Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24 120mm F 4G ED VR Review | 54 Data compared

The Photography Life review identifies the Nikon 24-120mm f/4G VR as a highly versatile FX-format lens, praising its constant f/4 aperture, effective Vibration Reduction (VR), and impressive center sharpness at 24mm that rivals pro-level glass, particularly when stopped down to f/5.6–f/8. Key advantages include the 5x zoom range, Nano Crystal Coat, and fast autofocus, making it a strong, lightweight choice for travel and general photography. However, the lens has notable compromises, specifically poor sharpness performance at the 120mm telephoto end and significant vignetting throughout the zoom range. It also exhibits pronounced distortion and features a less robust, more plastic construction compared to professional Nikon lenses.

The Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is a perennially popular, versatile full-frame F-mount kit lens designed for DSLRs like the Nikon D750 and D780. It delivers highly impressive optical sharpness across most of the image frame, particularly in the central region. Key strengths include a powerful 5x zoom range that bridges wide-angle and telephoto perspectives, high-quality weather-sealed construction, and fast, whisper-quiet ultrasonic autofocus handling. Additionally, it is considerably more compact, lightweight, and half the price of the faster Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 alternative. However, the lens shows its age with a dated 3.5-stop optical stabilization system that lacks modern 'Sport' modes and proves only moderately effective compared to newer lenses. Optical performance reveals severe barrel distortion at the 24mm wide end, noticeable pincushion distortion from 35-120mm, and distinct color fringing at wide focal lengths when left uncorrected in-camera. Furthermore, its mechanical internal autofocus system lacks the near-silent precision of modern stepping motors, preventing smooth focus transitions during video recording.

The ePHOTOzine review of the AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR characterizes the lens as a versatile, well-built, and stable walkaround option featuring a constant f/4 aperture and effective second-generation VR. Key advantages include excellent center sharpness, fast autofocus, and robust construction despite a slightly bulky, heavy design. Conversely, the review notes significant weaknesses in edge and corner resolution, particularly when shooting wide open, demanding stopping down to f/8 for uniform sharpness. Furthermore, pronounced vignetting and barrel distortion at the wide-angle extreme require correction.

The Cameralabs review of the Nikon 24-120mm f4G VR highlights the lens as a highly versatile, 5x general-purpose kit zoom designed primarily for full-frame (FX) bodies. Key advantages include its constant f/4.0 aperture, effective Vibration Reduction (VR) system that provides hand-holding power in dim light, and an upgraded optical formula with Nano Crystal Coating to reduce flare and ghosting. The lens features a rugged, weather-sealed metal mount and offers a highly practical minimum focusing distance capable of a 1:4.2 magnification ratio, making it an excellent all-in-one choice for travel, landscapes, and portraits. However, the review points out several significant compromises, most notably its disappointing corner performance on high-resolution full-frame sensors (such as the 36MP D800), which requires stopping down to f/8 to achieve good sharpness. At longer focal lengths—specifically around 70mm and 120mm—the image definition drops visibly, and the extreme full-frame corners show heavy astigmatism and pincushion distortion. Additionally, reviewers criticized the heavy and bulky build compared to its predecessor, some noticeable slack/play in the manual focus ring, and a hefty retail price tag of around 1000 EUR, making it...

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S Nikkor is a constant-aperture FX-format zoom lens that offers a versatile focal range but delivers mixed performance depending on the camera sensor used. When tested on a sub-frame (DX) body, the lens delivers excellent sharpness wide open at 24mm (showing only 1 to 1.5 blur units) and reaches peak edge-to-edge sharpness at 50mm and f/5.6. However, its performance significantly degrades on full-frame (FX) bodies, where intensive corner softness becomes highly problematic. A major technical flaw is a severe softness "spike" at the longer end of the zoom range (70mm to 85mm) when shot wide open at f/4, resulting in 6 to 8 blur units of corner softness on full-frame sensors. Fortunately, this issue is nearly entirely cured by simply stopping down the lens by one stop to f/5.6. The lens features an upgraded optical design with 17 elements in 13 groups, including Nano-Crystal coating, three aspherical, and two ED glass elements, alongside an upgraded 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smoother background blur. Pros include a highly effective VRII image stabilization system that provides a...

Ken Rockwell characterizes the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G as a versatile "king of kit lenses" and an excellent, all-around walk-around lens for full-frame FX cameras. Key advantages include a useful 5x zoom range with a constant f/4 aperture, fast autofocus with instant manual override, and effective built-in Vibration Reduction. Conversely, the review notes significant vignetting at 24mm/f4, and mentions the "pumper" design can draw dust into the camera. While versatile, the lens requires stopping down to achieve optimal sharpness, as it is not extremely sharp at its maximum aperture.

The PCMag review characterizes the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR as a versatile 5x zoom lens for full-frame SLRs, offering a constant f/4 aperture, solid sharpness at wider angles, and effective Vibration Reduction. It is positioned as a valuable, budget-friendly alternative to professional 24-70mm lenses for event photography, despite offering less light-gathering capability. Conversely, the lens exhibits notable drawbacks, including significant distortion and vignetting at the wide end, along with reduced sharpness at 120mm. While recommended for walk-around use, the review notes that professionals requiring edge-to-edge clarity and greater speed might prefer higher-end glass.

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon N AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR as a versatile, professional-grade Thailand-made zoom lens, highlighting strong center sharpness, effective 4-stop VR II, and a fast SWM autofocus as key pros. The lens is also praised for its constant f/4 aperture, Nano Crystal Coat to reduce flare, and a 9-blade diaphragm. However, the review outlines significant cons, particularly poor edge sharpness at 24mm, high barrel distortion, and noticeable vignetting. Other drawbacks include a plastic body with limited weather sealing, a two-section zoom mechanism that acts as a "vacuum pump" for dust, and a relatively high weight.

Ken Rockwell’s review of the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G highlights it as a highly practical, great-performing "do-everything" lens featuring a versatile 5x zoom range and a constant f/4 maximum aperture. Key advantages include fast, accurate autofocus with manual override and effective Vibration Reduction for handheld shooting. Conversely, the lens exhibits strong barrel distortion at 24mm and pincushion distortion at longer lengths, requiring software correction, along with a "pumper" design that can cause a "eyeblow" effect in the viewfinder. Additionally, the M/A - M switch labeling is considered confusing, though the lens is praised for its convenient, compact design.

The Photo Review evaluation of the AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens highlights a solid, mostly polycarbonate construction, a versatile 5x zoom range, and a constant f/4 aperture. Key features include a silent SWM motor, effective vibration reduction, and a non-rotating front element for filters. Drawbacks include a high price point for its construction, visible barrel distortion at 24mm, slight vignetting, and mild flare in backlight.