Nikon 24-120
Comparing the 24-120 (left) to Nikon 24-70 (right). The Internet has very strong views on both lenses.
I acquired this lens out of curiosity as it was mentioned in the list of Nikon's 10 Worst Lenses by Ken Rockwell. Ironically the list only contains 6 lenses, so it must be really bad. However, I still maintain most equipment is more than good enough and I will plant to use this lens for the sharpness section.
This is a typical kit lens although I am not sure if it was ever directly bundled with a camera. It goes from quite wide and is longer than a typical mid-range zoom, but not long enough to be used as a universal zoom. It sacrifices speed (f/3.5-5.6) to reduce the weight and price and become an attractive do it all type of lens, but not quite.
An interesting comparison is Nikon 24-70. From focal length the 24-120 is clearly better, but it is also notably slower. However, not all quality is really captured by numbers. The lens works fine, and I had no trouble using and getting quite good pictures with it. Personally I like my zooms a bit longer, so I would prefer other lenses, but especially if you are on a budget, this is quite usable.
From my first experiments, there is nothing visibly wrong with this lens, but I will need more time to make experiments.
Versions
- This is the older f/3.5-5.6 version with vibration reduction
- The newer version is f/4 and considered to be much better (and much more expensive)
- There is an even older auto focus version f/3.5-5.6 version without vibration reduction.
| Price | Affordable, but usually comes bundled with the camera |
|---|---|
| Weight | Moderate, 570g |
| Good for | Typical kit lens lacking on the longer end |
| New or used | Not a popular lens, very cheap secondhand, I got it for less than 60 |
This was designed to be used on a full frame camera. But here is the catch, it does not have the focal length range to become a universal zoom, it is meant for cameras that are more expensive so the expectation is that they care about quality and the lens is not one where the expectation is very high optical quality. It is actually wider than most zooms which is nice to have. If you are on a budget.. why not..
It will technically work, covering the range 35-180mm. You lose most of the wide end, and compared to a Nikon 18-200 there is no advantage you have whatsoever.
Gallery
24mm
85mm
120mm
Nice vase
These pages are for Amateur Photographers and not really for seasoned photographers and professionals. I have no affiliation or commercial interest with any brand/make. I write from my own experience. I ended up using mainly Nikon, so I am more familiar with this brand than others. See price for notes on pricing as well as photography related links.