Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens Description and Reviews.

Product Description:

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

Product Description
This superb zoom lens is especially designed for the NIKON D-Series digital SLR cameras. Its advanced design enables a combination of wider angle-of-view with optical characteristics optimized for Nikon digital SLR camera sensors Internal Focus ( IF ) design M/A mode enables instant switching from autofocus to manual Nikon D-type design provides precise distance information for flash & ambient light exposure processes 11.8 close focusing distance throughout zoom range 77mm filter size Dimensions - 3.5L x 3.2D ________________________________________________________________

Product Reviews:

Breathtaking pictures, Breathtaking price., March 25, 2006
Reviewer: J. Chastain "j chastain"

As is always the case with Nikon lenses, with this lens, you get what you pay for. It is a masterwork of high end Nikon tech. Silent wave motor for superfast, supersilent autofocus. Lightweight, but strong construction. Super clean, bright glass. This lens is brilliant. Its expensive. It beats the crap out of the budget versions from Tokina and Sigma. Buy it. I bought it 6 months ago, and have no regrets.
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Proof is in the pictures, size, weight and performance., February 14, 2006
Reviewer: projectmgr
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!