Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR Autofocus IF Lens {77}

Nikon's 24-120mm f/4 covers the full walk-around range on FX bodies.

A 5x zoom that holds f/4 from 24mm to 120mm is a practical workhorse for Nikon F-mount shooters who need one lens to cover most situations without swapping glass. The 17-element, 13-group optical formula includes 3 aspherical elements to control coma and field curvature, plus 2 ED elements that keep chromatic aberration in check even when you're shooting wide open at the long end. Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating work together to suppress flare and ghosting, which matters when you're shooting toward a window at a reception or into backlit landscapes.

VR II image stabilization compensates for up to 4 stops of camera shake, so handheld shooting at 120mm in low light stays practical than frustrating. The Silent Wave Motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual override through the M/A switch, and internal focusing means the barrel length stays fixed throughout the focus range. At 670g with a 77mm filter thread, it fits the scale of a full-frame DSLR without feeling unwieldy. For photographers who want a single lens that genuinely earns its place on the camera all day, this one makes a credible case.

Who It's For

Wedding and event photographers get a lot of utility from the constant f/4 aperture across 24-120mm, keeping exposure consistent as coverage shifts from wide room shots to tighter portraits. Travel photographers who shoot on FX bodies will appreciate VR II stabilization when working in dim interiors or from moving vehicles. Landscape shooters benefit from the 24mm end and the aberration control from the ED and aspherical elements. Documentary and street photographers covering unpredictable situations get the reach of 120mm without carrying a second body.

Key Features

• Constant f/4 aperture across 24-120mm focal range
• VR II stabilization compensates for up to 4 stops camera shake
• 17 elements in 13 groups with 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements
• Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating reduce flare and ghosting
• Silent Wave Motor autofocus with full-time manual override
• Internal focusing maintains fixed barrel length throughout zoom range
• 77mm filter thread, 670g weight, FX-format compatible

FAQ

What's the practical difference between this 24-120mm and a standard 24-70mm zoom?

You get 50mm more reach at the long end without losing the constant f/4 aperture, and VR II stabilization gives you 4 stops of compensation at 120mm. That extra telephoto range eliminates one lens swap for many situations.

Does the f/4 aperture stay constant throughout the entire zoom range?

Yes. From 24mm to 120mm, you're always at f/4 maximum. That consistency matters for exposure control and depth-of-field predictability when you're working without stopping down.

How sharp is this lens wide open at 120mm?

The 2 ED elements and 3 aspherical elements keep chromatic aberration and coma controlled enough for shutter priority shooting in daylight. At 120mm f/4, you're not pushing optical limits - the design handles it cleanly.

Will VR II stabilization actually let me shoot at slower shutter speeds handheld?

VR II compensates for up to 4 stops of camera shake, so at 120mm you can realistically shoot 1/30 or slower depending on subject movement and your technique. It's not a substitute for faster glass in low light, but it extends your options.

How does internal focusing affect the lens during autofocus?

The barrel length stays fixed throughout focus operation, which means your working distance to the subject doesn't change as you rack focus. Also keeps the 77mm filter thread in the same position, so no filter rotation during AF.

Is the Silent Wave Motor actually quiet compared to older AF systems?

The SWM is noticeably quieter than conventional motor systems and allows full-time manual focus override via the M/A switch. For video or quiet environments, the difference is audible.

What's the weight and size tradeoff for covering 24-120mm in one lens?

At 670g and 4.1 inches long, it's compact enough for full-frame bodies without feeling like dead weight. The 3.3-inch maximum diameter means it balances reasonably on most F-mount DSLRs.