Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR Autofocus IF Lens {72}

The Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF ED AF-S VR Aspherical is a medium zoom range autofocus lens for Nikon Digital SLR cameras and late model Nikon 35mm film SLR cameras.  It's versatile lens that covers FX format cameras (full 35mm film frame) and takes great images in a variety of settings.

The zoom range of the 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR starts well inside wide angle territory at 24mm which yields a 84° angle of view; that's some 10° wider than more common 28mm lenses.  The 5X zoom range tops out at 120mm, quite a bit inside portrait lens territory.  The lens is also quite useable on DX format digital cameras where it uses the higher resolution center area to produce an angles of view equivalent to a what a moderately wide-angle 36mm to fairly telephoto 180mm full frame lens would produce on FX format.

The 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF ED AF-S VR uses 15 elements in 13 groups to produce the best image quality possible and includes 2 Aspherical and 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements to help minimize distortion and abberations.  All elements are fully multicoated with Nikon's SIC (Super Integrated Coating) antireflective coating to minimize ghosting and produce the best possible contrast and color.  The lens features Nikon's VR (Vibration Technology) optical image stabilization system which uses sensors to detect lens shake and moves special lens elements in real time to counteract the shake and reduce the blur it would otherwise cause.  The VR system allows the photographer to take handheld pictures at up to three shutter speeds slower than would normally be pratical.

Originally released in 2003 the Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 VR was a replacement for the extremely popular Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 D IF that added VR, a built-in focus motor, and rounded aperture blades.  In 2010 Nikon introduced the 24-120mm f/4 G IF ED VR featuring a constant maximum aperture, however due to the considerable price difference the 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 VR remains a popular choice.

The Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF ED AF-S VR is a great travel lens, when paired up with a separate stronger telephoto (or ultra wide angle) the focal length overlap means you don't have to switch lenses as often.  The 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR has been particularly popular for shooting special events (including weddings) where it's practical yet not overly broad zoom range is useful for both groups of people and individual portraits and reduces missed shots caused by camera or lens changes.  The lack of an f/2.8 aperture is not a major concern for many users who shoot events with the lens stopped down somewhat for greater depth of field and sharpness anyway.  The VR even helps with slow sync flash photography. 

Key Features

• Convenient 5X zoom range covers most indoor photography needs
• Great travel & special event lens
• 2 Aspherical lens elements help minimize distortion
• 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements help minimized chromatic aberration
• VR (Vibration Reduction) system reduces loss of sharpness from camera/lens shake
• Internal Focus (IF) design
• AF-S SWM (Silent Wave Motor) provides quick and quiet autofocusing
• Rounded diaphragm to make out-of-focus elements appear more natural
• Compact and lightweight
• D-type lens chip provides distance information for improved flash metering
• Uses the popular 72mm filter size

Available accessories include the HB-25 Bayonet Lens Hood, CL-S2 Case, and 72mm filters.

Compatibility note: requires a camera body that has aperture control capability built-in.