The Nikon 24-120/4.0G VR delivers good overall performance, but unfortunately the FX-corners look like the lens has been designed with only a 12MP FX-sensor in mind: On a 36MP full-frame sensor you need to stop down to f8 to lift FX-corner performance to good levels. That said, it is a worthy kit-zoom for any Nikon FX-body and its 5x zoom range with a useful minimum focus distance is very practical in many situations. Plus on a DX-body it mostly delivers good to very good performance, even reaching excellent levels in the center up to 70mm.

But the gold-ring and high price-tag indicated a claim to outperform the lesser (and cheaper) Nikon 24-85/3.5-4.5G VR. That didn’t happen in my tests. In the end the 24-120/4.0 can claim 35mm (=40%) more reach and a brighter constant f4.0 aperture that gives you a 1/3 of a stop advantage from 70mm onwards, plus less distortions than its smaller sibling. Whether this is worth a 500 EUR (100%) mark-up is up to you.

But apart from the price, the lens is a solid performer and earns a Recommended rating. But again I’d strongly suggest you also check out the more recent Nikon 24-85mm f3.5-4.5, as while it may be shorter at the tele-end and lack a constant aperture, its performance is better than its lower price suggests.

Summary Good points Good to very good quality in the DX image-circle. Image stabilization. Weather sealing. Quiet AF operation. Bad points Needs stopping down to f8 for good FX-corners. Flare and ghosting not well controlled. A bit pricey for the performance.

If you have any question, comment or suggestion regarding the review head over to our forum here. A selection of my shots with this lens in full resolution can be found here.

Und wenn es irgendwelche Fragen, Kommentare und Anregungen zu meinem Review gibt, hier gibt’s die Möglichkeit für unsere deutschsprachigen Besucher im DSLR-Forums. Und dort ist eine Auswahl an Bildern in voller Auflösung, die ich mit dieser Linse gemacht habe.