Nikkor 24-120 f4 VR

[OwenS]

Just wondering what people think about this lens? Owners etc. Ive owned and loved the Canon 24-105 and am interested to see how it compares. Cheers.

*removed - unnecessary*

[rodw]

This is the lens I always wanted but could not afford when i bought my F80 film camera a few years ago and I bought the now discontinued 24-85 instead. I reckon you can't go wrong with it, an ideal focal length range for my needs on FX and VR! It is very well regarded. From what I have read it compares favorably with the 24-70 f2.8 according to some. Unfortunately, I will probably bypass this one now but I will be interested in hearing from people that have it too!

[mongo]

Mongo is now seriously looking for one for travel. It is also likely to be very good for weddings, photojournalism and the like. It should marry nicely with the soon to be D800. For travel on the D800 it will give a focal range of 24 to 180mm using both FX and DX ranges

Have not used one but reading various reviews , reports and MTF chart material all suggest an excellent lens in the same region as the cannon 24-105

[knumbnutz]

Same, If i had a spare moola i would buy it for travel, it makes sense. Good FL and VR. As anyone with a few "N" lenses, i have the 14-24,24-70 and 70-200 and they are extremely heavy together as a travel kit, but then do I want to take a step back in IQ... for travel is ok, but not as a one stop lens.

[davidd]

[QUOTE=mongo;994971] For travel on the D800 it will give a focal range of 24 to 180mm using both FX and DX ranges...

Instead of using an FX lens in DX mode to get a crop factor, are you not better to use it in FX mode, get the full frame, and then crop in computer? This would enable you to vary your crop slightly too, you wouldn't be limited to the centre area.

Am I missing something?

[gqtuazon]

I have both Nikon 24-120mm f4 VRII and Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 zoom lenses. Sharpness wise, the 24-70mm is much sharper at f4. The corners are sharper at f6 if you are going to pixel peep. I love the 24-120mm f4 when matched with a full frame since it offers a longer reach and a great walk around lens.

Some sample test shots that I've done previously


Nikon 24-120mm f5.6 by gqtuazon, on Flickr

Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 AF-S


Nikon 24-70mm f4 100% crop by gqtuazon, on Flickr

Nikon 24-120mm f4 VRII


Nikon 24-120mm f5.6 100% crop by gqtuazon, on Flickr

Sample shot at 120mm f4

Aloe vera flower Nikon 24-120mm f4 DOF test by gqtuazon, on Flickr

[GregoryH]

I've had a 24-120 for over 18 months now and it's rarely of my camera. (I've probably taken over 10,000 shots through it) It's a great travel and general purpose lens. There is a bit of lens distortion, but Lightroom sorts that out with the lens profile feature. The 24-70 and 70-200 lens have advantages, but this one covers the range that I normally use. I'd highly recommend it.

Regards,
Greg

[Viper]

I also own this lens, i use it on my D700 and D300, i can honestly say it is a very sharp piece of glass. The vignetting can bother some but as previously stated easy fix in Lightroom. I could not recommend this lens highly enough as a great walk around/travel lens and event photographers tool. I have used it successfully for product photography.