Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

I’ve been looking for a decent wide/zoom lens to photograph weddings and senior portraits. I own the kit lens that came with the Nikon D600, but felt the lens had limited zoom range. I did some research on the Internet as well as visit my local camera shop. While at the camera shop, I mentioned my lens needs for range and weight and of course, price. The sales rep recommended the Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 suggesting I would get decent results without spending a lot of money (as in the 28-70mm f/2.8 lens that I was eyeing).I took advantage of the Nikon rebate event earlier this year and purchased the Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens. I initially had buyer’s remorse and wondered if I made the right decision with this lens. I spent several weeks testing the lens out and concluded I made the right purchase.It wasn’t until I booked a wedding that I realized the potential of this lens. It’s a wonderful lens that produced beautiful results. The zoom range at 120mm was perfect for me in capturing those special moments. I no longer had to move/walk closer (as with my 24-85mm kit lens) to my subjects. I really like the idea of zooming all the way out and using f/4. I’m happy with the bokeh this lens produces. I enjoy the results I’m also getting from a portrait perspective.This is a fast lens! Focusing is fast.Initially, I had to get used to the heavier weight in my hands. There is a nice balance between this lens and my Nikon D600. Once I got used to this combination, it feels like the two were made for each other. Now, I don’t notice the weight at all. I attribute that to also using the Crumpler’s Industry Disgrace strap with the camera.This is now my go-to lens and permanently resides on my D600 for about 85% of the time. Other times, I’m using my Nikkor 85mm portrait lens (beautiful bokeh) or my Nikkor 60mm Micro lens for close-ups.** My Bag Notes (System: Nikon D600 and Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens) **Tamrac Evolution 8: This is a well-designed and functional backpack/sling bag. I use this bag to store my camera system when not in use. Besides storage, I use this bag if I need to take everything or the “kitchen sink” with me to a photo event. Note: once this bag is filled (including laptop), it can get pretty heavy.Tamrac Aria 6: This is a soft and lightweight messenger bag. I actually use this bag primarily for photographing weddings and church events. If I know I will be shooting for several hours, this is the bag I take with me. I can carry my camera system along with an extra lens (e.g. Nikkor 85mm) and my Nikon SB-700 flash. I can also throw in my iPad or Kindle HD Fire into the bag.Lowepro Slingshot 102: This is one tiny bag. It’s also a nice non-bulky and lightweight bag. I gutted out the main camera compartment (removed the padded dividers). This bag will hold my camera system with the lens hood extended! I have to place the camera in sideways with the grip side facing the side opening. This bag will hold my camera system plus my SB-700 flash (stored folded in the top area). I use this bag for short trips and traveling when I don’t need to bring my “kitchen sink”. I imagine this would be a great bag for short hikes. One of the features I like about this bag is the ability to swing it from my back to the front and take out my camera for photo ops.

I will not bash this lens just because it's a zoom, but I won't heap praise on it either. As far as zoom lenses go, this one is a fairly decent one, and in only one aspect is it better than its predecessor: constant aperture.Otherwise, I must say that this lens is a noble idea: a nice, vast range of focal lengths in one single package does the trick for traveling. And the lens itself isn't too heavy either! In fact, compared to other travel zoom lenses, this one strikes a decent compromise. It's lighter than the AFS 24-70 (but slower), and a bit heavier than its predecessor, the AF-S VRI 24-120 of variable aperture, and also heavier than it's cousin, the plasticky AF-S 24-85. Besides, the zoom rings are in the "wrong" position (the zoom ring is closer to the camera in the 24-70, while this one has it farther from the body) and this can make for some awkwardness while getting used to the lens (like trying to zoom with the focusing ring, for instance). However, this indecision in Nikon lenses is something I had to get used to, as there seems to be no standard regarding where the focusing and zoom rings will go in a lens.Since I purchased this lens shortly before a trip, I can report that the lens is remarkably tough, and that the lens hood comes in handy as an equally tough accessory. I don't know how many times the hood hit doors and walls (not too hard, admittedly), thus protecting the front lens element, but every time it happened, I was glad. I may update this review in regards to the distortion this lens may cause at its wide end (whether it appears), because it's something we must expect from it. However, all in all, despite it's being a tad slow (aperture starts at f4), this lens makes for an excellent and versatile travel companion. I have an upcoming stay in Spain, and I'm seriously considering taking this lens instead of my AF-S 24-70 because of its size and zoom range. However, let's see about distortion before making any further decisions. In the meanwhile, I should say it's worth a try and the price and conditions under which I bought my copy couldn't be beat (who would say not to buying this lens and paying it in about 24 interest-free installments with the Amazon store card?). Hence, it has my recommendation!EDIT: I write this only to confirm a statement I made in the text, about this lens being lighter than the AF-S 24-70. In fact, it's lighter enough to consider it the perfect travel lens. However, my experience has been odd: while in Chile, I took long walks with my D700 and this lens and I returned exhausted to my place because of what I thought was the heft of this lens (combined with the camera and battery pack). Much later, in Spain, I also walked a lot with my AF-S 24-70 (which I took with because it's faster), but I was not as dilapidated whenever I came back from my excursions as I was when I walked with the 24-120. In short... go figure. All in all, this is a very decent lens that shows no discernible barrel distortion at the wide end. At least, I didn't encounter any in the photos I made with this lens. Go ahead and try it!