 - 12:52 pm

What about primes?

Corey Rich Productions
Corey Rich Productions December 13, 2013 - 12:57 pm

I would suggest either the 50mm f/1.4 or the 50mm f/1.8. Both razor sharp, awesome lenses. There’s also a new 58mm f/1.4, I’ve only used it a tiny bit but reports are that it’s incredible.

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Marc December 13, 2013 - 2:19 pm

Yes, I DID ask for sharp :). I have two of the three. Thanks Corey

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Jon Heller December 13, 2013 - 3:01 pm

The Nikon 24-120 f4 is a great lens as well. Good range, really sharp and a nice price tag.

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Maya Sugiharto December 13, 2013 - 4:51 pm

Hey Corey,
If you could only take ONE lens anywhere with you (not knowing the specific of the photography assignment), which one would you go for, and why?
Cheers,
Maya

Corey Rich Productions
Corey Rich Productions December 19, 2013 - 6:42 pm

Hi Maya, That’s a tough one, but if I could only have one lens I would bring the Nikon 16-35mm F/4G AF-S ED (VR-II) Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens. You can check out list of all of my gear and other lenses here: https://news.coreyrich.com/gear-list/lenses/ . Good luck and thanks for the question!

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Wynn December 13, 2013 - 6:31 pm

Wait one sec.. did you just recommend the 24-70?

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