Der Zoombereich nach unten bis 24mm ist ideal geeignet für die Reisefotographie. Dort, wo man mit 28mm an die Grenzen stößt, ist bei diesem Objektiv noch lange nicht Schluss! Dabei ist die Verzerrung äußerst gering. Aber auch der Bereich bis 120mm lässt für den kreativen Amateur viele Möglichkeiten offen. Die Verarbeitung und Qualität entsprechen dem hohen Nikon-Standard.

Nikon makes six VR (Vibration Reduction) lenses. Three of them sell for $4000 to $6000. Two others can be yours for $1500 and $1700 respectively. The sixth is this 24-120 mm zoom which costs about $500 mail order. VR makes the lens effectively three stops faster than a comparable non-VR lens, enabling it to shoot at 8 times as long a shutter speed without blurring. Its "slow" f/3.5-5.6 maximum apertures become functionally equivalent to a f/1.2-2.0 lens, faster than any zoom lens in existence at any price (other than Nikon's other VR lenses).

The objection that the lens is not sharp is based on it not being quite as sharp with VR on as with it off. In low light with VR on, it shoots excellent pictures while non-VR lenses shoot no pictures at all or blurry messes. In normal light with VR off it is classic Nikon glass and quite sharp.

The sharpness complaints are from people who either forget to, or don't know to, turn the VR off in normal light. Maybe future versions will turn the VR off automatically when the shutter speed is faster than a set limit.

The noise reduction technology found on the newer (and cheaper) Nikon DSLR's (like the D70 and D50) makes shooting at ISO 1600 feasible. Combining it with VR, the camera is so fast that one can shoot almost anything anywhere.

The comparable technology from Canon is IS (Image Stabilization). I have not used it but I have read that it increases the effective speed of the lens by two to two-and-a-half stops, compared to VR's three.

I am not a lens expert - not by a long-shot. But, I can say that I wish I had researched this lens better before I bought it. Since purchasing it in January, I can say that I have read some rather poor reviews of it online. The numbers make it look like this is the perfect do-everything lens, especially with the VR. Such is not the case because I am left longing for more sharpness, a larger aperture, better zoom, etc.

Here is a link to read a review: [...]

By the way, the picture is not accurate on this! The lens is a bit bigger than the one in the picture!

This is a superb lens. It is exactly what it says it is... It has a VERY useful zoom range. It is VERY fast focusing. And it has VR. But ignore the reviews that suggest that VR is the same as a 1.2 or 1.8 lens -- It is not. VR allows you to handhold in much dimmer light than you could normally handhold a lens by compensating for minor hand tremors. But your exposure, being longer, can no longer "freeze" moving objects, like kids. So while your image is stabilized, your subject is not. VR is a GREAT benefit, but it cannot replace a 1.2 or 1.8 lens that gives you the faster shutter speed, rather than trying to compensate for a slower speed. VR also costs far, far less than a very, very fast zoom. This lens is a joy to use, very, very sharp and contrasty, and has produced for me many great shots. If you understand what image stabilization is, as opposed to a truly fast lens, you will love this lens.

Dieses Objektiv ist eins der besten von Nikon.Handlich.Gut verarbeitet.Nicht wie die neuen aus Kunststoff.Mit Blendenring.Haben die neuen auch nicht mehr.Ideal für die Reise.Ich kann dieses Objektiv mit bestem Gewissen empfehlen.