Vignetting in Nikon 24-120 and D800

[SolaresLarrave]

Dear RFF friends,

Even though this is a rangefinder forum, this is also the best gathering of photographers there is, where I feel I can pose any problem I may have with any piece of gear, and get advice that's reliable and objective. Hence my audacity of posting a question about something that's happening with a recently purchased Nikon D800 and a Nikon AF lens 24-120 f4 (I believe it's a late version, as it was purchased in 2011).

The problem? Noticeable vignetting in the lower side of the frame only when used with the D800. When I use this lens in my D700 images are fine.

I went and replaced the lens in the D800 with a 24-70 (first version) that I have, and there's no vignetting (which only occurred under low light conditions, BTW).

What needs to be repaired or looked into? Should I send the camera (which I purchased used) back or for repair? I'd like to keep it, because I also purchased a number of accessories for it (battery pack and additional battery). Right now, I'm using it with my 24-70, but I would like to use it with the 24-120 when I want... as I can do with my D700.

Sorry if I'm not being clear... but I appreciate your patience. Thanks in advance!

 

[Huss]

Check to see if you have the latest version:
https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/24-120mm.htm

I have no issues with mine. It sound like yours may have been damaged to be decentered like that.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Huss, I have that lens in the picture, the one with constant aperture. Now... it doesn't vignette in my D700, but it does in the D800.

Mystery... I am a bit afraid of the mount in the D800 being a bit off.

Thanks for your reply! 🙂

 

[SolaresLarrave]

BTW. the vignetting tends to happen at almost any focal length, but especially in not quite well lit conditions.

 

[B-9]

Have to agree about it possibly being decentered.

Try the D700 in low light and see if you find something similar?

Surely sounds like a lens issue and not the body both being FX.

Is your VR working?

 

[Beemermark]

If it doesn't vignette in the D700 then there must be an issue with the D800 body. Lock the D800 mirror up and see if there is something (doesn't have to be very big) obstructing the light path. Could the mirror not be moving up fast enough??

 

[Huss]

Edit - incorrect info. I mentioned the D700 is a crop sensor, it is not.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Thanks for the suggestions!! I don't know how to determine whether the VR is working, but I'll do the MLU and check if there's something affecting the light path. Also, I need to recheck if this happens with the hood on (it's the Nikon petal one). It may not be a sensor blocked because when I dial an exposure compensation it seems to disappear... so it may be something else. There are some screws on the lens mount. Can one just tighten them a bit?

 

[jarski]

If it doesn't vignette in the D700 then there must be an issue with the D800 body. ...

this is logical imo. D800 has about 3 times the resolution though, but that should not be the cause for vignetting.