- G Type DX Nikkor is intended exclusively for NIKON SLRs where aperture is controlled from body
- 24-120mm Focal Length
- Maximum Aperture – f/3.5 – 5.6
- Minimum F Stop – f/22 – 36
- Silent Wave Motor enables ultra high speed, accurate and super quiet autofocus operation
Product Description
The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens adds a powerful third zoom lens to Nikon’s line of Vibration Reduction (VR) lenses. VR is an advanced Nikon technology that overcomes one of the fundamental problems photographers face while photographing under conditions where it is difficult to hold the camera steady. VR technology helps eliminate image blur caused by camera shake, particularly when shooting in low-light conditions, allowing photographers to use shutter speeds about three times slower than they would ordinarily use to get sharp, well exposed images.
In addition to a compact design for easier handling, the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens features Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor Technology for fast, accurate and nearly silent focusing as well as a broad 5x zoom range that covers a variety of picture taking conditions from wide scenic landscapes to dramatic portraits and close-up pictures. Its VR technology offers photographers a wider range of picture taking conditions, while ensuring consistently sharp images. The versatility the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens makes it an ideal addition to any Nikon photographer’s camera bag.
The AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED offers a versatile focal range from wide-angle to telephoto and also gives photographers an unprecedented control over their pictures in a wide variety of difficult and tricky situations.
Nikon’s advanced Vibration Reduction technology allows photographers to use slower shutter speeds, yet achieve sharper, crisper pictures than before, and with Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor Technology for nearly instant autofocus response – overall image sharpness quality is raised to new levels.
In addition to Vibration Reduction, the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens includes a selection of Nikon advanced technologies such as Manual/Automatic mode, two Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and two Aspheric
Charles B. Lemak @ 10:04 am
This lens gets an unfair bad rap from a lot of amateur snobs and pro-wanna-be’s.
After reading all the mixed reviews, I figured at the price it would be a reasonable stopgap while waiting for an 18-200VR. So far I’ve been more than satisfied with this lens. I get good contrast, and sharp images through the middle 80% of its range. Contrary to some of the negative reviews I’ve read, focus is reasonably fast, and more than adequate for action sports in good light. Granted it’s not a low light lens. I have other lenses for this purpose, but cost me over $900. each and don’t have the versatility of this lens.
I finally did receive my 18-200VR, and have to admit it is an improvement due to the added range, but light gathering is comparable, and within the 24-120’s range, the two function with about the same results. Overall, average quality of shots taken with both lenses is about the same.
Having said that, even with the 18-200 VR, I still have to use my 85mm 1.4 and 80-200 f/2.8 for shots where extra aperture or sharpness are needed.
In summary, if you plan on having a couple spcialty prime lenses and one multi-purpose zoom, then either the 24-120 or the 18-200 will do as a great walk around lens. Unless you’re only going to buy one lens for the life of your camera, why spend the extra money on the latter?
J. Chastain @ 11:43 am
I purchased this lens after trying it by making a series of handheld test images and going home and analysing the results. On my D70, this lens is sharp. Not as sharp as my 105 MicroNikkor VR, but that lens is a tack sharp prime macro. It also has incredible color contrast. It is every bit as sharp as the 18-70 kit lens, and it has the great advantage of the VR technology that lets you shoot handheld in almost every situation. I recently took this lens and my 12-24 dx Nikkor to Cabo and got some fine shots, even at night. I took only 2 lenses because of the airport/customs hassle. That is what these new great lenses are about. Major focal length coverages, VR technology that makes the fast/slow lens issue irrelevent. Glass that is engineered for sharpness and contrast at all focal lengths. Pop one or 2 lenses in a bag and you can shoot just about anything. Nikon is revolutionizing digital photography.
Stephen Dow @ 11:48 am
I’ve been a semi-professional photographer since 2004 and have a huge investment in Nikon equipment including a Nikon 200-400 zoom that I paid $5,500 for. I also have the 70-200 2.8, which is another superb lens. However, the 24-120 goes with me everywhere. It is one of the most versatile lenses I own. I use it in the studio under dim lighting conditions and for most of the outdoor shooting I do. The other lens I rely on for outdoor shots is the 70-200, which I cannot ay enough good things about (although it’s heavy). Bottom line: the 24-120 is worth every penny you pay for it. Don’t think twice about buying one. My $0.02 worth.
E. Temple @ 12:15 pm
I was first in line to buy this lens when it first came out. It is a very convenient lens for everyday shooting. However, I was extremely disappointed with how soft the lens is. The center of the frame can be sharp, but there is a rapid falloff to softness in the corners. I wish Nikon would update this useful zoom with better optics. Their 18-200 VR is a great lens for DX sensors, but this one for full-frame cameras isn’t worth bothering with.
Roger J. Buffington @ 12:57 pm
This is a quite good lens for what it is: and what it is is a rather slow decent quality zoom lens that does a fairly good job on Nikon digital SLR cameras, which is what it is for. The main downside of this lens is the fact that it is slow and dark–over most of its range it is closer to F5.6 than F3.5. This is not a fast lens.
This lens is better for digital cameras than film bodies because since Nikon digital SLRs use the half-frame format, the digital body utilizes the “sweet” center portion of the lens, for better quality. I have not used this lens on a film camera and so I cannot give a firsthand report on how significant this is. Others say that it is, in fact, a significant advantage of this lens.
The VR helps, sometimes a lot, but VR is not a cure-all for a lens being slow. VR does not affect the brightness of the image through the viewfinder, although it will improve the quality of the picture by damping out camera shake.
The autofocus on this lens leaves nothing to be desired–it autofocuses at lightning speed. Nikon cut no corners here.
This is a very good all-around lens for the user who does not want to spend a lot of money and who can put up with this lens’ relatively slow speed. A great lens for daylight shots.
The new 18-200 VR ED DX Nikkor is getting better reviews, and digital SLR users will want to consider that lens as an alternative to the 24-120.