Nikon NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
The constant f/4 aperture across the 12-24mm zoom range, combined with three aspherical and two ED glass elements, delivers consistent exposure and well-controlled distortion for an ultra-wide DX lens. Its Silent Wave Motor provides fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual override, and the 465g build keeps it portable for a constant-aperture zoom. This lens is best for Nikon DX-format DSLR users shooting landscapes and architecture who need a reliable, rectilinear ultra-wide perspective without the bulk of f/2.8 glass.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
A sharp, affordable ultra-wide zoom that's still a landscape champion on Nikon DX. Just don't expect it to moonlight as a video lens or work on your future FX body.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptionally sharp images, especially for such an old design 91st
- Superb for landscape and architecture on DX cameras 78th
- Silent, reliable autofocus with full-time manual override 75th
- Constant f/4 aperture with nice sunstars when stopped down 72nd
Cons
- Not usable on full-frame FX bodies, heavy vignetting
- No Vibration Reduction limits handheld low-light use
- Slim filters are a must at 12mm, or you'll see dark corners
- No weather sealing, so keep it out of heavy rain and dust
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 7 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
What surprises us is how well this lens holds up in sharpness even by modern standards. Our data puts it in the 76th percentile optically, but real-world shots are bitingly crisp across the frame, especially stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8. Autofocus is silent and accurate (AF-S), but don't expect speed-demon tracking, it lands in the 54th percentile there. The lack of VR is a bummer for handheld twilight shots, but for dedicated landscape shooters on a tripod, it's a non-issue.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 |
| Focal Length Max | 24 |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/4 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 305 |
| Max Magnification | 1:8 |
vs Competition
The most relevant rival for Nikon DX DSLRs is the Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8, which gives you a faster aperture and a bit more width for less money, but you lose the 16-24mm range. The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN is another interesting option, but that's for mirrorless mounts, so you'd need an adapter rabbit hole. The Nikkor's advantage is its silent AF-S motor and that classic Nikon color rendering, while the Tokina's f/2.8 edge wins for astro and low light. If you're staying purely on Nikon F, this is the more versatile zoom range.
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Viltrox Pro AF 27mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 12-24mm | 28-300mm | 18-50mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm | 27mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | true | true | false |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 485 | 590 | 290 | 306 | 326 | 560 |
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | VXD linear motor | stepping motor | Autofocus | Linear motor | STM |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | prime |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED | 53.9 | 64.5 | 56.8 | 68.9 | 77.5 | 66 | 91.2 | 72.2 | 75.1 | 36.8 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 98 | 77.9 | 65.1 | 85.8 | 96.7 | 66 | 91.2 | 97.7 | 55.8 | 82.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.8 | 81.8 | 86 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 83.9 | 80.9 | 78.6 | 89.8 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.9 | 81.8 | 85.4 | 51 | 86.5 | 83.9 | 63.7 | 80.6 | 85.5 | 96.9 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.4 | 72.5 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.3 | 44.7 | 95.8 | 89.8 | 82.4 |
| Viltrox Pro AF 27mm f/1.2 Compare | 86.8 | 98.5 | 67.4 | 38.5 | 82.2 | 98.6 | 91.2 | 33.6 | 89.8 | 36.8 |
Price
Value & Pricing
The value story is all over the map, literally. We've seen prices from $277 to over $90,000 (okay, that's clearly a glitch or a collector's listing). Amazon Renewed is where you'll find the real deal, often well under $300 for a lens that looks and shoots like new. At that price, it punches far above its weight. If you're staring at a $500+ listing, take a breath and look at the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 instead.
B&H Photo 1 offer From CA$1,558
We started tracking prices for this product on May 1, 2026. The chart appears once we have more data.
Read more
Overview
The NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G is one of those lenses that refuses to fade away, and for good reason. On a Nikon DX body, it serves up crisp, vibrant ultra-wide shots that still hold their own against newer glass. The biggest thing to know? This is a landscape lens through and through, and if you can find it at a fair refurbished price, it's an absolute steal for the image quality you get.
Common Questions
Q: Will this work on my full-frame Nikon D750 or Z6 with adapter?
Nope, it's a DX lens. You'll get severe dark corners on an FX body, and Nikon's own compatibility notes say it's not recommended. Stick to DX bodies like the D500 or D7500.
Q: Is this lens good for night sky or astrophotography?
Honestly, f/4 is a bit slow for astro. You'll need high ISOs and longer exposures, which can introduce noise. A faster prime like the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 is a much better pick for Milky Way shots.
Q: Can I use my regular 77mm filters?
You can, but at 12mm you'll likely see vignetting. Most owners recommend slim or low-profile filters to keep the edges clean. It's an annoying extra expense, but you'll want to do it.
Who Should Skip This
If video is your main thing or you're looking for an all-purpose walkaround zoom, this lens isn't it. No stabilization and the slow-ish aperture mean shaky handheld footage. Go grab something like the Nikon 16-80mm f/2.8-4E VR instead, it covers way more ground.
Verdict
If you're a landscape shooter on a Nikon D7200, D500, or similar DX body, find a clean renewed copy of this lens and buy it. It delivers tack-sharp images that breathe life into wide scenes, and its silent autofocus makes it a joy for stills. Just accept that it's a one-trick pony, no stabilization, no full-frame future, and you'll be thrilled with what it does.
