Short info about me: I am a professional photographer and exclusively in the field of portrait photography working. My reviews are not calculated mathematically, based on no test magazines, let alone Pixel Peeper charts which I build, to check for errors. My job is to make ordinary photos, love my customers and precisely from this perspective, I would like to evaluate the Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm.
For those who do not read long, but ever want to know my conclusion: The Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm ED VR is a top lens, which no desire leaves in my eyes and is sufficient for almost 95% of the photograph.
Yes, that sounds a little provocative and now some may ask the question, how do I come to this assertion. Not for nothing, there are all sorts of other lenses which go strongly in the wide-angle or telephoto or even Makrobjektive are for nature lovers of great importance (one would like the hungry lions not very back on the body in a possible Safari).
The 24-120 covers a range from wide angle for landscapes and architectural shots up to a very good "portrait focal length" from. Sure, you can make portraits with 50mm or 85mm, but also with this very valuable haptic processed Nikkor Lens Universal. The build quality is, even if it is at very high levels in part of plastic. Some might be angry about it that the good old "metal chunks" were much better ... may be, but weight loss can also be very beautiful, and here the 24-120 is perfect. Gone are the days when you had to carry 3-4 different lenses with them. This is combined here in a lens. The initial aperture of F4.0 does not seem very bright, it is not well, but the difference is only 1 F2.8 aperture. ISO high time down (or vice versa) and you have to compensate for the iris to F2.8.
"Yes, but what about the beautiful bokeh of F2.8 or F1.8 at all?" Is ... well, just not as pronounced, but available. And? So what! Bokeh can be beautiful when it uses targeted. But you can "dead-bokehtieren" a photo (Warning pun, no guarantee for grammatical correctness :-))
I know, also for available light shots and in dark cafes and bars an open aperture of F1.8 is important, but I imagine some readers inclined simply times the question: How often does that happen? How often do you sit in a cafe and says to himself: "Sch ...., I would have now a 1.8'er lens" ... All the time, right? (Irony)
But even here the 24-120 plays from its strengths, because Verwacklungshilfe (VR) does the job pretty well. Handheld shots to 1/30 can manage an experienced photographer. And already also the issue is settled.
The autofocus works quietly, quickly and precisely. It's not quite as fast as that of the Nikkor 24-70 2.8, but it does not have to also. Vignetting and CA can be found sure if you look for it, but these are quickly and efficiently removed with Lightroom or Photoshop. The sharpness is very good even at full aperture F4.0 and has its peak at F8-11. But honestly, photos should always be "knackescharf"? In every situation? No, I think they do not need it. My motto: sharpness I need the food, not always on photos!
Whether you're shooting LANDSCAPES-, architecture, street, or people, with this lens you will get a solid piece of equipment that covers a large range of focal lengths. And to get back to the 95% ... Let's be honest, you join them?
I hope you could help my review to make your decision for or against the AF-S Nikkor 24-120 ED VR.
In this sense I wish always good light.
PS Some pictures I've done with this lens, can be found on my website or on Google+ at / + BarisCihan / posts. Anyone interested is welcome to browse times.
