AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

I’ve been looking for a decent wide/zoom lens to photograph weddings and senior portraits. I own the kit lens that came with the Nikon D600, but felt the lens had limited zoom range. I did some research on the Internet as well as visit my local camera shop. While at the camera shop, I mentioned my lens needs for range and weight and of course, price. The sales rep recommended the Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 suggesting I would get decent results without spending a lot of money (as in the 28-70mm f/2.8 lens that I was eyeing). I took advantage of the Nikon rebate event earlier this year and purchased the Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens. I initially had buyer’s remorse and wondered if I made the right decision with this lens. I spent several weeks testing the lens out and concluded I made the right purchase. It wasn’t until I booked a wedding that I realized the potential of this lens. It’s a wonderful lens that produced beautiful results. The zoom range at 120mm was perfect for me in capturing those special moments. I no longer had to move/walk closer (as with my 24-85mm kit lens) to my subjects. I really like the idea of zooming all the way out and using f/4. I’m happy with the bokeh this lens produces. I enjoy the results I’m also getting from a portrait perspective. This is a fast lens! Focusing is fast. Initially, I had to get used to the heavier weight in my hands. There is a nice balance between this lens and my Nikon D600. Once I got used to this combination, it feels like the two were made for each other. Now, I don’t notice the weight at all. I attribute that to also using the Crumpler’s Industry Disgrace strap with the camera. This is now my go-to lens and permanently resides on my D600 for about 85% of the time. Other times, I’m using my Nikkor 85mm portrait lens (beautiful bokeh) or my Nikkor 60mm Micro lens for close-ups. ** My Bag Notes (System: Nikon D600 and Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens) ** Tamrac Evolution 8: This is a well-designed and functional backpack/sling bag. I use this bag to store my camera system when not in use. Besides storage, I use this bag if I need to take everything or the “kitchen sink” with me to a photo event. Note: once this bag is filled (including laptop), it can get pretty heavy. Tamrac Aria 6: This is a soft and lightweight messenger bag. I actually use this bag primarily for photographing weddings and church events. If I know I will be shooting for several hours, this is the bag I take with me. I can carry my camera system along with an extra lens (e.g. Nikkor 85mm) and my Nikon SB-700 flash. I can also throw in my iPad or Kindle HD Fire into the bag. Lowepro Slingshot 102: This is one tiny bag. It’s also a nice non-bulky and lightweight bag. I gutted out the main camera compartment (removed the padded dividers). This bag will hold my camera system with the lens hood extended! I have to place the camera in sideways with the grip side facing the side opening. This bag will hold my camera system plus my SB-700 flash (stored folded in the top area). I use this bag for short trips and traveling when I don’t need to bring my “kitchen sink”. I imagine this would be a great bag for short hikes. One of the features I like about this bag is the ability to swing it from my back to the front and take out my camera for photo ops.

I will not bash this lens just because it's a zoom, but I won't heap praise on it either. As far as zoom lenses go, this one is a fairly decent one, and in only one aspect is it better than its predecessor: constant aperture. Otherwise, I must say that this lens is a noble idea: a nice, vast range of focal lengths in one single package does the trick for traveling. And the lens itself isn't too heavy either! In fact, compared to other travel zoom lenses, this one strikes a decent compromise. It's lighter than the AFS 24-70 (but slower), and a bit heavier than its predecessor, the AF-S VRI 24-120 of variable aperture, and also heavier than it's cousin, the plasticky AF-S 24-85. Besides, the zoom rings are in the "wrong" position (the zoom ring is closer to the camera in the 24-70, while this one has it farther from the body) and this can make for some awkwardness while getting used to the lens (like trying to zoom with the focusing ring, for instance). However, this indecision in Nikon lenses is something I had to get used to, as there seems to be no standard regarding where the focusing and zoom rings will go in a lens. Since I purchased this lens shortly before a trip, I can report that the lens is remarkably tough, and that the lens hood comes in handy as an equally tough accessory. I don't know how many times the hood hit doors and walls (not too hard, admittedly), thus protecting the front lens element, but every time it happened, I was glad. I may update this review in regards to the distortion this lens may cause at its wide end (whether it appears), because it's something we must expect from it. However, all in all, despite it's being a tad slow (aperture starts at f4), this lens makes for an excellent and versatile travel companion. I have an upcoming stay in Spain, and I'm seriously considering taking this lens instead of my AF-S 24-70 because of its size and zoom range. However, let's see about distortion before making any further decisions. In the meanwhile, I should say it's worth a try and the price and conditions under which I bought my copy couldn't be beat (who would say not to buying this lens and paying it in about 24 interest-free installments with the Amazon store card?). Hence, it has my recommendation! EDIT: I write this only to confirm a statement I made in the text, about this lens being lighter than the AF-S 24-70. In fact, it's lighter enough to consider it the perfect travel lens. However, my experience has been odd: while in Chile, I took long walks with my D700 and this lens and I returned exhausted to my place because of what I thought was the heft of this lens (combined with the camera and battery pack). Much later, in Spain, I also walked a lot with my AF-S 24-70 (which I took with because it's faster), but I was not as dilapidated whenever I came back from my excursions as I was when I walked with the 24-120. In short... go figure. All in all, this is a very decent lens that shows no discernible barrel distortion at the wide end. At least, I didn't encounter any in the photos I made with this lens. Go ahead and try it!

