Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

[redmonsoon]

My only zoom is an amazing Tamron 17-50 f2.8 on D90
I now mostly shoot primes 24mm f1.4 & 85mm f1.4 on D700
Now looking to get a zoom for travel & events

Obvious Ist choice will be 24-70mm f2.8
But I find it lacking in range at times esp. when shooting events.
Seen few very good reviews but can hardly find any mention here, so thot I ask if theres any users here..

http://jonathanfleming.wordpress.com/2010/10/24/nikkor-24-120mm-f4-vr-the-street-sweeper/

http://mansurovs.com/nikon-24-120mm-vr-review

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/729948-USA/Nikon_2193_AF_S_NIKKOR_24_120mm_f_4G.html

Apparently there are people willing to give up their 24-70mm and f2.8 in return for Range, VRII and lighter weight..price as well of course. (abt S$1.6K here)

What you guys think?

 

[s1221ljc]

There's a saying life is full of problems, its only which set of problem we choose for ourselves. The same goes for choosing lens I guess, as all involve compromises one way or the other. Even if they have a 24-135 f2.8 lens, there will still be dilemmas of price, size & weight, IQ etc.

This lens is the FX "equivalent" of the 16-85 for DX in the same way the 28-300, 20-70 is for the 18-200, 17-55. But here, Nikon has improved the concept with a constant aperture, the downside being the relatively bigger size & weight. The advantages of this lens over the 24-70 are clear, which you have stated here & in the linked reviews. I guess its only what you are shooting or what is your style that would determine which lens is "better"

For me, if its a 2 lens combo, then its the 16-35 f4 + 70-200 f2.8. If its one & one lens only for landscape, portraits, travels & general walkaround, then this is the one for me. Its as good as, if not better than the 16-85 on a D90 I had. My biggest "mental block" against having this lens was the heavy distortion esp at 24mm but the 24-70 has this same issue at this focal length. If absolute IQ is a must then your 24 & 85 1.4 is always there. Or we can go round it by using at 28 instead if we dont have such superb primes around. I couldnt live with 70mm limitation for a mid range zoom, especially if there is no VR for low-light hand-held photography

 

[Blur Shadow]

I don't really favor the Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR. It is a decent lens, but the IQ is still much inferior. I may get this lens only if my budget do not allow for the AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8.

 

[cheesy]

check out this review too.

http://mansurovs.com/nikon-24-120mm-vr-review

 

[Sgdevilzz]

I would still think the 24-70mm is one of the best for travel/street. But since you already have the 85mm reach, why not get the 70-200mm f2.8?

 

[redmonsoon]

I would still think the 24-70mm is one of the best for travel/street. But since you already have the 85mm reach, why not get the 70-200mm f2.8?

Thks for all e replies..
Sgdevilzz of course I'm talking abt a 1 lens solution..w wanting more reach than 70mm

I realize one of my concerns is how comfortable I'm w f4 instead of 2.8 which I'm familiar with..I almost always shoot f2.8 which is sharp on my tamron..

So I guess I shd go ard shooting at f4 w wht I hav atm and c if I can accept the DOF at f4.. hmm

 

[wmayeo]

24-120 is nice focal range for travel. I using 16-85 on crop body, almost comparable range (24-127mm on 35mm equivalent) except the build & its variable aperture.

If i opt for a travel lens, it might be 24-120/4 or the 28-300VR on a FX.

 

[koole]

Yo, you do have very nice setup here for most event shoots.
Guess you can buy this, if your client pay you well. This is the
most important right?

 

[shelomoh]

Just bring D700, 24 f/1.4, 85 f/1.4 and a flash like SB600. Think it is more than enough. Don't need to buy a lens for a trip only.

 

[Miao]

24-120 is nice focal range for travel. I using 16-85 on crop body, almost comparable range (24-127mm on 35mm equivalent) except the build & its variable aperture.

If i opt for a travel lens, it might be 24-120/4 or the 28-300VR on a FX.

Using the same 16/85 on dx too, just wonder why they cant built 24/120 like 16/85, minimal distortion .. i can live with 16/85 variable aperture, cos distortion is a big no for me.

Was planning to get 24/120 but holding back due to the distortion at 24, anyone knows the distortion level at 28 ?