If you are around the photography community for the little while, no doubt you would have heard of Ken Rockwell. Some of us remember the controversial "reviews" that he did and had some good laughs. Ken back then (not sure if he still does now), would write reviews without actually having any of the products he reviewed on hand, and did it basically from spec sheets. For this reason, many people do not trust his "reviews" or take them seriously. Show The other day I was searching for information on the Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm f3.5-5.6 VR lens, and found Ken has a review for this lens, and he listed it as one of the 10 worst lenses. Basically, as he puts it, this lens is so soft it's good for only 4x6 prints. There are no real images from this lens on his review (I mean, can you really review a lens without providing sample pictures, especially when it's so bad?) On the other hand, he praised the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens as "life changing", and we all know that the 18-200mm VR lens does not win any awards in the sharpness department. I shot with this lens today on the ancient D70, and I could not disagree with him more. For sure, it's a slow lens, just like the 18-200mm VR is, and is meant to be a convenience lens that you take with you on vacations, casual shooting, family pictures, etc. I am not saying this is the best and sharpest lens is the world, but it's designed with a compromise, just like the 18-200mm VR is. I highly doubt the optical quality is any different between the these two lenses. From the pictures I have got from the AF-S 24-120mm f3.5-5.6 VR, it's a decent lens. Nothing like it's only good for 4x6 inch prints. In fact, I have not used any lens that bad in my life, however cheap they are. I highly doubt Ken used this lens more than once and probably just shot a few pictures indoors, otherwise why is there no sample pictures in the review, and there are samples for the "life changing" 18-200mm VR? If you are considering this lens, I would suggest actually borrow/rent one and decide for yourself. Pre-PMA 2003, 15:00 TOKYO: Nikon has today announced a new Vibration Reduction lens, the 24 - 120 mm AF-S VR F3.5 - F5.6G. This lens marks Nikon's further expansion of their VR lens line and although not a DX lens this lens will no doubt be of interest to Nikon mount D-SLR owners due to its wide 24 mm bottom end. When used with the D1x, D1H or D100 digital SLR's this lens would offer the equivelant field of view of a 36 - 180 mm zoom lens. Press Release (Nikon Europe): New compact, high ratio Zoom Nikkor lens with Vibration Reduction Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Nikon Europe is happy to announce another photographic lens breakthrough from the world's largest manufacturer of photographic lenses, Nikon. The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED is the first 5x ratio zoom covering a 24mm focal length to feature Vibration Reduction. Covering many commonly used focal lengths in one compact zoom lens, the original AF Nikkor 24-120 f3.5-5.6 proved itself a unique and popular choice when a variety of subjects may be encountered. Ideal when space and weight are restricted such as travel photography the wide zoom range offers the opportunity to capture a variety of subjects both close by and far away. From interiors to portraits in one compact package. The new AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED inherits features familiar from Professional Nikkor lenses such as VR (Vibration Reduction); SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and ED glass, to make a high performance, practical zoom lens suitable for many subjects and lighting conditions. Major Features:
*Note: G-type Nikkor lenses are fully compatible with the D1 series, D100, F5, F100, F80 and F65 cameras. Speaking about the new member of Nikon's VR Nikkor family; Robert Cristina; Marketing Executive; Professional Film and Digital; Nikon Europe; said: "The unique and original AF Zoom Nikkor 24-120mm lens proved hugely popular for both amateurs and (many) Pros alike. An all in one zoom is sometimes the only lens one can carry and the new lens packs the very best of Nikon's lens technology into a practical and attractively priced package." Set to replace the original 24-120mm zoom the new lens is scheduled for Release in the early summer. Pricing and precise shipping dates to be confirmed later. AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED SpecificationsFocal length 24 to 120 mm Maximum aperture f/3.5-5.6 Lens construction 15 elements in 13 groups (with 2 ED elements) Picture angle 84� -20�30� or 61� -13�20� with Nikon D1/ D100 D-SLR Focus distance 0.5m to infinity (at all zoom settings) Max. reproduction ratio 1/4.7 Attachment size 72 mm Dimensions Approx. 77 mm dia. x 94 mm Weight Approx. 575 g You may also likeLatest sample galleriesLatest in-depth reviewsThe fourth camera in Leica's SL series of full-frame mirrorless cameras sees the 60MP BSI sensor from the Q3 and M11 models arrive with a significant interface redesign. The Fujifilm X100VI is the sixth iteration of Fujifilm's classically-styled large sensor compact. A 40MP X-Trans sensor, in-body stabilization and 6.2K video are among the updates. The Nikon Zf is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera with classic looks that brings significant improvements to Nikon's mid-price cameras. We just shot a sample reel to get a better feel for its video features and have added our impressions to the review. This $250 electronic lens adapter is perfect for Nikon Z-mount curious Sony shooters — shhh, we won’t tell anyone. Sony updates the ZV-1, giving the vlog-centric compact camera a 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens that's now wide enough for less cramped selfie mode videos. Latest buying guidesWhat’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out. What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best. If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites. 'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked. Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder. What is the best Nikon f/3.5The Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 VR is a very popular optic, thanks to its convenient focal length range and its use of Nikon's "VR" (Vibration Reduction) technology. The VR technology lets you hand-hold shots in low light conditions, at shutter speeds as much as three stops slower than you'd be able to otherwise. What lens has a rounded diaphragm?Rounded diaphragm to make out-of-focus elements appear more natural. First Nikon wide-angle zoom lens with Vibration Reduction (VR) The Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 VR is a very popular optic, thanks to its convenient focal length range and its use of Nikon's "VR" (Vibration Reduction) technology. Should I buy a Nikon 24Some reviewers say that the Nikon 24-120: f/3.5-5.6 is one of the 10 worst lenses that Nikon made. It's unsharp at 24mm, slow, and vignettes at 120mm. This is the reason why I avoided this lens and purchased the 24-120 f/4 (which is my go to lens). If you have the opportunity to get an f/4 on sale, do it. You won't regret it. When did the first AF 241996-2002: Nikon's first AF 24-120mm lens was called the "streetsweeper" by newsmen because you could always keep it on a body, and it covered enough of a range to let you shoot just about anyone or anything immediatlety in an emergency. 2003: Nikon introduced this completely different lens, adding VR and AFS for instant manual-focus override. |
