Nikkor AF-Zoom 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF

Want a lens but still have a little doubt?? Get a friend to buy it. :-)

My mouth turned dried when I heard the announcement that Nikon was introducng this dream lens: 24-120 AF-D. Wider, longer --- one lens for all. At the beginning, the demand was very high, and adding the fuel was a few favorable reviews from users who are lucky enough to get the first batch. Some pointed out the the zoom-creep problem with the initial batch, but that didn't put out the fire either, and rumor has it that Nikon has fixed it for later models and offered free adjustment for those having such a problem. B&H didn't put this lens in its monthly catalogue for one full year, the price had reached $630 at some point. Until now, everyone get on with their lives, the price has finally come down to a reasonable $420. But for me the initial crush was over. I started to debate whether I really want this lens, although I had recomended it to several friends. So, I got a chance to test it first hand.

Lens construction: hefty, typical AF lens with a thick diameter. Wide (23mm) zoom ring, thin (7.6mm) focusing ring. IF with no-rotating front element, but the front element rotates when zoomed (total about 70 degree). Focusing traveling range is only about 45 degree. When fully zoomed, the lens barrel telescopes out, extending extra 53-54mm. The three-level neck look quite like the AF 60/2.8 Micro and the AF 55/2.8 Micro.

• Closest focugsing distance is 0.5m, which is quite useful at the long end.
• Marked aperture: 3.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32, with stop clicks, with an extra click at f/4 (unmakred)
• Filter thread 72mm
• Length: 3.16in (80mm) at 24mm, 5.22in 133mm when fully extended
• No DOF scale.

The following is a group of testing images for those who wants to take a quick look.