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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens USA
- Price: $1,296.95
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # NI241204GAF
- Mfr# 2193
Product Highlights
- FX-Format Standard Zoom
- VR II Image Stabilization
- Nano Crystal Coat Reduces Flare
- Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
- M/A Focus Mode Switch
- Internal Focus (IF)
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
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While the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens from Nikon is designed primarily for use with FX-format D-SLR cameras, it's equally at home on any DX-format D-SLR camera. As a standard 5.0x zoom on an FX-format camera body, it's perfect for landscapes, portraits, and weddings - it's an excellent choice for a perfect take-along-everywhere lens. On a DX-format camera, the focal length gets a 1.5x bump that turns it into a formidable longer-range optic with enough wide angle for all but the widest of shots.
The AF-S 24-120 ED VR is a versatile imaging tool with a constant maximum aperture of f/4.0 - this enables photographers to maintain exposure settings throughout the entire zoom range. For those critical focusing-moments - the M/A focus mode switch allows the shooter to quickly change between manual and autofocus modes.
Nikon's optical engineers have graced the lens elements with their proprietary Super Integrated Coating- a superior multicoating process that enhances light transmission for maximum clarity, crispness, and contrast. Additionally this NIKKOR offering also benefits from Nikon's very own Nano Crystal Coat - a high-tech lens treatment that ensures maximum imaging quality by limiting or eliminating the negative effects from ghosting, flare, and glare.
Low-light shooters will greatly appreciate the benefits from the addition of Nikon's VR II image stabilization system. This amazing internal virtual-tripod allows photographers to work with shutter-speeds up to 4x slower than usual - whether it's a candle-lit snap-shot or a moody portrait taken in a dark alley-way under a dingy street-lamp - hand-held photographers can rely on the AF-S 24-120 ED VR for sharp, clear, and extremely well-detailed imaging.
- Compact & Versatile 5x Standard Zoom Lens with f/4 Maximum Aperture
- Perfect for landscapes, portraits, weddings, and distant subjects. Offers a constant maximum aperture to maintain exposure settings throughout the entire zoom range
- Extended Range on Nikon DX-format D-SLR Cameras
- Angle of view is equivalent to a focal length of 36-180mm in DX-format cameras.
- Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
- Vibration Reduction technology that's engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens - enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible. This ensures dramatically sharper still images and video capture.
- 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements
- Offers superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture setting.
- 3 Aspherical Lens Elements
- Aspherical lens elements virtually eliminate coma and other types of aberration, even when shooting at the widest available aperture.
- Nano Crystal Coat
- Further reduces ghosting and interior flare across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image clarity.
- Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
- Enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare.
- M/A Focus Mode Switch
- Enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation.
- Internal Focus (IF)
- Provides fast and quiet autofocus without changing the length of the lens to maintain the working distance throughout the focus range. It also keeps the front element from spinning, which maintains the position of a polarizer or lens hood.
- Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus.
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Renders images with a more natural appearance in out-of-focus areas (bokeh)
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24 - 120 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View |
84° - 20° DX Picture Angle: 61° - 13° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.5' (45 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.24x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.1 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/17 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.3 x 4.1" (8.38 x 10.41 cm) |
| Weight | 1.47 lb (670 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 236 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (182)
- Consistent output (130)
- Strong construction (118)
- Durable (93)
- Easily interchangeable (81)
Cons
- Heavy (42)
- Lens creep (14)
- Poor in low light (8)
- Slow focus (4)
- Distortion (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (156)
- Weddings (119)
- Low light (65)
- Sports/action (56)
- Night photography (42)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (101), Semi-pro photographer (67), Pro photographer (59), Casual photographer (3), Photography student (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (218), Yes (9)
Most Liked Positive Review
Nikkor 24-120 f:4 VR lens
Before ordering the Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm f:4 G ED VR N lens, I did my usual research: I read all the reviews on the B&H website and also checked its ...Read complete review
Before ordering the Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm f:4 G ED VR N lens, I did my usual research: I read all the reviews on the B&H website and also checked its MTF graph on the [@]. I also checked the MTF graphs of comparable lenses on both the [@]. In addition, I studied the report on an in-depth trial of this lens on the [@].Many reviews of this lens strongly criticise its distortion and vignetting. The Mansurov test, while showing some distortion (barrel distortion at 24mm and pincushion from 28 to 120mm) and vignetting on FX sensors, indicated that this was not a particular problem with general photography. My own comparison with tests of similar lenses and study of the relevant MTF graphs led me to believe that the performance of the Nikkor 24-120 ought to be little different from that of other lenses with a similar zoom ratio. Besides, the MTF graphs clearly showed that the fall-off in performance only became significant beyond 15mm from the picture centre. In other words, vignetting should not be a problem on DX sensors.I