Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm F/4G IF-ED VR

This Nikon F zoom covers 24–120mm on full-frame cameras. It suits travel, events and everyday photography where subjects and distances change. You can show a broad scene, then give one person or a detail more of the frame from the same position.

The main trade-off is light gathering. Its f/4 maximum aperture admits less light than a wider opening, so dim venues can need higher ISO settings. Built-in VR helps with camera shake for still subjects.

Nikon introduced the design in 2010. It suits F-mount photographers who want wide and short-telephoto framing in one lens. The range can reduce lens changes during a walk or a day of family photography.

It weighs 1 lb 9 oz (710 g) and measures 4.07 in (103.5 mm) long by 3.31 in (84 mm) wide. That is a moderate package for a full-frame zoom with this range. Screw-in filters fit the 77mm front thread, so a UV or polarising filter attaches directly.

At 24mm, you can include more of a room or landscape from one position. The middle settings suit people with their surroundings. At 120mm, a face or distant detail becomes larger. How much fits still depends on where you stand.

The maximum aperture remains f/4 throughout the zoom. You can retain that opening when framing changes, though a different part of the scene may need a different exposure. In shade or at dusk, a high shutter speed may still need a higher ISO.

At close portrait distances, f/4 can give a soft background when there is enough space behind the person. Focus on the eye that matters most. Stop down when several people at different distances need to stay sharp. The amount of background separation depends on the distances involved.

Closest focus is 1.5 ft (45 cm) throughout the zoom, measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification is 0.24x, useful for food and everyday objects. Leave room ahead of the glass and avoid shading a nearby detail. Very small subjects remain modest in the frame.

VR stabilization reduces camera shake for still subjects at slower shutter speeds. Small hand movements have a greater effect on the image at 120mm. Firm support remains useful for long exposures. A moving child or person walking still needs enough shutter speed for their movement.

Moisture resistance helps during outdoor travel. Use cover in persistent rain and keep the camera connection clean and dry when changing lenses. Protect the lens from blowing dust during a change.

The front glass lacks a fluorine coating, so it lacks that specific help with water and oily marks. Remove loose grit before wiping spots or fingerprints. There is no zoom lock switch.

Three aspherical elements help correct distortion and spherical aberration, which can bend straight lines or soften detail. This matters when architecture fills the frame.

Two ED elements help reduce coloured fringes along high-contrast edges, such as branches against bright sky. Internal focusing keeps barrel length unchanged while focus moves.