The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR ($1,299.95 direct) has long been the standard zoom lens for full-frame Nikon cameras . Only recently has it been joined by a lesser-priced counterpart, the AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR .

Pricey; Noticeable distortion

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

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

Wedding, event, travel, portrait and landscape photographers in need of a do-everything-well, all-purpose zoom lens that can fit in the palm of your hand should run to their nearest Nikon dealer and gobble up the new AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR.

While I hope to create a full Nikon 24-120mm f/4G AF-S VR Lens, my first priority is to include results from this lens in the lens comparison tools available on the site. This page currently exists because it is required by the database and content management systems for me to post information and...

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.

Gary Wolstenholme takes a look at how the new 24-120mm f/4G ED VR performs.

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

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

very good image quality; autofocus is quick; VRII is excellent making it possible to shoot in low light conditions; fixed f4 aperture

distortion when shooting wide specially at 24mm although correctible

Announced in mid-September 2010, the AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is an update to the popular 24-120mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 VR that features a constant f/4 maximum aperture across the focal length range.

You want a capable; reasonably fast; general-purpose lens to match one of Nikon's larger DSLR bodies; Your preferred subjects include landscapes; portraits; interiors and weddings; You prefer a lens that retains the same maximum aperture throughout its zoom range; You'd like a lens that requires no