Just picked up a used Z7ii on FM and this lens from BHPhoto before I checked out this thread. I am NOT having buyer’s remorse. Can’t wait to join the party. Been out of photography for a few years so I’m really looking forward to getting back in the saddle.
I just ordered this lens after a brief deliberation. I love the FL and the reviews are nearly universally positive. Not "kit" positive, but actually S line positive.
I've tried to talk myself into the S 24-70 f/2.8 but that is a daunting price tag, especially because of how much I use my S 50mm and S 70-200mm. I want a wider Z but want additional versatility. I'll probably eventually get the 24-70 too but for now, this 24-120 will replace my Sigma 24-105 F mount.
Now I'm just blathering while I await its arrival.
It’s a good price. However I’d never order a lens from Amazon. Way too many horror stories of them throwing them into boxes with no padding and showing up in rough shape.
Mister-Mr wrote:
oops.. It's that price today... 10/08/22
RoamingScott wrote:
It’s a good price. However I’d never order a lens from Amazon. Way too many horror stories of them throwing them into boxes with no padding and showing up in rough shape.
I bought my 24-120 from Amazon and it arrived packaged no different than any other new lens I’ve bought from B&H etc. I’m not saying all packages are like that, but I wouldn’t refrain from buying from amazon at a decent price. Worst case they send you a new one or give a refund.
teegee wrote:
Would you consider the 24-200mm Z on par or close to 24-120?
No, both good but 24-120 is better in many ways IMO, sharpness/contrast/Autofocus. However, 24-200 is still a good lens and is smaller/lighter/more reach. It’s just too slow for my needs.
Buckeye2604 wrote:
I bought my 24-120 from Amazon and it arrived packaged no different than any other new lens I’ve bought from B&H etc. I’m not saying all packages are like that, but I wouldn’t refrain from buying from amazon at a decent price. Worst case they send you a new one or give a refund.
Buckeye2604 wrote:
I don’t see how the 24-120 box can fit in a shipping envelope or the plastic bags they use.
That is concerning, however.
It fits, mine came in a plastic bag. As did many, many, many others who have bought the 24-120 in the past weeks. I've had a number of lenses come from Amazon in plastic bags over the years. Annoying.
On the other hand, I've had lenses come from reputable camera stores in a big box with a single air pillow tossed in there. Not tremendously different from a bag as far as potential impacts go - just prevents crush damage to the Nikon box really.
To be fair, in my case it seemed the ones Amazon shipped in a bag to me came from a nearby distribution center and were delivered directly by Amazon in less than 24 hours. So it wasn't like they went cross country via UPS ground in a bag. The Nikon packaging is designed to handle drops in shops, like from a shelf onto a hard floor, so probably typical Amazon shipping is fine in the bag.
Still, it just seems stupid. They once shipped me a Z 35/1.8S in a plastic bag on the same day they shipped me a single $8 fleece hat in a large cardboard box full of air pillows.
All of my lenses get thoroughly tested for any sort of optical defect/de-centering. As far as Z lenses go I've only been unhappy and exchanged twice, both 1.8S primes. One was beautifully packaged with lots of padding by an excellent camera shop. The exchange was perfect and shipped the same way. The other was an Amazon shipped in bag lens. The exchange was perfect and was also shipped in a bag. So even though I grimace when I get something in a bag from Amazon the reality is that I haven't had any worse luck as far as "decentered" lenses go compared to much more careful packaging. Likely the defects were from the factory and nothing to do with the shipping.
I avoid Amazon for lenses unless the deal is quite good. Most camera stores do a better job packing and sell at the same price. The vast majority of my camera purchases go through camera stores and I try to use the smaller stores when possible.
Not sure I'll ever get over how stupid sharp my copy of the 24-120 is. It's one of the best lenses to reach for for flowers IMO, it's a perfect balance of bokeh at f4 and compression at 120mm.
Two takes on the same pic, 1:1 is to show the fine detail at near 100% crop.
