* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 G ED VR Autofocus IF Lens {72}
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$270.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Nikon's 24-85mm walkaround lens with built-in VR II stabilization
The 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR covers the focal range most photographers reach for first, wide enough for interiors and landscapes at 24mm, long enough to isolate subjects at 85mm. VR II stabilization gives you real-world handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, which matters when you're moving between dim reception halls and bright outdoor settings without time to swap glass. The AF-S Silent Wave Motor drives fast, quiet autofocus that won't bleed into video audio or distract subjects during candid work.
ED glass and aspherical elements keep color fringing and distortion in check across the zoom range, and the internal focusing design means the front element doesn't rotate, a practical detail if you're using polarizing or graduated ND filters with a 72mm thread. This is a full-frame FX lens built for Nikon F-mount bodies, though it also covers DX sensors as a ~36-127mm equivalent. After more than a decade in the field, its optical formula and feature set remain a solid foundation for shooters who need one lens to handle most situations without carrying a bag full of primes.
Who It's For
Travel photographers working with a single-lens setup benefit from the 24-85mm range and VR II when moving through uncontrolled lighting. Wedding and event shooters get quiet AF-S autofocus that won't interrupt ceremonies while covering wide group shots and tighter portraits in the same zoom. Documentary and street photographers who shoot in mixed light will use the stabilization to recover shutter speed in low-contrast indoor environments. Landscape photographers appreciate the ED glass for suppressing chromatic aberration at 24mm where contrast edges are wide and any fringing is visible.
Key Features
- 24-85mm focal range covers interiors, landscapes, and light portraiture
- VR II stabilization enables handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds
- AF-S Silent Wave Motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus for video and candids
- ED glass and aspherical elements suppress color fringing and distortion
- Internal focusing keeps front element stationary for filter compatibility
- 3.5x zoom ratio reduces lens-swapping on single-body outings
FAQ
- What's the effective focal length on a DX (crop-sensor) Nikon body?
- 36-127.5mm equivalent, which pushes the telephoto end into mild tele territory but keeps the wide end usable for most shooting situations.
- Does the front element rotate when focusing?
- No - internal focusing means the front element stays fixed, so your polarizer or graduated ND filter won't shift as you autofocus.
- How does VR II perform for handheld video?
- VR II compensates for camera shake effectively in most light, but it's not a replacement for a tripod or gimbal for professional video work.
- Is the AF-S motor quiet enough for recording sound on-camera?
- Yes. The Silent Wave Motor is designed for quiet operation and won't dominate audio when you're recording video or capturing ambient sound.
- Will this lens work on older Nikon F-mount bodies?
- Yes, it's compatible with any Nikon F-mount camera, but you'll lose metering and autofocus on pre-AF-S bodies. It also requires an FX body to deliver its full 24mm coverage - DX bodies will crop to 36-127.5mm.
- What kind of optical correction does this lens include?
- ED glass minimizes chromatic aberration, aspherical elements control distortion and coma, and the design keeps those problems manageable across the entire zoom range.
- Can you use filters on this lens?
- Yes, it has a 72mm filter thread, so standard-size circular polarizers, ND filters, and other 72mm glass will fit without issue.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-85mm |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5-4.5 |
| Mount | Nikon F (FX) |
| Stabilization | VR II (Vibration Reduction II) |
| AF System | AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) |
| Filter Thread | 72 mm |
| Zoom Ratio | 3.5x |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount G Type |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle, Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 85mm |
| Min Focal Length | 24mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
