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.

Product Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model: 2144
• Dimensions: 19.68" h x 19.68" w x 19.68" l, 1.07 pounds

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

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

From the Manufacturer
Lens making is an art – Nikon artisans craft Nikkor optics from the finest materials, taking pride in adding their intellect and technique to bring the world's finest lenses to life. They push the leading edge of lens making, harder and harder, in their effort to provide the "glass" that makes the world's greatest pictures.

Features include:

• Designed for Nikon D-Series digital SLR
• Design enables a combination of wider angle-of-view with optical characteristics that are optimized for Nikon digital SLR camera sensors
• 2x Zoom ratio and variable angle-of-view from 99 degrees at 12mm to 61 degrees at 24mm. Comparable to that of an 18-36mm lens on 35mm size sensor format
• Nikon design that 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
• 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration
• 3 Aspherical lens element for low distortion
• Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance
• M/A mode enables instant switching from autofocus to manual with virtually no time lag even during AF servo operation
• Nikon D-type design provides precise distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes
• Rounded diaphragm to make out-of-focus elements appear more natural
• DX Nikkor is designed exclusively for use with Nikon Digital SLR models
• 11.8 close focusing distance throughout zoom range

Customer Reviews

Since I couldn't afford the Maserati...
...I went for this. I know, I know - Nikon gear is really expensive. But I think it's still one of the few things in life where you get what you pay for. As my uncle once told me, "Kid, if you want the best things in life, you've got to be prepared to get ripped off to get them." Truer words were never spoken.

And why would I plunk down the money on a great D70 and then cheap out on the lenses? Seems a bit silly. If you want to take great photos with a Nikon, why not go all the way (if you can), I say. Would I like to pay a little less (or maybe even a lot less) for this great lens? Of course I would. But this lens is magnificent and delivers the performance I want. It feels good in my hand and greatly expands my creative options. Plus, it's very well made and I expect it will serve me well for many years to come. Perhaps not for everyone, but it's my extravagance for myself and my hobby (since I can't afford the Maserati).

very good
I've had a 12-24 on a D200 for the past 2 years and I use it as my main lens. The range is good for travel, landscapes and wide portraits. Performance isn't totally even throughout the zoom range and the following are a few observations.

(i) Sharpness is excellent at 20-24mm wide open but gets softer in the corners towards 12mm even when stopped down to f/11. (ii) The max f/4 is limiting in low light but keeps the lens relatively compact. (iii) Resistance to flare is extremely good; shooting into the light, into open windows and almost into the sun has never been a problem. (iv) The rings are located where they should be - the focus ring nearer the camera and the hefty zoom ring further down towards the lens hood. (v) 12mm isn't all that wide, particularly for tight interiors; it should translate into 18mm on full frame but some reviews say it's more like 20mm in reality.

So, very good but not spectacular due to edge softness at 12mm. Handling is superb; this is a major issue if the lens is used constantly rather than occasionally. And it's reasonably compact. All in all, my favourite lens.

beautiful glass
I selected this lens after reviewing this, Sigma, Tokina, and other's wide-angle zooms. I am so happy with this lens so far, and, for the money, feel like I made the right choice. The glass is very sharp corner-to-corner, and focusing is quick and silent. I do a lot of home interiors, and landscape, so this lens really fits the bill.