Lens arrived in great condition, and looks like new. Preliminary test shots are very sharp and the zoom is silky smooth. The wrong size lens hood was sent and I contacted the seller, who sent the correct one out that I just received today.

Where do I begin?! LOVE this lens! As a professional photographer, I am always looking for a versatile lens with great quality at a good price. Very hard to come by. For the past couple years I was heavily using the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, but I wanted something with more range. I shoot indoor and outdoor lifestyle sessions in natural lighting, as well as birth photography, so I needed something wide, sharp, fast and could handle unique lighting situations and this lens does all of that for me for a great price! I also shoot a lot of families with active children so it's nice to be able to go from a wide angle family shot and quickly zoom in to the child's face for an individual shot without even moving and missing my shot. It's quite heavy on my Nikon D750, but you get used to it. It's not very loud and it finds focus quite fast. I micro-adjusted this lens and it's almost as tack sharp as any of my primes which says a lot for a wide range zoom. Great build, solid and smooth focus rings. I definitely recommend this lens for any level photographer :) As you can see from the images below taken at a recent maternity session: without the mom or I having to move, I was able to get a nice wide angle and close up in just 5 seconds with the tilt of her head.

I originally had the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 and in the beginning I loved the lens with its large f/2.8 aperture, quick focusing and sharp image results; if only it had VR; but eventually the honeymoon period came to an end when one day the zoom became gritty and unsmooth in operation and started jamming up. I found out that this was a common issue with the 24-70mm lens and sent it off to Nikon for repair. After the repair the lens was never as good as it was originally, especially with regard to edge sharpness and even in the good times using this the lens I found the maximum zoom of 70mm was a bit on the short side and wished for more reach. In the end I sold my 24-70mm f/2.8 and decided to try the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII lens and I’m glad that I did:- Although the 24-120mm only has a maximum aperture of f/4; VRII more than makes up for it; especially at the telephoto end when the light gets low; enabling one to keep the ISO setting down for maximum quality images. The extra zoom reach to 120mm is really welcome and is great for portraits; it makes this lens the ideal lens for walkabouts; on holiday, weddings etc. and professionals do use this lens. Then there’s the price, one can buy two or three of these for the cost of the new 24-70mm VR lens; which makes the 24-120mm VRII lens excellent value for money. What about the performance? On my copy; autofocus is very good and accurate; sharpness is also very good at all zoom settings and I found that the same is true for edge sharpness at all zoom settings (only slight fall off). As far as geometry distortion and vignetting are concern it’s not a issue if use the camera’s distortion and vignetting control and if one is working with RAW images ensure that you have selected the correct lens profile in Lightroom, or Photoshop. Compared to the 24-70mm f/2.8 when it was at its best, the 24-70mm f/2.8 was marginally better in sharpness and autofocus was a bit faster, but then I’m almost splitting hairs here and one is paying a whole lot more for it. I wish I had bought the 24-120mm f/4 VRII first, instead of the 24-70mm f/2.8; it would have saved me a lot of money. This lens for me doesn't disappoint and if you do buy this lens test it thoroughly as soon as you receive it to make that you have a good copy. For me, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII is the prefect companion for my D800.

I recently purchased the Nikon 24-120mm lens, and it has quickly become my go-to lens for almost every situation. The versatility of the zoom range is fantastic, allowing me to capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to detailed portraits without needing to switch lenses. Pros: Excellent Image Quality: The sharpness and clarity of the photos are outstanding, even at the edges of the frame. Versatile Zoom Range: Perfect for a variety of shooting scenarios, from wide-angle to telephoto. Solid Build: The lens feels sturdy and well-constructed, giving me confidence in its durability. Vibration Reduction: The VR feature is a lifesaver, especially in low-light conditions, helping to reduce camera shake and produce crisp images. Cons: Weight: It's a bit on the heavier side, but that's a small trade-off for the quality and versatility it offers. Price: It's a bit pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of performance and build quality. Overall, I highly recommend the Nikon 24-120mm lens to anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality lens that can handle a wide range of photography needs. It's a fantastic investment for both amateur and professional photographers alike!

Com um bom range de zoom e nitidez absurda, ela entrega imagens incríveis. Mesmo sendo uma lente tida como escura em virtude de sua abertura f/4, em câmeras com sensor full frame, que permitem subir o ISO sem perdas significativas, ela entrega imagens excelentes.

This lens is a little expensive but I was able to acquire a used lens at half the price. Good quality very sharp picture. This lens is designed for a full frame camera

F１．４，F1.．８、F２．８などの明るさのレンズをよく使っていたので、F4なんて暗い？！と思っていたんですが、昼間撮るのならこっちの方が簡単にきれいに撮れるようです。夜撮るにも3脚をつけなければという制限がかえってきれいな写真を結果として撮れるようです。明るいレンズだとどうしてもレンズ任せになりがちですから。もちろんVRも有り難いです。２４から１２０mmまで撮れますから今はほとんどこれ一本で・・・。