Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

By Jim Fisher

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR ($1,299.95 direct) has long been the standard zoom lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. Only recently has it been joined by a lesser-priced counterpart, the AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR. That lens is only $700, but has a shorter zoom range and a slower aperture on the telephoto end. If you're buying on price alone, the 24-85mm will get the job done, but the longer zoom range and fixed aperture of the 24-120mm make it a more versatile lens.

The lens itself is pretty compact, especially compared with the AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED . It measures 4.1 by 3.3 inches (HD) and weighs just under 1.5 pounds. A bayonet mount hood is included, and the lens is compatible with standard 77mm filters. It can focus as close as 1.5 feet at any focal length, which is quite useful for working tight?but it's no substitute for a real macro lens like the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/100?.

We tested the sharpness and distortion characteristics of the lens using the Nikon D600 and the Imatest software package. It exceeds the 1,800 lines per picture height required for a sharp image at all tested focal lengths and apertures. At 24mm f/4 it records 2,680 lines, a figure that increases to 2,850 by f/8. Barrel distortion is 3.7 percent here, which is about the same as the 24-85mm. It's noticeable in images?straight lines will appear curved outwards?but can be corrected pretty easily using Photoshop.

At about the midpoint of its zoom range, 70mm, the lens notches 2,088 lines at f/4, increasing steadily to 2,978 lines at f/8. At 120mm f/4 it notches 2,300 lines and hits 2,779 lines at f/8. Distortion is of the pincushion variety at these focal lengths, which makes straight lines curve inward. It exhibits 2.9 percent at 70mm and 2.6 percent at 120mm, figures which are noticeable in field conditions, but once again can be corrected with a few clicks in Lightroom.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is one of a few Nikon FX zoom lenses that start at 24mm. Of them, it has the longest zoom ratio at 5x, but the middle price point and aperture. As such, it represents the best balance of value and performance of the bunch?its f/4 aperture only captures half the light of an f/2.8 lens, but is fine for event photography, especially when coupled with a good Speedlight. The 24-85mm is a solid choice if you're on a budget, but its $700 price tag comes with a lesser zoom range. The 24-70mm f/2.8G ED is the most expensive of the bunch at $1,900, but its fixed f/2.8 aperture comes in handy when it's not permissible or feasible to use a flash.

More Digital Camera Reviews:
??? Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
??? Canon PowerShot S110
??? Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200
??? Olympus SP-620UZ
??? Carl Zeiss Planar T* 1,4/50
?? more

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