Nikon 2181

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Wide-Angle Zoom Lens Instruction Manual

Model: 2181

1. Introduction and Overview

This manual provides instructions for the safe and effective use of your Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Wide-Angle Zoom Lens. This lens is designed for Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras, offering a versatile ultra-wide to wide-angle zoom range. It is ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, architectural interiors, and dynamic perspectives.

The lens incorporates two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and other distortions, ensuring high image quality. Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus operation.

2. Product Features

3. What's in the Box

Verify that all items are present in your product packaging:

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Wide-Angle Zoom Lens, showing its zoom and focus rings, and the lens mount.
Nikon HB-23 Bayonet Lens Hood
The HB-23 Bayonet Lens Hood, designed to reduce flare and protect the front element.
Nikon CL-1118 Lens Pouch
A soft lens pouch (CL-1118) for protecting the lens during storage and transport.
Nikon LC-77 Snap-on Front Lens Cap
The LC-77 Snap-on Front Lens Cap, used to protect the front lens element.
Nikon LF-1 Rear Lens Cap
The LF-1 Rear Lens Cap, used to protect the rear lens element and camera mount.

4. Setup

4.1 Attaching the Lens

  1. Ensure the camera is turned off.
  2. Remove the rear lens cap (LF-1) from the lens and the body cap from the camera.
  3. Align the mounting mark on the lens with the mounting mark on the camera body.
  4. Rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.

4.2 Removing the Lens

  1. Ensure the camera is turned off.
  2. While pressing the lens release button on the camera body, rotate the lens clockwise until it detaches.
  3. Attach the front and rear lens caps to the lens and the body cap to the camera.

4.3 Attaching the Lens Hood (HB-23)

The lens hood helps to reduce flare and ghosting caused by extraneous light and provides some protection to the front element. Align the mounting mark on the lens hood with the alignment mark on the lens, then rotate the hood until it clicks into place. To store, reverse the hood and attach it to the lens.

4.4 Attaching Filters

This lens accepts 77mm screw-on filters. Attach filters by screwing them into the filter thread on the front of the lens. Avoid overtightening. Note that using multiple filters or thick filters may cause vignetting at wider focal lengths.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Focus Mode Switch

The lens features a focus mode switch with two settings:

Ensure the camera's focus mode is also set appropriately (e.g., AF-S or AF-C for autofocus, M for manual focus).

5.2 Zooming

To change the focal length, rotate the zoom ring on the lens. The focal length can be adjusted between 10mm (ultra-wide) and 24mm (wide-angle). The lens aperture will vary between f/3.5 at 10mm and f/4.5 at 24mm.

5.3 Depth of Field Scale

The lens includes a depth of field scale to assist with hyperfocal distance focusing, particularly useful for landscape photography. Refer to your camera's manual for specific settings related to depth of field preview.

5.4 DX-Format Compatibility

This is a DX-format lens, designed specifically for Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras. While it can be mounted on FX-format cameras, the camera will automatically switch to DX crop mode, resulting in a smaller image area and reduced resolution. For optimal performance, use this lens with a DX-format camera.

6. Maintenance and Care

6.1 Cleaning the Lens

6.2 Storage

6.3 Handling Precautions

7. Troubleshooting

7.1 Lens Not Focusing

7.2 Images Appear Dark or Underexposed

7.3 Image Quality Issues (Softness, Distortion)

8. Specifications

Model Number2181
Focal Length10-24mm
Maximum Aperturef/3.5-4.5
Minimum Aperturef/22-29
Lens Construction14 elements in 9 groups (including 2 ED glass elements and 3 aspherical lens elements)
Picture Angle109° - 61° (DX-format)
Minimum Focus Distance0.24 m (0.8 ft) from focal plane at all zoom positions
Filter-Attachment Size77 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length)Approx. 82.5 mm x 87 mm (3.2 in. x 3.4 in.)
WeightApprox. 460 g (1.01 lbs)
Compatible MountingsNikon F (DX)

9. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage, service, and technical support, please refer to the official Nikon website or contact your local authorized Nikon service center. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Legal Disclaimer: This product is subject to a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. The serial number for this unit is 2104209.