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

by Nikon

• 12-24mm autofocus zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Nikon digital SLR cameras
• 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and 3 aspherical lens elements for superior optics
• D-type design provides precise distant information for flash and ambient light exposure
• Rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements appear natural; 11.8-inch close focus distance
• Measures 3.2 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches long; weighs 1.07 pounds; 5-year warranty

Product Details

Data Sheet [72kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000092M1T
• Item model number: 2144
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 25, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com

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

Here is a great new Nikkor lens specifically designed for the digital SLRs. Designed for Nikon D-Series digital SLR

Lens making is an art ? Nikon artisans craft Nikkor optics from the finest materials, taking pride in adding their intellect and technique to bring the world's finest lenses to life. They push the leading edge of lens making, harder and harder, in their effort to provide the "glass" that makes the world's greatest pictures.

See all Product Description

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

148 of 153 people found the following review helpful

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

By Stephen Green

Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

117 of 122 people found the following review helpful

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

By Okay

Amazon Verified Purchase

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!

60 of 62 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 Flora VINE™ VOICE

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.

49 of 53 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Proof is in the pictures, size, weight and performance. February 14, 2006

By projectmgr

Yes this lens is expensive!

The good news is that the quality makes this a good value indeed.

I do have some experience with other more cost effective lenses and

the differences make this lens the better buy.

This lens is sharp. Not only in the final processed or printed image but

also when focusing and composing the picture. In particular I noticed that when capturing architectural shots at night time, I was able to see the details of the subject clearly. Nice contrasty colors and sharp detail in the dark areas.

Ok, you might be thinking is it worth the grand in comparison to the

other wide angle zooms that cost less.

I can tell you that I would not even consider the S brand 15-30mm after using it with a 20D. I found that it presented a somewhat diffused

image in the viewfinder and the size was ....was obtrusive in my opinion.

The nikkor 12-24 is built solid. The color rendition, as captured with a D200, is as close to as seen as any equipment I have used. Less lineal distortion than I have seen with other lenses of similiar range as well.

All of this in a surpriseingly compact design.

This is a DX nikkor and therefore a conversion factor of 1.5. changes the actual zoom ratio to an 18-36mm in comparison to a 35mm camera. Mine came with a velvet lens pouch, lense shade, front and rear caps plus a 5 year extended service warranty card.

Nikon service has been first rate as far as I am concerned with a site that is easy to navigate and informative.

Overall my experience with lens is excellent. Like a lot of people, I struggled with that thousand dollor plus purchase price .... I mean that just doesn't sound like a purchase that is gonna feel good for the price. Subsequently I looked at it up down and sideways trying to figure out a way to cover these focal lengths. Overall my criteria were performance, quality, price and re-sale value.

Even the day I got it I can't say I felt great spending that kind of money.

It's more like a general feeling of satisfaction comes over you as you use it more and appreciate the size and build quality. Kinda like paying your registration every year, expensive but feels good knowing your good till next year. Besides what choice do you really have?

Now, in retrospect, it was a great buy because the resale value is high and the performance is what you expect from Nikon and the great amount of thought and expertise that went into it's development.

Don't forget that Nikon often builds extra features into products in anticipation of equipment being developed but not yet available for sale! That is a quote from Ken Rockwell who has been a big help in providing information to us all.

Good luck! Read more ›