Reworked and retooled, Nikon's update to their classic standard zoom is set to please many photographers with the inclusion of Vibration Reduction image stabilization and a completely redeveloped optical design. The AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR ups the capabilities of its predecessor through the addition of four-stop effective VR, which compensates for camera shake to better enable handheld shooting in difficult lighting. The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture enhances low-light performance while providing control over depth of field. Also new to this 24-70 is the electromagnetic aperture mechanism, which offers more consistent exposure control stability for fast continuous shooting rates.
The new optical layout incorporates a unique aspherical, extra-low dispersion element, along with three aspherical elements, two extra-low dispersion elements, and one high refractive index element, which, together, significantly reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions for clearer, sharper imagery. Both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings have been applied to minimize flare, and the front and rear elements feature a fluorine coating for improved resistance to dust, moisture, and smudging.