Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens Imported
DX lenses are NOT recommended for use with 35mm, "full-frame" digital, or APS SLR cameras
The Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED is designed specifically for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. It features ultra-wideangle zoom capability, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and Nikon's exclusive built-in SWM (Silent Wave Motor).
The lens is targeted at professional and advanced amateur Nikon D-SLR users who demand both the advantages of high optical performance and ultra-wideangle focal range.
This G-type Nikkor lens is designed with no aperture rings, and offers easier, virtually mistake-free operation because the aperture does not need to be set to minimum.
Note: Equivalent focal length in 35mm terms is 18-36mm.
Note: AF-S feature is not supported by certain camera models. Please click here for a list of compatible models.
Note! DX lenses are NOT recommended for use with 35mm, "full-frame" digital, or APS SLR cameras. These lenses can be attached to film-based 35mm SLRs, but will not work properly due to the reduced size of the image circle.
- Fast, ultra-wideangle zoom lens with Silent Wave Motor
- Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements minimize chromatic aberration, provide higher resolution and superior contrast
- Three aspherical lens elements minimize distortion, especially at the periphery, for superior optical performance
- High-grade Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superior color reproduction and minimizes ghost and flare
- "SWM" (Silent Wave Motor) for swift autofocusing with superior accuracy and ultra-quiet operation
- The rounded diaphragm opening (7 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
- M/A mode allows rapid switching between autofocus and manual even during AF servo operation, with virtually no time lag
- Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 12 - 24 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon DX FX in DX Crop Mode |
| Angle of View | 99° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1' (30.48 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.12x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5.26 |
| Groups/Elements | 7/11 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.2 x 3.5" (8.13 x 8.89 cm) |
| Weight | 1.02 lb (465 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 92 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (87)
- Consistent output (47)
- Strong construction (47)
- Easily interchangeable (43)
- Durable (39)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (31)
- Landscape photography (24)
- General purpose (22)
- Special effects (17)
- Night photography (12)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (31), Photo enthusiast (18), Professional (9), Semi-professional (9), Pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (20), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Wide Angle by Nikon
A quick round of shooting and comparisons to other lenses (in PhotoShop, at 200%) finds that the lens is a little soft at 12mm, f/4 - but is fully sharp by f5.6-...Read complete review
A quick round of shooting and comparisons to other lenses (in PhotoShop, at 200%) finds that the lens is a little soft at 12mm, f/4 - but is fully sharp by f5.6-8. It's as good as any other Nikon lens from there up, with best resolution achieved at f/5.6 to f/11. In comparisons at 100%, it is difficult to see any problems with this lens at any focal length or aperture. It has great acuity and contrast. Focus is fast and silent. A Hoyo Pro Digital UV filter or polarizer(5mm thick ring) does not pinch the corners of the image. However, when stacked, there is visible vignetting in the extreme corners. The build quality is in line with Nikon mid-priced lenses. I have seen numerous complaints about this... the "plasticky" feel, and that a lens of this price should be up to "pro" standards of build quality. I disagree. The new materials and construction are solid, work well, and cut lens weight. The last point is important to me. The lighter I can make my bag, the better. And the heavier, mostly metal lenses break just as easily. With this lens, we pay for the technology and the glass that went into producing a top-notch lens. Chromatic abberations are mentioned in some reviews, with the Nikon 12-24mm winning out against its off-brand rivals. Shooting with a D300, CA is automatically corrected in-camera, so this trait of all wide angles is not an issue. All-in-all a great addition to the kit. Get past the price, enjoy the quality, and make killer photographs with it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not sharp beyond 20 feet
I am a professional photographer. I read many reviews about this and other super wide angle lenses before deciding to make the plunge. Some of the reviews claimed that two out of three Nikons ...Read complete review
I am a professional photographer. I read many reviews about this and other super wide angle lenses before deciding to make the plunge. Some of the reviews claimed that two out of three Nikons were soft. It made me uneasy but after speaking to the Nikon factory rep he said this was untrue. The Nikon lens was twice the price of its nearest competitor but I wanted the sharpest quality possible. I purchased the lens from B&H and as always sale and delivery was easy and punctual. I tested the lens at all apertures and focal lengths always mounted on significant tripod. Always at ISO 200 in High Res and RAW on maximum size. The bottom line is NOTHING beyond 20 feet was EVER in focus. I could not discern the leaves in trees at all they were mushed together. I then tested the lens in the studio on objects closer than 4 ft up to about 6 and the the contrast and detail were nearly stellar.Bottom line-I am sending the lens back and purchasing a Tokina from B&H. It can't be any worse than the Nikon and I can use the savings for some other gear.
Problems Encountered: Out of focus beyond 25 feet
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Most Nikon lenses over 35 years
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 92 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
I love this lens! It has become an unexpected staple, especially of my indoor photography. I photograph children, and this lens is perfect for getting close ups with a wide angle that includes elements of context as well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- architectural
- Journalism
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
I am a professional photographer and I have been working on an artistic / architectural photo project for now for about 5 years. Sharpness is critical in this project. The lens is so sharp it's scary. The person who says this lens is not sharp beyond 20 feet must have had a bad sample - there was obviously something wrong with the lens he had. There will always be malfunctions - you can't condemn a lens because you had one that was defective.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Deluxe
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
This lens is beautiful! The clarity is unlike anything I've seen. It was recommended by a friend and I practically choked at the price. All concerns vanished when I looked through the viewfinder!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Non yet
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
Very clean and crisp. I spend most of my time between f8/11.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
Corporate, editorial, advertising.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
Clean, full images.
