Nikon Zoom Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Review

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Introduction

April 2007

The Nikon 24-120 f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED-IF VR is the budget photographers multi use zoom. Nikon has thrown in everything they got in this lens from AF-S to VR. This zoom range is allot more useful on a FF camera like the F5 then on a DX suzed Dslr, you don't really have wide-angle or a telephoto range with this lens on a Dslr. I used to own Nikons first attempt on this zoom range, the Nikon 24-120 AF-D, which was a pretty bad performer, the question is did Nikon improve this lens over the previous model, or did they just throw as many features in it as possible, and left the optics like it used to(the optics have changed, I`m more referring to the performance of the optics).

Specifications

Lens Construction:15 elements in 13 groups (2 ED and 2 aspherical)

Picture Angle: 84°-20°30'(35mm) 61°-13°20' (DX)

Filter Size: 72mm

Lens Hood: HB-25

Included accessories: Front lens cap LC-72, Rear cap, Bayonet Hood HB-25

Size and weight: 77×94mm, 575g

Diaphragm: 7 rounded blades

Price from: $549.95 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Price? Sure you do get VR and AF-S for less then 600 $ with this lens, but IMHO this lens is priced higher then the performance.

Drawbacks

• No DOF/IR markings
• Soft, way to soft for my liking.
• G-type aperture, another change in Nikons lenses that I don't like.
• Zoom and focus rings are switched. Not a major problem, but I for one don't like that.
• Filter size. would be nice if Nikon would have some consistency in the filter size of the non pro lenses.

Verdict

Not a "pro" grade lens, its way to soft for that. This lens is a good lens for the Family type photographer that don't print his images larger then 10x15cm. VR it works, but not a necessity IMO. VR drains battery power not something you would want if you use a D200. I find it rather hard to find something good to say about this lens, but then again I do compare it to pro grade lenses. The zoom range of this lens is far from convenient on a DX sized DSLR, giving you 36-180mm its not wide, and its not a tele lens. On another note, this lens is better then the 24-120 AF-D, but its still a below average performer.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Price from: $ 489.95 USD

Alternatives

Nikon AF Zoom 24-85mm f/2.8-4.0D IF From: $679.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF From: Discontinued

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED IF Price: $1,769.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 21, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.