Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
The used Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens is one of the most practical standard zooms ever made for Nikon’s full-frame system — a constant f/4 aperture, VR II stabilization, and a genuinely useful 5x zoom range make it a strong choice for travel photographers, event shooters, and anyone who wants one lens that handles nearly every situation.
Overview
Nikon introduced the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR in August 2010 as a significant upgrade to the older 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, a lens that had a mixed reputation for optical quality. The new version addressed those concerns with a constant f/4 aperture, improved VR, Nano Crystal Coat, and a revised optical formula — and Nikon quickly positioned it as the premium kit lens bundled with the D800 and later D810.
For FX-format shooters, the used Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens hits a useful middle ground: wider than a 24-70mm at the long end without the size and weight penalty of the 28-300mm superzoom. On a DX body, it delivers a 36–180mm equivalent range, offering useful long-end reach. Dimensions are 84mm diameter × 103mm length and weight is 710g (25 oz) per Nikon USA.
Optical Construction
The lens uses 17 elements arranged in 13 groups. Nikon incorporated 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to control chromatic aberration across the zoom range, and 3 aspherical elements to reduce spherical aberration and improve edge-to-edge sharpness. Nano Crystal Coat — Nikon’s advanced anti-reflection coating — is applied to reduce ghost and flare from strong point light sources.
Minimum focus distance is 0.45m (1.5 ft.) throughout the entire zoom range, and maximum reproduction ratio is 0.24x, making it useful for close-up detail shots though not true macro work. The internal focusing (IF) design means the front element does not rotate during focus, which is a practical advantage when using the included Kenco 77mm UV filter or a circular polarizer.
Vibration Reduction
The 24-120mm f/4G ED VR uses Nikon’s VR II system, rated at 3.5 stops of shake compensation based on CIPA standards when attached to an FX-format DSLR with zoom at the maximum telephoto position. Two modes are available: Normal, for general handheld shooting, and Active, which provides stronger compensation when shooting from moving vehicles or other vibrating platforms.
In practical use, the VR II system is effective and reliable. At 120mm, hand-holdable shutter speeds well below 1/15s are achievable with Normal mode, which meaningfully extends the lens’s usefulness in indoor and low-light situations where flash is not appropriate.
Autofocus Performance
Autofocus is driven by Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which operates quietly and accurately. AF speed is fast for a mid-range zoom — noticeably quicker than the AF-S 28-300mm VR, though not quite at the pace of Nikon’s professional 24-70mm f/2.8. For subject tracking, the lens performs reliably with larger subjects and people in good light; it is not the best choice for fast, erratic wildlife.
The M/A (manual-priority) focus mode allows the photographer to override autofocus at any time simply by turning the focus ring — no mode switch required. This makes fine-tuning focus quick and intuitive in situations where AF may hunt.
Build Quality and Handling
The 24-120mm f/4G ED VR measures 84mm in diameter and 103mm in length, with a weight of 710g (25 oz) per Nikon USA. Construction is primarily plastic with a metal mount, and a rubber gasket around the mount provides a basic dust seal. The lens is described by Nikon as “impressively slim and compact” given its VR and optical complexity, and it balances well on mid-to-large FX bodies like the D800 or D810.
The zoom ring is well-damped. The 77mm filter thread is non-rotating thanks to the IF design. There is no zoom lock switch, but zoom creep is not typically a problem on this design. The HB-53 bayonet lens hood (included with this listing) is a petal-design hood appropriate for the wide-angle end of the zoom range.
Compatible Camera Bodies
The AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR uses the Nikon F-Bayonet mount and is compatible with all Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras, covering both FX (full-frame) and DX (APS-C) formats, as well as 35mm film bodies. Primary intended use is FX-format.
Compatible bodies include: Nikon D600, D610, D700, D750, D780, D800, D800E, D810, D810A, D850, D3 series, D4 series, D5, D6, and DX bodies including D90, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500, D500, D3400, D3500, D5600, D5800. It is also compatible with Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras via the Nikon FTZ or FTZ II mount adapter, with full autofocus and VR functionality confirmed.
Image Quality
Central sharpness wide open at f/4 is good from 24mm through approximately 85mm, with a noticeable softness appearing at 120mm f/4. Stopping down to f/5.6 and f/8 improves sharpness across the frame at most focal lengths, and the sweet spot for corner-to-corner quality is f/8. Chromatic aberration is the lens’s most notable optical weakness, particularly toward the long end of the zoom range — lateral CA is visible in high-contrast edges at 120mm. Modern Nikon bodies and software like Lightroom can correct this effectively in post.
Vignetting at 24mm f/4 is visible at the corners but largely clears by f/5.6. Barrel distortion is present at 24mm and transitions to mild pincushion at longer focal lengths — both are correctable in-camera or in post. Flare resistance is strong thanks to the Nano Crystal Coat, performing better than many zoom lenses in this class when shooting into strong light sources.
Full Technical Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F-Bayonet |
| Format | FX / 35mm (also DX compatible) |
| Focal Length | 24–120mm |
| Zoom Ratio | 5x |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 (constant) |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Construction | 17 elements in 13 groups |
| Special Elements | 2 ED glass, 3 aspherical, Nano Crystal Coat |
| Angle of View (FX) | 84° – 20°30′ |
| Angle of View (DX) | 61° – 13°20′ |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.45m / 1.5 ft. (throughout zoom range) |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.24x |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (rounded) |
| Vibration Reduction | VR II — 3.5 stops (CIPA); Normal and Active modes |
| Autofocus | AF-S Silent Wave Motor with M/A override |
| Internal Focusing | Yes (non-rotating front element) |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
| Dimensions (D × L) | 84mm × 103mm (3.3 × 4.1 in.) |
| Weight | 710g / 25 oz (Nikon USA) |
| Hood | HB-53 bayonet (included) |
Why Buy This Used Nikon Standard Zoom Lens?
The used Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens represents genuinely strong value on the used market. New, this lens retails at close to $1,000 USD — buying used lets you access a professional-quality constant-aperture FX zoom with Nano Crystal Coat and VR II for significantly less. This copy is in excellent condition with clear glass, confirmed working autofocus and VR, and comes complete with the HB-53 hood and a Kenco 77mm UV filter already installed.
At Good Used Cameras, every lens is tested for autofocus and optical function before listing. What you see in the condition description is accurate — there are no surprises. For an FX shooter looking for one versatile lens that covers travel, events, portraits, and street photography, the 24-120mm f/4G ED VR remains one of the most practical options available.