Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6 D -???????

[nyoung]

Bought one of these five years ago to shoot a wedding reception. It worked fine for that - all flash, indoors, 10-20 foot range, SB-28 on an F5. Since then, I've tried to use it in other applications - b&W landscape, street shooting etc. - and have been generally disappointed with the sharpness. Is there a trick - certain f stop - where it works available light or is it just a dog like the old 43-86?

 

[firecracker]

Bought one of these five years ago to shoot a wedding reception. It worked fine for that - all flash, indoors, 10-20 foot range, SB-28 on an F5. Since then, I've tried to use it in other applications - b&W landscape, street shooting etc. - and have been generally disappointed with the sharpness. Is there a trick - certain f stop - where it works available light or is it just a dog like the old 43-86?

It sounds like a dog. I think that kind of a convenient zoom lens is good at its widest or a mid-range somewhere with the F stops no greater than F5.6. Or if you know what perspective you want, like 24mm or 28mm, get a prime lens just for that.

 

[Eric Rose]

I've got one of these lenses and you could cut yourself it's so sharp. Very impressive zoom.

 

[Tom Hicks]

works best at f8 -f16. so so lens.

tom

 

[PhotoJim]

From all I've read (and what you see here is good evidence supporting it), this is a very variable-quality lens. Some samples are outstanding. Some suck. Some are in between.

I have the 24-85/3.5-4.5 G (AF-S) and am very happy with it, if you're looking for an alternative. It's faster, but has a shorter zoom range.

 

[resummerfield]

I have the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6 D, and the 28-200, and they both are soft. Real dogs!

 

[tony lockerbie]

Just found this thread so I can tell you my experiences with this lens. I traded my first one for the new Vr version and the first one I received was appaling. I sent it straight back to Nikon and duly received a new one.
This one is fine, just don't use it at full aperture! Needs to be at F8 or smaller for best results, which are really good BTW. Also excellent is the flare control which is outstanding for a lens of this complexity.
Seems to be a case of try before you buy with this lens, Nikon's QC seems to be slipping somewhat.
All said and done, this is the perfect lens for wedding photography. Just keep a good prime for those wide aperture photos.
Tony

 

[André E.C.]

The not so wide and not so long AF 28-105mm D, is a much better optic in every department, the levels of distortion and softness the 24-120 presents are unacceptable IMHO.

Cheers

André