07-31-2012, 08:18 AM
The newer lens has higher priority, but I'm working on the 24-85/2.8-4 review, too. I'm also still looking for a used AF-S 24-85 (non-VR).
The 24-85 VR slightly disappointed me regarding distortion. I was honestly expecting a little better performance in this regard (see the samples below). However, with distortion correction now available in current Nikon DSLRs, this is probably no longer something Nikon cares too much about when designing their lenses. So, distortion is the new CA.
I have not measured it yet, but I have the impression that the 18-300 VR shows less (pincushion) distortion.
-- Markus
![[Image: 2485dist1.jpg]](http://www.mst.cc/Images/2485dist1.jpg)
![[Image: 2485dist2.jpg]](http://www.mst.cc/Images/2485dist2.jpg)
The 24-85 VR slightly disappointed me regarding distortion. I was honestly expecting a little better performance in this regard (see the samples below). However, with distortion correction now available in current Nikon DSLRs, this is probably no longer something Nikon cares too much about when designing their lenses. So, distortion is the new CA.
I have not measured it yet, but I have the impression that the 18-300 VR shows less (pincushion) distortion.
-- Markus
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