This AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF is an unusual and very practical short focal length zoom lens. The is the first normal focal length zoom lens to incorporate the advanced VR (Vibration Reduction) technology, which allows use of up to three shutter speeds slower than what would normally be practical for the longest 120mm focal length and still get sharp images without camera movement when being handheld.

Using the VR capability is the equivalent of increasing the film ISO from 200 to 1600 or having an f/8 aperture increase to f/2.8. It expands the handheld capability of the camera considerably. Thus, this lens can easily be used indoors under existing light conditions without having to either use flash to provide adequate light or a tripod to minimize camera movement. Prior zoom lenses having the VR capability have been longer tele zoom lenses, which typically have to be used with shutter speeds of about 1/500 second or faster shutter speed when being used handheld.

Of course, the VR capability can be turned off when not needed as when using faster shutter speeds or a tripod to steady the camera. The lens is only slightly larger than a normal short zoom lens typically supplied with most Nikon cameras.

Since these cameras can be purchased body only, you could get this lens instead of the short zoom when purchasing a Nikon camera. It has a flat black finish that matches most Nikon bodies. Smooth, fast zooming is done by a less than 90-degree twist of the wide rubberized knurled area at the front of the lens.

The minimum focus distance of 1.6 feet is quite acceptable, especially at the longer focal lengths. Two well-marked switches on the side of the lens turn the VR capability on or off and another switch changes the lens from AF to manual focusing. The Nikon F bayonet mount is compatible and usable with Nikon film SLR and digital cameras.

We used this lens on both a Nikon F-100 and F-6 SLR and found it worked exceptional easy on both bodies. The images were consistently sharply detailed with excellent color rendition. The VR function was most impressive as we could handhold the lens at 1/30 and get sharp pictures at any focal length in situations when the usual shutter speed to prevent camera movement blurring would be 1/250 or faster.

The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF zoom lens is special purpose and a bit expensive, thus might not be for everyone.

Warranty
5 years