Nikon AF NIKKOR 24-85mm f/2.8-4 D Macro Autofocus IF Lens {72}

Nikon's 24-85mm f/2.8-4 D: a walk-around zoom with genuine macro reach

The 24-85mm focal range covers wide-angle reportage through short telephoto portraiture, and the f/2.8 maximum aperture at 24mm gives you a real light advantage at the wide end. Internal Focus keeps the front element stationary during AF, so lens hoods and polarizing filters stay oriented where you put them. The 72mm filter thread is a common enough size to fit into most kits without an adapter stack.

The D-type designation means this lens passes focus distance data to the camera body, which Nikon's 3D Matrix metering and i-TTL flash systems use to improve exposure accuracy. That matters most in mixed-light situations where the camera needs every input it can get. The macro capability rounds out the lens's range, letting you close in on subjects at a reproduction ratio that standard zooms simply don't reach.

For a single-lens travel kit on any Nikon F-mount body, this zoom earns its place. Thirty years of field use have proven the optical formula works across a wide range of subjects and conditions.

Who It's For

Travel photographers working from a single bag will appreciate the 24-85mm span covering architecture, street scenes, and informal portraits without a lens change. Documentary shooters benefit from the D-type distance data feeding accurate matrix metering in unpredictable light. Studio still-life and product photographers can use the macro capability to close in on small objects without switching to a dedicated macro lens. Film photographers with Nikon F-mount bodies get full compatibility, including proper distance-linked flash exposure through i-TTL and 3D metering systems.

Key Features

• 24-85mm focal range covers wide reportage to short telephoto portraiture
• f/2.8 maximum aperture at 24mm for low-light advantage at wide end
• Internal Focus design keeps front element stationary during autofocus
• D-type lens passes focus distance data to camera metering systems
• Macro capability with 0.31x magnification ratio for close-focus work
• 72mm filter thread integrates with standard lens filter kits

FAQ

What's the macro capability on this 24-85mm?

It focuses down to 0.31x magnification, closer than most standard zooms but not true 1:1 macro. Useful for detail work on coins, small product shots, or nature subjects without a dedicated macro lens.

Why does the D-type designation matter for Nikon bodies?

The lens sends focus distance data to the camera, which 3D Matrix metering and i-TTL flash use to refine exposure decisions. Most critical in backlit or mixed-light situations where the body needs extra input.

Will a polarizer filter stay in place during autofocus?

Yes. Internal Focus keeps the front element stationary, so your filter orientation holds steady as the lens focuses. No rotation, no readjustment needed mid-shoot.

Is 72mm filter thread standard enough to avoid adapters?

Standard enough that most working photographers have 72mm filters already. Fits between common sizes like 67mm and 77mm, so you likely won't need step rings if you're building a kit.

Does the f/2.8 aperture hold across the entire zoom range?

No, it's f/2.8 only at 24mm. At 85mm, the maximum aperture drops to f/4. The wide end gives you the light advantage for available-light work.

What Nikon bodies will this lens work with?

Any Nikon F-mount body from film SLRs to digital DSLRs. D-type metering functions on digital bodies that support matrix metering; manual focus bodies use the AF fine-tune features if equipped.