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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3G ED VR vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24–120mm f/4G ED VR

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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NikonAF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3G ED VRNikonAF-S NIKKOR 24–120mm f/4G ED VR
Overview
ReleasedApril 2014September 2010
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–300 mm24–120 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–6.3f/4
Minimum aperturef/22–40f/22
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups17 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsThree ED glass elements and three aspherical elementsTwo ED glass elements and three aspherical elements
Coatings–Nano Crystal Coat; Digital Camera World also identifies Super Integrated Coating
Aperture detailf/3.5 maximum and f/22 minimum at 18 mm; f/6.3 maximum and f/40 minimum at 300 mmConstant f/4 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range; G-type mechanical diaphragm control
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 76°–5°20′; angle of view equivalent to 27–450 mm on FXFX and 35 mm film 84°–20°20′; DX 61°–13°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon F mount
Image circleAPS-CFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F-mount G-type CPU lens designed for DXNikon F mount with full-frame/FX coverage; also usable on DX
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.48 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.29×0.24×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with an ultrasonic motor and manual focusing available; Nikon USA identifies Silent Wave MotorNikon internal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; manual focus possible
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.48 m from the focal plane throughout the zoom rangeMinimum 0.45 m throughout the zoom range, measured from the focal plane
Magnification detailNikon Japan specifies maximum 0.29×; Digital Camera World's table gives 0.32×. The maker figure is retainedNikon UK specifies 0.24×; the current Japanese table specifies 0.23×. The UK value is retained
Stabilisation detailFour stops under CIPA conditions measured at maximum telephoto on an APS-C/DX DSLR; Normal mode, with no tripod VRNikon Japan specifies 3.5 stops under CIPA testing in Normal mode, on a full-frame/FX DSLR at maximum telephoto; Normal and Active modes. No tripod vibration reduction
Video features–Digital Camera World finds autofocus unsuitable for smooth video focus transitions
Design
Filter diameter67 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter78.5 mm84 mm
Length99 mm103.5 mm
Weight550 g710 g
ControlsFocus and zoom rings; ePHOTOzine identifies a lock at 18 mm and manual focus override. Digital Camera World notes no distance scaleZoom ring, focus ring, distance scale and M/A–M focus switch; no aperture ring
Zoom designRotating zoom ring with markings at 18, 35, 70, 105, 200 and 300 mmRotating zoom ring with focal-length markings at 24, 28, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 120 mm
Filter detail67 mm screw-in filters; ePHOTOzine reports a non-rotating thread during focusing77 mm screw-in filters; Nikon Japan specifies 0.75 mm thread pitch
Weather resistanceBoth reviews identify a rubber gasket at the metal mount; no general maker protection rating is assignedCamera Labs identifies a rubber seal at the mount and Digital Camera World describes weather seals; broader protection is not specified in the maker tables, so no general rating is assigned
Dimensions detailApproximately 78.5 mm maximum diameter × 99 mm from the mountApproximately 84 mm diameter × 103.5 mm length from the lens mount
Weight detail–Approximately 710 g
Lens hoodNot included in Nikon UK's accessory list; Digital Camera World confirms the hood is sold separately, despite ePHOTOzine describing a supplied hoodHB-53 bayonet hood included
In the boxLC-67 front cap and LF-4 rear cap according to Nikon UKLC-77 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-53 hood and CL-1218 flexible pouch
Release detailNikon Japan records 24 April 2014 availability; Nikon USA's original announcement specifies May 2014Nikon Japan records first sale on 22 September 2010

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