Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens | 
| Brand: Nikon
Buy New: $844.29
New (14) Used (3) Refurbished (2) from $789.00
Rating:  33 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Fragile: No
Batteries Included: No
Optical Zoom: 2
Maximum Focal Length: 24
Minimum Focal Length: 12
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7
MPN: 2144
Model: 2144
UPC: 018208021444
EAN: 0018208021444
ASIN: B000092M1T
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | 12-24mm autofocus zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Nikon digital SLR cameras | | • | 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and 3 aspherical lens elements for superior optics | | • | D-type design provides precise distant information for flash and ambient light exposure | | • | Rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements appear natural; 11.8-inch close focus distance | | • | Measures 3.2 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches long; weighs 1.07 pounds; 5-year warranty |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX is designed for Nikon D-Series digital SLR. Its design enables a combination of wider angle-of-view with optical characteristics that are optimized for Nikon digital SLR camera sensors. Nikon design produces a smaller image circle (the size of the image that is projected by the lens on to the sensor) enabling smaller lens diameter, and optimal image quality from center-to-edge-to-corner on the image. Exclusive Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation. Nikon D-type design provides precise distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes. DX Nikkor is designed exclusively for use with Nikon Digital SLR models.
Amazon.com Product Description
Enjoy a wider angle of view with the Nikon 12-24mm autofocus zoom lens, which is optimized for Nikon digital SLR cameras. The lens offers such features as a 2x zoom ratio, an exclusive Silent Wave Monitor that allows for accurate and quiet high-speed autofocusing, two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration, and three aspherical lens elements for low distortion. Nikon's D-type design, meanwhile, provides precise distant information for the flash and ambient light exposure processes. Perhaps the nicest feature, however, is the small image circle--the size of the image that's projected by the lens onto the sensor--which produces an optimal image from the center to the edge to the corner. Other details include a variable angle of view from 99 degrees (at 12mm) to 61 degrees (at 24mm), a rounded diaphragm that makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural, and an 11.8-inch close focus distance throughout the zoom range. All Nikon lenses carry a five-year warranty. - Focal length: 12-24mm
- Maximum aperture: f/4
- Picture angle (Nikon digital SLR): 99 to 61 degrees
- Lens construction: 11 elements in 7 groups
- Lens drive: Silent Wave Monitor
- Extra-Low Dispersion (ESD) lens: 2 elements
- Aspherical lens: 3 elements
- Focusing: Internal Focusing (IF) type
- Minimum shooting distance: 11.8 inches
- Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:8.3
- Minimum F stop: 22
- Aperture blades: 7 (rounded)
- Lens hood: HB-23 (included)
- Filter size: 77mm
- Included accessories: HB-23 hood, 77mm lens cap, rear cap
- Dimensions: 3.2 inches in diameter, 3.5 inches long
- Weight: 1.07 pounds
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| Customer Reviews: Read 28 more reviews...
 Pricey But Worth It March 11, 2005
Stephen Green (Colorado Springs, CO United States)
100 out of 102 found this review helpful
If you want to shoot extreme wide angles on your Nikon digital SLR, you can choose this Nikkor lens, or a similar Sigma lens for 2/3rds the price. Spend the extra money.
The Sigma lens costs you a half an f-stop in speed, about double the weight, and a complete inability to use standard filters. Plus, Sigma's optics just aren't up to Nikon standards. All said and done, the Sigma lens isn't worth the money.
Which brings us to the Nikon lens: Is it worth a grand?
Oh my yes.
First, the cons. If you haven't already standardized on 77mm filters, then you'll have to buy all-new ones to fit this lens. That's an extra expense to keep in mind before you buy. The hood that comes with this lens doesn't snap into place as snug as it should. Getting the lens in and out of your bag, you may find the hood jiggling loose. The dinky built-in flash on Nikon's popular D70 body isn't a good fit with this lens. From about 12-18mm, the flash/lens combination will leave a dark shadow at the bottom of the frame. If you plan on shooting indoors with a flash, plan on using the Nikon SB-600 or -800.
Optically, however, this lens is a dream. Typical wide-angle distortion at the extreme 12mm, but less than you might expect. You might find softness around the edges at 12mm wide-open, but otherwise this is one sharp lens. I recently took it to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs (shooting on a 6.1mpix D70 body), and was shocked at the detail even on not-so-close objects. This lens delivers.
And that's the whole point: It delivers what you can't get anywhere else for DSLR work. For that, most any price is cheap.
 In the Distance April 23, 2005
Okay (Glendale, Heights)
88 out of 92 found this review helpful
I do not know about anyone else but I love this lens. I love landscape photography and this lens is one of the best tools to assist you with taking breath-taking shots that are sharp and beautiful with magnificent distance and depth. This is one of the best tools available to get real wide angle and depth if you are using an DSLR camera.
I performed several days of research before purchasing this lens by surfing the net for reviews and reading articles written by professional photographers. 99% of them gave this lens a very high rating... and after using it myself I can see why. The results of my pictures are worth every hard-earned dollar I spent to buy this lens. I purchased the Nikon D-70 camera and set the intent after spending that much for a camera I deserved great lenses to produce pictures that are inspirational and joyful to view. I am not a professional photographer; I am a serious student of photography who appreciates the art form.
