Nikon's upgraded 24-120mm now has a constant f/4 aperture. Along with its 5x zoom range and vibration reduction, it should be a very interesting all-purpose lens.

Very good sharpness throughout the zoom range; Vibration reduction; Build quality; Constant f/4 aperture; Useful zoom range

Harsh vignetting at 24mm; Distortion at either end of the zoom range

This new lens has instantly become the one I MUST carry at all times. It offers incredible range, extremely high image quality and a relatively compact and light package.Yes, as many reviewers have said, there's distortion, particularly at wide angles, where it's more noticeable on most lenses, but...

Sharpness; broad focal range; size; focus speed; accurate focus acquisition

Distortion

One of the main attractions of this lens is an immensely useful and versatile focal range that goes from ultra-wideangle to true telephoto.

Although this is not a head-to-head test, reference has to be made to Nikon's other 24-120mm zoom; the well-established variable-aperture (f/3.5-5.6) model that was reviewed in our January 2011 issue.

Impressive optical performance

Bigger; heavier and more expensive than the variable-aperture alternative

Announced and released around photokina 2010, this often requested lens is finally available. With a constant f/4 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range, which goes down to 24 mm at the short and up to 120 mm at the long end, it outspecs its main competition.

Recently bought a Nikon 24-70mm f / 2.8G IF-ED AF-S. Took off at home, tested and passed back to the store. Heavy enough for a small range of focal lengths. No stabilizer, poor mechanics. Most chromatics and poor bokeh for the declared class lenses.

Film format; Beautiful rich color; Large focal range with acceptable quality; Good sharpness, small curvature of the image field for zoom; Diaphragm 9 rounded petals, good bokeh for zoom; Easy, fast and accurate focusing; Excellent mechanical quality

Traditional disadvantages to such a range zoom: - A slight drop on the field at the corners extreme focal lengths at the aperture (disappears when you close diaframy per division); - Noticeable distortion at wide angle

I only hope this lens lasts the distance for being compromised with too much plastic but that is no to say I am not impressed with its image quality which is sharp from corner to corner at every aperture at every focal length.

VR II; sharpness; great walk around lens

Too much plastic

"I have been working with the Sigma 16 - 250mm F/3.5-6.3 lens for the last few years to make things simple. I realized I wanted more control over the f stop, and that the full zoom wasn't used as much as I thought.

Have not shipped my order. No explanation. Have not replied to my request to cancel order. I don't even know if they really exist.

The previous effort by Nikon on this lens was a dud. This lens is noticeably better in all respect. I really like the zoom range of 24-120mm and although f/4 is not as good in low light as f/2.8 24-70mm, it's still a ideal compromise of reach, usability and low light capability.

usable zoom range; acceptable lens sharpness

Price; weight