also ran a test series with my Sigma DG 28-70mm f:2.8 EX lens and got very slight pincushion distortion throughout its range – a fact which I had never noticed before, even though I have used it extensively for three years. It is one of the best lenses I have ever owned, giving excellent sharpness, contrast and colour rendition and no vignetting over its full zoom range.I cannot understand why the new Nikkor 24-120 lens has attracted so much adverse criticism, while other lenses with similar characteristics are accepted without a murmur. As my cameras all have DX sensors (2xD90s, 1xD300S) I got to thinking that I might find the performance of the Nikkor 24-120 quite acceptable. And because the zoom range is particularly suitable for everyday carry, I decided to give it a try.I received my copy from B&H on 17th January, 2011, and immediately ran some tests for distortion and vignetting on all three cameras. As I expected, distortion was minimal and vignetting absent. Unlike the Mansurov test, my test showed slight pincushion distortion all the way from 24 to 120mm. It could only be noticed on straight vertical or horizontal lines, placed close to the edges of the photograph, and even so, one had to look for it.All such things are relative and in the eye of the beholder: what I consider to be slight distortion, might give a photographer of architecture the cold shivers. But then, this lens is not meant for architectural photography. The PC Nikkors are designed for that. Neither is it a macro lens.After the distortion tests, I ran a series of tests of the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit, which I had received together with the lens (see separate review) taking hundreds of photographs to establish the accuracy/repeatability of the GPS readings.All these photographs showed excellent sharpness, contrast and colour rendition at all focal lengths and apertures, even wide open – and many of these photos were taken in very poor light. In fact, these test pictures were indistinguishable from similar ones taken with my Sigma 28-70mm f:2.8 – and I love that Sigma. It is as good as they come!The 24-120 lens is very solidly constructed, focussing, even in low-light conditions, is quick and accurate, all controls are handy, smooth and easy to work with, and the VR system works perfectly.Incidentally, one of the B&H reviewers stated that his lens was made in China, citing that as a minus point. My lens was made in Thailand, as were all my camera bodies. I frankly doubt that Nikon has a plant in China, producing the same lens.Would I buy another copy? Heck, yes! I can highly recommend this lens!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Something's wrong somewhere!
I had pre-ordered this lens and had anxiously awaited it for over a month to make life easier for me when shooting a wedding. It was to replace my Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 so that...Read complete review
I had pre-ordered this lens and had anxiously awaited it for over a month to make life easier for me when shooting a wedding. It was to replace my Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 so that I wouldn't have to switch to my 70-200mm f2.8 VR as often in certain situations. After using the new lens exclusively with the D700 on a wedding, I was appalled when I processed the images on my computer. Every one except for the most extreme telephoto focal lengths caved in at the middle area of all four sides, even when I crouched down to take a photo at a direct angle to the subject. I had to adjust each image 8 points in the Adobe Lightroom 3 parallax distortion function to make it look normal. Other than that, it focused as well as the 24-70 f2.8 and the optics seemed acceptable. Hopefully I just got a defective unit because I can't believe Nikon would knowingly put out a product like this. As usual, B&H's return process was hassle free and I was treated with respect. I'm going to e-mail a sampling of the images to Nikon to get their reaction.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 236 customers
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Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Fast aperture
- Sharp
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Large Especially Hood
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I bought this for my D600. It has a more usable range than the kit 24-85. It's bigger and heavier than I expected, but that's the trade-off for getting a fixed f/4.0 through to 120mm. Great lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
WELL,THIS IS A BEAUTY..PICS ARE SHARP AND VIBRANT WITH MY D600.IT IS HEAVY....BUT WELL BUILT.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by JIM
New York auto show
Images shared by JIM
NEW YORK SKY LINE..TOP OF THE ROCK
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Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- CA in some situations
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This is a good one-lens solution. On the wide end, it isn't wide enough to be a good wide option, and on the long end, it isn't long enough to be a good telephoto option, but if you are only carrying one lens, it's a great range and can cover most of what I need. If I think I will be shooting longer or wider, I'll carry a different lens. If I am traveling, I really appreciate being able to go from 24 to 120 without changing lenses and saving all the weight that carrying multiple lenses entails. I read the reviews and I was a little concerned about the CA. It's there, but I don't find it to be a huge problem. Now that I am sensitive to it I notice it on my other lenses as well to some degree. On certain scenes it's unavoidable and hard to correct - bare branches in the distance against a burnt-out sky, for example. I find that DxO software does a good job of correcting it. I have had no concerns with sharpness I have gotten very comfortable with this lens. A good compromise if you don't want to carry multiple lenses but you want a decent range with pretty good quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I shoot weddings, baptisms, sweet sixteens and events alike. This might not be the greatest lens on paper, but it definitely is great in the field. Its best feature is not its sharpnest. My 24-85 3.5/4.5 VR is similarly sharp (but lacked the color vibrance, has way more vignetting, and slower focus) and the 24-70 2.8 is definitely sharper. Also, this lens does distort a bit too much at both ends.
