Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
Review Date : Tue, 8 Dec 2009
Author : Jon Tarrant
Despite an already protracted name, Nikon’s 24-120mm is so bristling with features that some of its specifications have had to be added as additional inscriptions on its underside.
| Pros: | Packed full of features |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Wide-aperture MTF & high price |
Predictably, this means that Nikon's lens is more expensive than its peers and you will probably have to spend more than £500 if you want to own one. But you get what you pay for and, as well as two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and aspherical profiles that promise reduced chromatic aberration, there is also vibration reduction, internal focusing (with full-time manual override in AF mode) and a Silent Wave Motor. The last of these is quiet but not as brisk as the same technology applied in high-specification lenses such as the 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom recently reviewed (WDC, October 2009). A tactile soft pouch is also provided.
MTF testing confirms that chromatic aberrations are well controlled but some wide-open softness was seen, causing the MTF figures to dip below 0.25 cycles-per-pixel. Closing-down improves matters: optimum results are obtained between f/8 and f/16 but even here the longer focal lengths only just creep above 0.25 cycles-per-pixel.
The lens is comfortable to use thanks to a wide zoom ring that falls perfectly to hand, behind which sits a generous manual-focusing ring. The zoom action is good, but manual focusing lacks the expected silky smoothness. Vibration reduction is activated using a sliding switch that can easily be reached with the left thumb. The only awkwardness comes from the lens-hood, which cannot be left reversed on the lens as this would inhibit the zoom ring so severely as to make the lens virtually unusable.
There is a further minor disappointment in the slight vignetting that was seen in some images when the lens was used on the full-frame D700 that was employed for these tests.
Overall, this is a well specified lens that fails to sparkle. If the idea of having one lens to cover almost every common picture-taking situation appeals, then Nikon's zoom is worth considering, but its higher-than-average price may discourage some potential buyers.
Although these results show consistency, the wide-aperture figures for the longer focal lengths are on the low side.
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED - Test Verdict
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Latest comments
June 10 09:09
Eleanor Maw
On a Nikon DX SLR this lens is fine, on an FX SLR forget it, your better saving up and buying the Nikon 24-70, if money is tight then buy the Nikon 24-85 f2.8-4 instead.