Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

by Nikon

Product Details

Data Sheet [72kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000092M1T
• Item model number: B000092M1T
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 25, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Enjoy a wider angle of view with the Nikon 12-24mm autofocus zoom lens, which is optimized for Nikon digital SLR cameras. The lens offers such features as a 2x zoom ratio, an exclusive Silent Wave Monitor that allows for accurate and quiet high-speed autofocusing, two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration, and three aspherical lens elements for low distortion. Nikon's D-type design, meanwhile, provides precise distant information for the flash and ambient light exposure processes. Perhaps the nicest feature, however, is the small image circle--the size of the image that's projected by the lens onto the sensor--which produces an optimal image from the center to the edge to the corner. Other details include a variable angle of view from 99 degrees (at 12mm) to 61 degrees (at 24mm), a rounded diaphragm that makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural, and an 11.8-inch close focus distance throughout the zoom range. All Nikon lenses carry a five-year warranty.

• Focal length: 12-24mm
• Maximum aperture: f/4
• Picture angle (Nikon digital SLR): 99 to 61 degrees
• Lens construction: 11 elements in 7 groups
• Lens drive: Silent Wave Monitor
• Extra-Low Dispersion (ESD) lens: 2 elements
• Aspherical lens: 3 elements
• Focusing: Internal Focusing (IF) type
• Minimum shooting distance: 11.8 inches
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:8.3
• Minimum F stop: 22
• Aperture blades: 7 (rounded)
• Lens hood: HB-23 (included)
• Filter size: 77mm
• Included accessories: HB-23 hood, 77mm lens cap, rear cap
• Dimensions: 3.2 inches in diameter, 3.5 inches long
• Weight: 1.07 pounds

Product Description

L1)NIKON 12-24MM F4 G IF-ED (2144)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

132 of 136 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pricey But Worth It, March 10, 2005

By 

Stephen Green "VodkaPundit.com" (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens (Electronics)

If you want to shoot extreme wide angles on your Nikon digital SLR, you can choose this Nikkor lens, or a similar Sigma lens for 2/3rds the price. Spend the extra money.

The Sigma lens costs you a half an f-stop in speed, about double the weight, and a complete inability to use standard filters. Plus, Sigma's optics just aren't up to Nikon standards. All said and done, the Sigma lens isn't worth the money.

Which brings us to the Nikon lens: Is it worth a grand?

Oh my yes.

First, the cons. If you haven't already standardized on 77mm filters, then you'll have to buy all-new ones to fit this lens. That's an extra expense to keep in mind before you buy. The hood that comes with this lens doesn't snap into place as snug as it should. Getting the lens in and out of your bag, you may find the hood jiggling loose. The dinky built-in flash on Nikon's popular D70 body isn't a good fit with this lens. From about 12-18mm, the flash/lens combination will leave a dark shadow at the bottom of the frame. If you plan on shooting indoors with a flash, plan on using the Nikon SB-600 or -800.

Optically, however, this lens is a dream. Typical wide-angle distortion at the extreme 12mm, but less than you might expect. You might find softness around the edges at 12mm wide-open, but otherwise this is one sharp lens. I recently took it to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs (shooting on a 6.1mpix D70 body), and was shocked at the detail even on not-so-close objects. This lens delivers.

And that's the whole point: It delivers what you can't get anywhere else for DSLR work. For that, most any price is cheap.

107 of 112 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In the Distance, April 22, 2005

By 

Okay (Glendale, Heights) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens (Electronics)

I do not know about anyone else but I love this lens. I love landscape photography and this lens is one of the best tools to assist you with taking breath-taking shots that are sharp and beautiful with magnificent distance and depth. This is one of the best tools available to get real wide angle and depth if you are using an DSLR camera.

I performed several days of research before purchasing this lens by surfing the net for reviews and reading articles written by professional photographers. 99% of them gave this lens a very high rating... and after using it myself I can see why. The results of my pictures are worth every hard-earned dollar I spent to buy this lens. I purchased the Nikon D-70 camera and set the intent after spending that much for a camera I deserved great lenses to produce pictures that are inspirational and joyful to view. I am not a professional photographer; I am a serious student of photography who appreciates the art form.

Not everyone will have a need for this lens; however, for those of you who want to expand your tools and you want the best and can afford it, "go for it!'

If you want to read some professional reviews visit Nikonlinks.com and kenrockwell.com

Nikonlinks.com has many professional reviews for lenses in all sizes, it is a great site. Kenrockwell.com has great reviews and much "how-to" guidance for both film and digital photography. Both sites are very, very helpful.

Thanks Amazon.com for another great purchase!

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A little slow and a bit expensive, but absolutely essential, June 9, 2005

By 

John M Flora "olioscourge.blogspot.com" (Brookland, AR United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens (Electronics)

Until I finally ponied up the $1k for this lens, the widest glass I had was my Nikkor 20mm f/2.8. With the 1.5 focal length multiplier that is a fact of life with Nikon SLRs, that's the equivalent of a 35mm lens.
I'm old enough to remember when 35mm was considered adequate for a wide angle lens, but no more.
The multiplier takes this lens up to 18mm, which is pretty good. Stick it on my F5 and I can practically see behind myself.
I shoot a lot of editorial stuff for newspapers and this is an excellent up-close storytelling lens. It's sharp and delivers spectacular scenic results when matched with a polarizing filter.
In actual use, my only complaint is that f/4 isn't as fast as I'd like. A minor annoyance and certainly not a deal-breaker.
I'm glad I bought it. It's paid for itself many times over.