Why did i get this lens? For my type of photography, i dont have the time to be changing lenses. You need to be in the moment, specially since im mostly a second shooter. I need to keep my eye open for people's reactions in weddings, look for different angles, get creative, etc. This lens gives me that extra zoom that the 24-70 doesnt have, and that extra wide that my 70-200 doesnt have. Also, its crazy how close this lens focus even at 120mmm. Better reproduction ratio than my 70-200.
No, its not a 2.8, no its not crazy sharp like the 24-70, but it gives you a still great image sharpness and color and autofocus, and an extra 50mm reach AND GREAT VR!
If youre doing landscape or sports, i would go for other glass, but if youre doing documentary type photography, street photography, photo journalism, etc, you will find this lens extremely useful!
I would give it 5 stars if its contruction built and sharpness were a bit better. For the price, and for the GOLD ring, this lens falls a bit behind its bothers. But again, i would still recommend this lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Great walk around lens. Distortion not as bad as I expected on the wide end. A little slow to focus in low light as would be expected with an F4 lens.
Overall a great lens - don't expect 2.8 performance from it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I've only shot several dozen test shots with this lens thus far but the results look very crisp. It has nice sharpness. I especially like the bokeh with this lens on the few depth of field shots that experimented with. I want to check it out some more, but so far, I'm very pleased with this lens. Construction feels very solid and the optics are nice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I have used this lens to shoot family gatherings indoors and out and for some closer range critter work when my much 50-500 is not needed.
Very smooth and seamless operation with my Nikon D300S. Excellent optics and even the lens hood is well made and goes on and off easily and fits securely.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
excellent!!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Landscape,Portrait,Nature.
It is sharp and handy. I need not change the lens whether i am shooting landscape ,people and now it has become all in one lens.The wide zoom allows me to shoot landscape and coastal scapes where i need not dip my tripod in water .
The extra VR as compare to 24-70 F2.8 is more helpful.
Hopefully nikon will come up with 24-120 f2.8 very soon
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- D800
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I have used this lens for high school athletics as well as landscapes. It works great and produces great images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This has become my normal walk around lens. It give up very little to the F2.8 24-85 Nikor at a lot less costs. On the D800 and the different crop mode options it has all the range options you will need. With 2 or 3 primes which you really need anyhow the requirement for a F2.8 lens simply isn't there and this F4 is a pro lens in every sense of the word.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Wonderful walk around lens, good clarity. I'm sure someone out there makes a better lens, but for everyday photography, this is a winner. Coupled with my D600 I get great results.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Hoya UV filter, Hoya Circular Polarizer filter
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Greg
Castor River Shut-Ins, Taken with Nikon D600
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Great Walk Around Lens
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I was going to get the AF-S 20-70mm 2.8G VR lens but it was too expensive for the D800 that I just bought last Feb 14'13.So I decided to get this 24-120 mm instead and have some extra cash to buy the SB 910 flash.So far so good,this lens is very sharp and can go wide to zoom with no problem changing lenses.I have used it to take wedding photos of my daughter and got very good results.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I'd read the B&H and other reviews for this lens so I was prepared for a good experience, and I have not been disappointed. It replaces the 24-120mm, f3.5-5.6 VR which is not a capable lens for the D800. The f4 version is a real step up and yields very sharp results at all f-stops and focal lengths. This was NOT the case with the prior version. This lens is on my D800 most of the time and handles most situations - a great walk around lens. There is some distortion, but the Lightroom lens profile handles it and makes it a non issue.
This lens provides similar results to shots made with the Nikon 70-200mm 2.8, and 17-35mm 2.8 which I also use on the D800. I was thinking about the Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 to fill the focal length gap, but the 24-120's relative cost and lighter weight tipped the scale to it.
I have NOT been disappointed with this lens. It's GREAT!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I have a:Nikon D300s80-200 2.8 Nikkor85 1.8 Nikkor35-70 2.8 Nikkor50 1.4 Nikkor35 1.8 Nikkorother lenses which are non-Nikkor...Spent over a year agonizing whether to go with it or the Nikon 24-70 2.8. as a walk about lens.Ultimately, the rebate made me go in this direction. So far no regrets. Crisp, sharp images all around. Too soon to tell, but from what I've experienced thus far, this is the best lens in my collection...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Aye Dee
Perspective...
Images shared by Aye Dee
Balloons...
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I bought this while Nikon was having their lens sale. For less than $ , it was hard to pass up, and I'm glad I Didn't. It will probably stay on my D600 at least 90% of the time. Great Lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
gitty up and go
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Bought this lens to use on my FX Nikons as a portrait/general use lens and I am VERY pleased with it's perfomance. Wonderful to have the VR in a portrait length zoom and yet still have the wide angle capabilites for groups and scenics.
I have shot this in studio and outdoors at F4 to F16 and it is sharp and crisp with a nice bokeh.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Great walk around lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Some distortion
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Sharp throughout zoom range. Nice color and contrast. Some distortion issues at various focal lengths. However, that can be fixed easily in post processing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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