Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Autofocus VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches ; 1.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00009VQG6
• Item model number: B00009VQG6
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Features: New cosmetic design Exclusive Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation VR operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 3 stops faster at 120mm 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration G Type DX Nikkor is designed exclusively for use with Nikon SLR models where aperture is controlled from body Nikon D-Type design provides precise distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes 2 Aspherical lens element for low distortion Internal Focus (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance Rounded diaphragm to make out-of-focus elements appear more natural First Nikon wide-angle zoom lens with Vibration Reduction (VR) Compact and lightweight Fully compatible with D1X, D1H, D100, F5, F100, N80, N75 and N65

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars better than reputed, December 28, 2006

By 

Charles B. Lemak "LeChas" (Los Altos, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Autofocus VR Nikkor Zoom Lens (Electronics)

This lens gets an unfair bad rap from a lot of amateur snobs and pro-wanna-be's.

After reading all the mixed reviews, I figured at the price it would be a reasonable stopgap while waiting for an 18-200VR. So far I've been more than satisfied with this lens. I get good contrast, and sharp images through the middle 80% of its range. Contrary to some of the negative reviews I've read, focus is reasonably fast, and more than adequate for action sports in good light. Granted it's not a low light lens. I have other lenses for this purpose, but cost me over $900. each and don't have the versatility of this lens.

I finally did receive my 18-200VR, and have to admit it is an improvement due to the added range, but light gathering is comparable, and within the 24-120's range, the two function with about the same results. Overall, average quality of shots taken with both lenses is about the same.

Having said that, even with the 18-200 VR, I still have to use my 85mm 1.4 and 80-200 f/2.8 for shots where extra aperture or sharpness are needed.

In summary, if you plan on having a couple spcialty prime lenses and one multi-purpose zoom, then either the 24-120 or the 18-200 will do as a great walk around lens. Unless you're only going to buy one lens for the life of your camera, why spend the extra money on the latter?

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Semi-pro, April 10, 2008

By 

Stephen Dow "scd" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Autofocus VR Nikkor Zoom Lens (Electronics)

I've been a semi-professional photographer since 2004 and have a huge investment in Nikon equipment including a Nikon 200-400 zoom that I paid $5,500 for. I also have the 70-200 2.8, which is another superb lens. However, the 24-120 goes with me everywhere. It is one of the most versatile lenses I own. I use it in the studio under dim lighting conditions and for most of the outdoor shooting I do. The other lens I rely on for outdoor shots is the 70-200, which I cannot ay enough good things about (although it's heavy). Bottom line: the 24-120 is worth every penny you pay for it. Don't think twice about buying one. My $0.02 worth.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My lens is sharp., June 3, 2006

By 

Jeff "j chastain" (Mount Vernon, WA, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Autofocus VR Nikkor Zoom Lens (Electronics)

I purchased this lens after trying it by making a series of handheld test images and going home and analysing the results. On my D70, this lens is sharp. Not as sharp as my 105 MicroNikkor VR, but that lens is a tack sharp prime macro. It also has incredible color contrast. It is every bit as sharp as the 18-70 kit lens, and it has the great advantage of the VR technology that lets you shoot handheld in almost every situation. I recently took this lens and my 12-24 dx Nikkor to Cabo and got some fine shots, even at night. I took only 2 lenses because of the airport/customs hassle. That is what these new great lenses are about. Major focal length coverages, VR technology that makes the fast/slow lens issue irrelevent. Glass that is engineered for sharpness and contrast at all focal lengths. Pop one or 2 lenses in a bag and you can shoot just about anything. Nikon is revolutionizing digital photography.