Perfect 12-24mm.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoor Photography
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
Have got this one, as I was seeking for a zoom that does not extend while changing focal lengths and constant f stop through the range;
The distortion is 'normal' considering the focal length, at 12mm the leaves of trees "stretch out", (the Tokina is better in this aspect)
Was hoping that Nikon would have updated the build too (i.e. with the rear gasket they adapt on most recent lenses, and eventually the boxing, no pouch neither), view too that they consider this lens a 'pro' for DX (few choices to go wide on DX)
Have the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 too (I got from B&H) and find it better (considering the price too), this lens is OK if you need the extra focal range (maybe consider the 10-24mm - cheaper and more mm focal range); Was a bit disappointed, as Nikon does better than that in other lenses
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
My first use of the lens was on a recent trip to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah. The landscape shots were exceptional. Bracketed most shots with +2 and -2 exposure compensation and then post processed using HDR software. Very pleased with the results.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
I took it as a life time lens, and I use it mostly for urban photography. This one is a blast!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
I picked up this lens prior to a trip to Maui and used it most of the trip. Great for landscape shots. A very high quality lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
I am a REALTOR and use this lens for photos of houses that I am marketing. It is exactly what I need.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
I used this lens on a wedding shoot this weekend and was able to capture some amazing shots! I love the vertical range this lens allows and the dramatic effects I'm able to produce in editing with the images taken with this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Sharpness
Cons
- Contrasty
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
I specialize in travel photography and found that people were put off by me using the D3s and lens. I bought a D7000 and outfitted it with the 12-24 so that I had a smaller profile and less imposing rig staring at people. I selected the 12-24 because of the fixed aperture.
In the small markets and closed confines of the bazaars the lens works magic. It is sharp side to side with limited distortion. It is somewhat contrasty but most of that can be addressed in post processing. I use it now for environmental portraits, putting people in context of their surrounding ... large surroundings.
It has replaced by 12-24 2.8 as the lens of choice for shooting these types of images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- AF can be hit and miss
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
My love of photographing things wide (ie landscapes) teamed with a tight budget lead me to buying this lens. After two weeks or so with it I have had mixed results from its performance, but very good results with the photos.
Results wise, it gives a very clear picture, as good at first appearances as my 28-70mm nikkor. The only thing i can see that is obvious to me (an enthusiast turned student) is barrel distortion at its widest setting. For example, when shotting a lighthouse near me and trying to get a whole rainbow behine, the lighthouse has a slight but none the less fairly obvious fish eye curve.
At low light it struggles a little as it is only an f4 lens, being the DX. If I had the money I would buy the FX lens, but this is the trade off, and as it is much cheaper, i can live with that!
Other than that, it struggles sometimes with the auto focus so i have found it much easier to use in manual mode, thereby eliminating the problem.
All up, so far i have no regrets. I can work with its limitations, and the results when you do are great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
it was very usefull for my photos in manhattan
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
Lens is sharp, focuses easily, and accepts a circular polarizer. It is the much needed wideangle that I have wanted for landscape work ever since I acquired my Nikon 300S.I don't feel handicapped by the "weight factor" mentioned in some other reviews.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Autofocus easily confused
- Difficult to Clean
Best Uses
- Architecture
- Creative image making
- Indoors/Low Light
- Interiors
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
I love the intimacy and haptic qualities of the wide angle lens and its capacity to encompass and pull together the important information in constructing a scene and telling a story. It sets the creative juices flowing!
Low light levels are no challenge as the need for a tripod is minimised by the angle of view reducing apparent shake.
However too wide and the subject is actually objectified and distanced or even rendered unrecognisable. This lens covers exactly the gamut of focal lengths that make attention-grabbing imagery without the distracting gimmickry of the extreme fisheye.
The benefit of this lens is the amazing minimisation of barrel distortion that only a decade ago could only be controlled by a much more expensive lens. For the architectural and interiors photographer this makes it useful, but some PS (profiles available) or Nikon Capture distortion adjustment is required to eliminate bowing in far corners of the FOV. However, be warned that figures and faces placed in the outer third of the frame will not be flattered. They too can be brought back to 'normality' with some distortion adjustment but always this is at the sacrifice of some parts of the image as the sides of the frame will be bent and will require cropping.
This is a sharp lens.
Great coatings control flare superlatively, even with light sources intruding into the frame.
A negative consideration is that autofocus is very touchy with this lens in extreme situations in low light or in situations with crowded information in depth (foliage, crowds). It is much better, and quite easy with the slightest twist, to override with the focus ring.
For the price, you add considerably to your creative arsenal with this lens. I recommend it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
Hello New York, since one week we are back in Hamburg/Germany. I personally enjoyed the visit to B&H. At the moment I dont hv the time to test the lens, but I trust NIKON and B&H 100%.
You can contact me some weeks later. I may then be able to give more detailed info.
Greetings from Hamburg. Volker Busenbender
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
I'VE ALWAYS WANTED ONE OF THESE
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens:
The lens is sharp at all apertures in the center. Except, at 24mm on a Nikon D90, the lens front focuses to the extent that there is noticeable blurriness. I have tried two different copies of this lens and both front focus at 24mm, but not at other focal lengths! Also, the front focusing issue doesn't seem to exist on the D300s. I don't think it is the D90, because the Nikkor AF-s 10-24mm, f/3.5-4.5 focuses perfectly at 24mm and all other focal lengths!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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