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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24–120mm f/4G ED VR vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 24–120mm f/4G ED VRNikonAF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2010October 2015
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–120 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction17 elements in 13 groupsTwenty elements in sixteen groups
Special elementsTwo ED glass elements and three aspherical elementsTwo ED, one aspherical ED, three aspherical and one HRI element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; Digital Camera World also identifies Super Integrated CoatingNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on front and rear elements
Aperture detailConstant f/4 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range; G-type mechanical diaphragm control–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades with electromagnetic control
Angle of viewFX and 35 mm film 84°–20°20′; DX 61°–13°20′FX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon F mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F mount with full-frame/FX coverage; also usable on DXNikon F mount, FX and DX formats; Nikon Japan warns that E-type electronic diaphragm operation has restrictions with some cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailNikon internal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; manual focus possibleSilent Wave Motor with manual override; internal focusing, as Amateur Photographer describes
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.45 m throughout the zoom range, measured from the focal planeMinimum distance from focal plane 0.38 m at 35–50 mm; 0.41 m at 24, 28 and 70 mm
Magnification detailNikon UK specifies 0.24×; the current Japanese table specifies 0.23×. The UK value is retainedMaximum reproduction ratio 0.28×
Stabilisation detailNikon 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 reductionFour-stop CIPA VR claim, measured at maximum telephoto on an FX DSLR in Normal mode; Normal, Active and Off settings
Video featuresDigital Camera World finds autofocus unsuitable for smooth video focus transitions–
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter77 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter84 mm88 mm
Length103.5 mm154.5 mm
Weight710 g1,070 g
ControlsZoom ring, focus ring, distance scale and M/A–M focus switch; no aperture ringZoom and manual-focus rings, focus-distance window, M/A–M focus switch and VR mode switch
Zoom designRotating zoom ring with focal-length markings at 24, 28, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 120 mmBarrel extends during zooming but not focusing, as ePHOTOzine describes
Filter detail77 mm screw-in filters; Nikon Japan specifies 0.75 mm thread pitch–
Weather resistanceCamera 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 assignedNikon UK calls it fully weather-sealed and Nikon Japan specifies dust/drip protection; ePHOTOzine's contrary no-weather-resistance statement is not used for the main field
Dimensions detailApproximately 84 mm diameter × 103.5 mm length from the lens mountApproximately 88 mm diameter × 154.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 710 gApproximately 1070 g
Lens hoodHB-53 bayonet hood includedHB-74 bayonet hood with recessed release lock
In the boxLC-77 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-53 hood and CL-1218 flexible pouchLC-82 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-74 hood and CL-M3 semi-soft case
Release detailNikon Japan records first sale on 22 September 2010Nikon Japan gives 22 October 2015; its 20 August notice postponed the original 27 August target to October

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