Not everyone will have a need for this lens; however, for those of you who want to expand your tools and you want the best and can afford it, "go for it!'
If you want to read some professional reviews visit Nikonlinks.com and kenrockwell.com
Nikonlinks.com has many professional reviews for lenses in all sizes, it is a great site. Kenrockwell.com has great reviews and much "how-to" guidance for both film and digital photography. Both sites are very, very helpful.
Thanks Amazon.com for another great purchase!
 Good but not great, and too expensive! January 7, 2005
Gadgester (New York)
49 out of 73 found this review helpful
I think the pricing on this lens is just obscene. Nikon has a good reason to charge us this much: given the 1.5x crop factor on digital SLRs which effectively has a 1.5x zoom effect on lens focal length, if you need a true wideangle lens, you just have to buy something like this. This lens' 12-24mm is equivalent to a 35mm film camera's 18-36mm focal length, which covers the usual wideangle range.
The lens has all the bells & whistles of a modern Nikon official lens, save for VR (vibration reduction), which isn't necessary on a wideangle anyway. You get internal focusing via a silent ultrasonic motor, extra-low dispersion (ED), and solid construction and excellent optics.
But, for the high price you pay for this, you don't get a macro mode. Nor do you get a fast lens: the maximum aperture is only f4. I thought they should do at least f2.8.
Also, because this lens is designed for the smaller-than-35mm frame size of a d-SLR, whatever goes through the lens ends up in the image frame (i.e., the sensor). Whereas with regular non-DX lenses you get the extra benefit of keeping *only* the center 67% of the scene as seen by the lens and hence getting a sharp picture from corner to corner, the DX lens does not have maximum sharpness at the edges and you may see chromatic abberations as well.
In short, if you want wideangle on a d-SLR that's subject to the 1.5x crop factor, you don't have a choice. Cough up and get this lens. For those of us who didn't get rich by trading Google shares, we can only dream ... and play with this in a camera store. Life's just unfair. (I'm waiting for Tamron or Sigma to come out with a cheaper version of this super-wideangle.)
Proof is in the pictures, size, weight and performance. February 14, 2006
projectmgr (san mateo, ca)
40 out of 43 found this review helpful
Yes this lens is expensive!
The good news is that the quality makes this a good value indeed.
I do have some experience with other more cost effective lenses and
the differences make this lens the better buy.
This lens is sharp. Not only in the final processed or printed image but
also when focusing and composing the picture. In particular I noticed that when capturing architectural shots at night time, I was able to see the details of the subject clearly. Nice contrasty colors and sharp detail in the dark areas.
Ok, you might be thinking is it worth the grand in comparison to the
other wide angle zooms that cost less.
I can tell you that I would not even consider the S brand 15-30mm after using it with a 20D. I found that it presented a somewhat diffused
image in the viewfinder and the size was ....was obtrusive in my opinion.
The nikkor 12-24 is built solid. The color rendition, as captured with a D200, is as close to as seen as any equipment I have used. Less lineal distortion than I have seen with other lenses of similiar range as well.
All of this in a surpriseingly compact design.
This is a DX nikkor and therefore a conversion factor of 1.5. changes the actual zoom ratio to an 18-36mm in comparison to a 35mm camera. Mine came with a velvet lens pouch, lense shade, front and rear caps plus a 5 year extended service warranty card.
Nikon service has been first rate as far as I am concerned with a site that is easy to navigate and informative.
Overall my experience with lens is excellent. Like a lot of people, I struggled with that thousand dollor plus purchase price . I mean that just doesn't sound like a purchase that is gonna feel good for the price. Subsequently I looked at it up down and sideways trying to figure out a way to cover these focal lengths. Overall my criteria were performance, quality, price and re-sale value.
Even the day I got it I can't say I felt great spending that kind of money.
It's more like a general feeling of satisfaction comes over you as you use it more and appreciate the size and build quality. Kinda like paying your registration every year, expensive but feels good knowing your good till next year. Besides what choice do you really have?
Now, in retrospect, it was a great buy because the resale value is high and the performance is what you expect from Nikon and the great amount of thought and expertise that went into it's development.
Don't forget that Nikon often builds extra features into products in anticipation of equipment being developed but not yet available for sale! That is a quote from Ken Rockwell who has been a big help in providing information to us all.
Good luck!
A little slow and a bit expensive, but absolutely essential June 9, 2005
John M Flora (Brookland, AR United States)
38 out of 39 found this review helpful
Until I finally ponied up the $1k for this lens, the widest glass I had was my Nikkor 20mm f/2.8. With the 1.5 focal length multiplier that is a fact of life with Nikon SLRs, that's the equivalent of a 35mm lens.
I'm old enough to remember when 35mm was considered adequate for a wide angle lens, but no more.
The multiplier takes this lens up to 18mm, which is pretty good. Stick it on my F5 and I can practically see behind myself.
I shoot a lot of editorial stuff for newspapers and this is an excellent up-close storytelling lens. It's sharp and delivers spectacular scenic results when matched with a polarizing filter.
In actual use, my only complaint is that f/4 isn't as fast as I'd like. A minor annoyance and certainly not a deal-breaker.
I'm glad I bought it. It's paid for itself many times over.
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