Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED is faster by 0.6 stops (f/2.8 vs f/3.5), letting in more light.
- Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED is lighter by 180g.
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED goes wider (17mm vs 24mm).
- Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED reaches further (120mm vs 55mm).
| Spec | AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED | AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Type | Superzoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 24-120mm | 17-55mm (wider) |
| Max aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 (faster) |
| Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Format | full-frame | aps-c |
| Groups | 13 | 10 |
| Af motor | SWM | SWM |
| Elements | 15 | 14 |
| Weight g | 575.0 (lighter) | 755.0 |
| Filter mm | 72 | 77 |
| Length mm | 94.0 | 110.5 |
| Stabilized | Yes | n/a |
| Diameter mm | 77.0 | 85.5 |
| Min focus m | 0.5 | 0.36 (closer focusing) |
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
Nikon's FX zoom with VR and a 72mm filter thread, introduced in 2003. The 24-120mm f/4G ED VR succeeded it.
Pros
- Wide range
- VR
- Silent Wave Motor
- Lighter than its f/4 successor
Cons
- Slow aperture
- Soft at 120mm
- Distortion at 24mm
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Nikon's pro-grade DX standard zoom from 2003 with a constant f/2.8 aperture. It is large and heavy for a DX lens.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8
- Sharp optics
- Silent Wave Motor
- Durable build
Cons
- No VR
- 755g
- Large
More comparisons for Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
- Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED vs Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD
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- Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED vs Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Macro
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