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

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

Strengths: Compact size, zoom range,VR capability

Weakness: 3.5 f wish it was a 2.8 f

This is one very handy lense. I am using it on a new D2X camera, and with the 1.5 mutiplication factor this is one very handy zoom lense with a nice range. It is only 3" dia. and about 3.8" long a very nice size that makes it a one lens family by itself. The optics are typical Nikon and on the D2X produces sharp results edge to edge.It focuses quickly with the AFS system and and the vibration reduction system worked flawlessly. I already had the older 24-120 zoom in my camera kit, but felt the VR feature would be worth the cost of the new lens and I am totally satisfied. At the 120 zoom setting on the D2x is equal to a 180 mm and with the VR on, I can hand hold the camera with no visible shake. I am very pleased with it.

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Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR IF-ED Lens

Strengths: Good optical range, crystal-clear image, easy to use, great as travel lens, professional feel, no distortion at any range -- fantastic!, vibration reduction feature, price

Weakness: Weight, perhaps, is the only drawback -- the lens is pretty heavy, but it is also a positive: camera is more stable with heavier lens

Overall, GREAT LENS! 24-120mm zoom makes this lens a very convenient choice for travel, when there is either not enough time or it is inconvenient to change lens for close-ups and telephoto shots. The amazing feature (compared to the kit lens, 15-135mm) is the total absence of distortion in a frame at any range. The resulting images are true to life in terms of color, and are very sharp. I have not regretted bypassing the kit lens that come with Nikon D80, and going for this lens instead. The price is very affordable and completely justifies the value. Highly recommended!

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By member: fraczekp - Mar 21, 2006

Risky Business

Strengths: Great zoom range for digital, decent size for "all around" lens, phenomenal contrast.

Weakness: Overpriced for its quality, mediocre sharpness, reports of inconsistent build quality (you either get a good one or a lemon)

Overall, it's not a bad lens but you can get a mixed bag here... Some love it, some are utterly disappointed. Be sure to buy it at trustworthy place so that if you don't like you can return it (don't fill out the warranty card until you decide to keep it).
I am surprised how much contrast this lens has. The color transcription is amazing due to the high contrast and the ED elements. The contrast actually helps the perception of sharpness -- which when considered by itself is not as impressive. The lens has nice and sharp center especially in the f8-16 range but wide open it's not all that. I got some beautiful shots in that range but the situation gets little worse towards the corners. Sadly, there are areas on my lens where the image goes from sharp to soft to sharp again (weird!). Sometimes the overall details of the image seem to be little on the "soft focus" side making me always try to test the lens to get different results every time and wonder if the VR is really the cause for it. As to VR, it's not bad, but I generally keep it off unless I know that I will be desperate for that "extra stop". No point in running it when shooting conditions don't demand it!
Doing research on this lens I found out that the build quality is inconsistent and can vary from lens to lens. I've read many posts about this lens on the web only to read some horror stories next to the praises. Some get lucky, some don't -- and those who think they're lucky don't seem to really demand perfection.
Few other observations: The VR and AF/MF switches are located in a terrible place -- if you hold the lens by the mount with your left hand, you will quickly get rid of the markings on the switches. They will rub off in no time. The zoom ring is ok, but the focusing ring is terrible -- it is very "jumpy" and it's very difficult to work with this lens in MF mode. If you buy your equipment for looks, this lens is a winner -- it looks very stylish on any Nikon body (but somehow I don't think this is the reason why anyone shops for lenses!).
I was brave enough to get one for my casual needs despite the mixed reviews. Refurbished or not, don't think that you will not be a subject to the random build quality! I paid 380 for it and honestly, I wouldn't pay that much more for it. I think paying more than 400 is a risky business as you can really get a lemon (try telling Nikon that your lens isn't sharp and ask them to send you a new one -- good luck!).
Would I recommend this lens? Yes, I would recommend this lens if you are a casual snap shooter that is not picky. I will suggest that you consider the 24-85 2.8-4 first. If you demand corner to corner perfection perhaps this lens isn't for you. Overall it's a great lens to carry around as the "one stop shop" for causal shots - I use mine just for that. Interestingly, where my lenses “shines” are night shots (tripod, VR off, mirror lockup) - oh this lens is a joy @ f/11. The high contrast makes lights and reflections very breathtaking.

***2/3/08 EDIT***
After lots of frustration with the flaky VR performance (sometimes the lens locks up on me) I decided to get the 25-85 2.8-4. Comparing them side by side, I see that the 24-85 is MUCH sharper and the contrast difference is not so strong. From a time perspective, I would not purchase this lens again - the 24-85 is my "zoom nirvana".

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

Strengths: good all around lens.

Weakness: need a wide angle for closer shots and a telephoto for longer shots

lets an neophyte like me shoot good pictures with few mistakes. I use it as my standard lens. I have a wide angle and telephoto to complete the collection. a good single lens.

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

Strengths: This lens seems to have pretty much everything I need for a standard lens on my D700. Great all around lens if you are not an old timer that is used to the old functionality of lenses.

Weakness: This is not a very good lens for users of a camera that will not be able to use the FX range meaning anything under a D700. My D80 does not like this lens that much since it is a DX camera.

Most of the reviews I have looked at I noticed that they were not using a camera with a full format (FX format). If something is reviewed in my opinion should be used with the right equipment before slandering it. I do not consider myself as an expert but I do have common sense to figure things out and when someone has a review of this lens using anything under a D700 I have to do my own research on it. I also own a D80 and yes I would complain about this lens also, but on my D700 it is like me using my D80 with it's DX lens which I really like. I guess I still have faith in Nikon by not putting something on the market that is junk. I will continue to buy Nikkor lenses for my cameras no matter the cost.

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

The Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED is a compact telephoto zoom lens. It is compatible with Nikon DX and FX DSLR cameras. It has a higher zoom than some of the other similar sized lenses, maxing out of 5.0x. The lens is the first wide-angle Nikon telephoto lens to have built in Nikon VR image stabilization that corrects for handheld shake and allows for lower shutter speeds...

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

Testseek.com has collected 10 expert reviews for Nikon AF-S VR 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED Zoom-Nikkor and the average expert rating is 81 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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