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

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR is a versatile zoom lens tailored for the Nikon F (DX) mount, making it a great addition for photographers seeking an all-in-one solution for various shooting scenarios. With its focal length range, it is well-suited for everything from landscapes to portraits, while also providing enough versatility for casual street photography. Let's dive into what makes this lens a noteworthy contender and also highlight some aspects that may require consideration.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 is commendable, featuring a solid construction that feels durable in hand. The lens comes with a rubberized grip on the focus ring, ensuring good ergonomics while shooting. Weighing in at a manageable 700g, it strikes a fine balance between sturdiness and portability. The inclusion of the ED glass elements helps minimize chromatic aberrations, resulting in sharper images and better color fidelity.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, this lens delivers punchy images with excellent contrast. The f/3.5-5.6 aperture may not sound particularly wide, but the lens manages to perform reasonably well in good light conditions. The vibration reduction (VR) technology allows for slower shutter speeds without introducing significant blur, making it a boon for low-light scenarios or handheld shooting. However, at the longer end of the zoom, the lens tends to lose some sharpness, especially at f/5.6, which might disappoint those looking for pristine detail in their images.

Autofocus and Compatibility

The AF-S motor provides fast and silent autofocus, making it excellent for quick captures and video work. Compatible with a variety of Nikon bodies, the lens also supports full-time manual focus override, giving photographers the freedom to fine-tune their composition even in autofocus mode. However, on some entry-level Nikon bodies, autofocus performance may lag behind that of more specialized lenses, especially in low-light situations.

Versatility and Use Cases

What sets this lens apart is its versatility. The 24-120mm focal range allows you to tackle a multitude of shooting scenarios without ever needing to change lenses. Whether you're shooting wide landscapes at 24mm or intimate portraits at 120mm, this lens adapts to your style. Additionally, it's a great travel companion, as you can cover a wide range of scenes without the hassle of multiple lenses.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Versatile zoom range from wide-angle to moderate telephoto.
• Good build quality; lightweight and portable.
• Effective VR technology for reduced camera shake.
• Fast and silent autofocus performance.

Cons

• Aperture range is limited compared to faster zooms.
• Slight loss of sharpness at the longer end of the zoom range.
• Autofocus performance can vary on entry-level bodies.

Verdict

Overall, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR is a solid lens that offers a great deal of versatility for photographers who need an adaptable solution for various scenarios. While it has its shortcomings in terms of maximum aperture and sharpness at longer focal lengths, the benefits of its build quality, optical performance, and autofocus capabilities make it a commendable addition for Nikon F (DX) users. Whether you're an enthusiast or a seasoned pro, this lens is worth considering for your photography toolkit.