Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Autofocus VR Nikkor Zoom Lens Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This lens gets an unfair bad rap from a lot of amateur snobs and pro-wanna-be's.
After reading all the mixed reviews, I figured at the price it would be a reasonable stopgap while waiting for an 18-200VR. So far I've been more than satisfied with this lens. I get good contrast, and sharp images through the middle 80% of its range. Contrary to some of the negative reviews I've read, focus is reasonably fast, and more than adequate for action sports in good light. Granted it's not a low light lens. I have other lenses for this purpose, but cost me over $900. each and don't have the versatility of this lens.
I finally did receive my 18-200VR, and have to admit it is an improvement due to the added range, but light gathering is comparable, and within the 24-120's range, the two function with about the same results. Overall, average quality of shots taken with both lenses is about the same.
Having said that, even with the 18-200 VR, I still have to use my 85mm 1.4 and 80-200 f/2.8 for shots where extra aperture or sharpness are needed.
In summary, if you plan on having a couple spcialty prime lenses and one multi-purpose zoom, then either the 24-120 or the 18-200 will do as a great walk around lens. Unless you're only going to buy one lens for the life of your camera, why spend the extra money on the latter?

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VR technology helps eliminate image blur caused by camera shake, particularly when shooting in low-light conditions, allowing photographers to use shutter speeds about three times slower than they would ordinarily use to get sharp, well exposed images.Another feature of the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens is Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor Technology for fast, accurate and nearly silent focusingIn addition to Vibration Reduction, the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens includes a selection of Nikon advanced technologies such as Manual/Automatic mode, two Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and two Aspheric lens elements, Silent Wave Motor Technology (SWM), Internal Focusing construction (IF), Super Integrated Coating (S-IC) and G-Type design.The G-Type feature is designed for the newest Nikon 35mm and digital SLR models that allow aperture control directly from the camera body. The design facilitates better lens handling and helps photographers keep a more positive grip on the camera. This firmer grip and balance helps photographers get sharper images, even as they adjust exposure and quickly shoot their pictures.Distance Technology (included in D-type and G-type Nikkor lenses) provides precise distance information from the lens. This information is incorporated into exposure calculations for both ambient light and flash illumination, as well as combinations of both. The distance information enables more precise and great body balance

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