nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

[quote=kvanhook]I have the lens but don'[t know if it is "old" or "new". How do I tell which version it is? Serial number range?[/quote]

The f4 is the newer--and better--lens. For critical work, the 24-70mm f2.8 would be better but the 24-120mm f4 is a nice general purpose lens, albeit a bit heavy to hang around your neck all day long. Good luck with your decision.

Riverrune

I've been using the 24-120 f4 for a while now. Its my go to lens.

reverand

Get the 24-120 f/4. I have both that and the much more expensive Nikon 24-70. I tested them side by side, using the same ISO and same aperture settings (I tested at f/11, which is what I often use, and f/5.6, and I tested wide open, at 50mm, and at 70mm). I had a hell of a time telling the images apart. At f/5.6, at high magnification, there was a slight difference, I think, at the extreme edge, but at f/11, they were virtually identical.

The problem with the 24-70 lens is that it's big and heavy. I use it if I'm doing outdoor work and I'm traveling by car. But if I'm walking and photographing, the 24-120 is much more convenient. When I'm post-processing in Lightroom, I have to check the metadata to see what lens I was using. I can't really tell the difference.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...have a D850 in terms of focal distances, for the product I am working on, I am taking tree pictures. Need two shots per tree a wide angle showing total tree and a close-up of leaves/branches..." Sounds like you've decided wisely MichaelL... Though this optic is over a decade old it still finds much favor as a stellar "enthusiast" lens.

Here is an excellent review that extols it's strengths over it's August 2010 "sister" release rival the 28-300mm
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-24-120mm-f4g-vr

I have and shoot the vintage AF 24-124mm f/3.5-5.6D variant on my "classic" D700...
Love this 5X zoom range for "casual & quick" candid snaps.
Found an "Old Stock" D variant at my local brick and mortar Camera Shop... Brand new still in the original box!

See below...

AF 24-124mm f/3.5-5.6D Nikker

(Download)

Nikon D700 w/ AF 24-124mm f/3.5-5.6D Nikker

(Download)

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

The newest of three versions of the AF 24-120G is an f4 constant aperture with VR. Excellent lens. Considered to be the best of the three. The one before that is 24-120 3.5-5.6G also with VR. Considered to be the worst even with VR. I have the oldest which is the AF-D 24-120 3.5-5.6 without VR. Actually a very nice lens, reasonably sharp especially stopped down a little with very good color rendition. And you can buy it for a song.

User ID

If I owned those three I’d pack either the middle one alone, or the outer two and skip the middle. All three is kinda overloaded for one bag.

Guess sometimes I’d pack the first two, but again, never all three. Acoarst one must own all three to have such options.

If the gap between the outer two seems intolerable, just pack your 50/1.8. If you can’t remember where you put it, just buy another ... they’re pretty cheap !