Nikkor 24-120mm 3.5-5.6 VR - Any good?

[Robert Kennedy]

I love low-light photography. Give me a fast lens and some 3200 and I am set.

So when I heard about Nikon making an affordable VR short zoom lens, I was intriqued.

My biggest gripe is that I am stuck with with a 50/1.4 if I really want to work in low-light. Which means I have to get closer to the subject. And since most of my low-light work is "street" work, this can be a problem. I find that a certain distance is needed before people forget the camera is there.

So this sounds pretty nice to me. Getting three stops of light at 120mm is a pretty nice idea!

That is if it works.

Has anyone had any experience here?

At around $575.00 this seems to be a great lens for me. Cheap, and good in low light.

 

[Sean]

Or you could open the purse strings and go for this (if you are married do not tell your wife I have suggested this!)...

EBAY Leica M6 TTL

and

EBAY Leica 90mm f2

 

[Robert Kennedy]

Ummmmm........I DO want to stay married....

So it looks like the Nikkor...

 

[Tom Duffy]

Robert,
with the zoom VR nikkor, you'd be getting a very versatile lens, but it doesn't seem ideal for your purpose. keep in mind that the 3 stop advantage is only on your side, ie, helps with camera shake. subject movement at the longer shutter speeds would still cause blur.
Wouldn't you be better off with a 85mm f1.8 or a used 85 f.14?
Tom

 

[Robert Kennedy]

I totally missed that lens. That would be a better choice here. And it is LESS than the VR lens.

Thanks.