Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
Buy the 16-80mm f/2.8-4E if you shoot a DX body and want the faster aperture, lighter weight and fluorine-coated glass. Buy the 24-120mm f/4G if you shoot full-frame FX, or want a cheaper one-lens kit that also covers DX at 36-180mm equivalent. The 24-120mm is $519.95 at Phoenix Photo as of November 3, 2026; the 16-80mm is $649.00 at Willoughby's Photo Emporium as of November 3, 2026.
Today the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens costs $129.05 less at its best price.
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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens
Choose the 24-120mm f/4G if you shoot FX or want one zoom that covers wide to short telephoto for less money.
- Covers 24-120mm on FX, so one lens handles landscapes, portraits and events
- Constant f/4 keeps exposure the same through the zoom
- Cheaper new than the 16-80mm by about $129
What separates them
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens | Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Mount and format | F mount, FX full-frame; also fits DX at 36-180mm equivalent | DX only; 24-120mm equivalent on APS-C |
| Maximum aperture | Constant f/4 across the zoom | f/2.8 at 16mm, f/4 at 80mm |
| Weight | About 710 g (listed 10.2 lb is a shipping figure) | 480 g |
| Minimum focus distance | 17 in (0.43 m) | 1.15 ft (0.35 m) |
| Filter thread | 77 mm | 72 mm |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated; no fluorine coating | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated plus fluorine on front and rear elements |
| Aperture blades | 9, rounded | 7 |
Price history
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens: lowest $530.61 on Nov 4 at Walmart.
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR: lowest $649.00 on Nov 4 at Willoughby's Photo Emporium.
Prices at every store
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens
- Phoenix PhotoNew
In stockReturn policy
$519.95Observed at 9:48 PM - WalmartNew
In stockSold by BLUETECH DEALSReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$530.61Free shippingVerified - Newegg.comNew
In stockSold by The Pixel Hub
$639.95Free shippingObserved at 9:48 PM - Willoughby's Photo EmporiumNew
In stock
$695.00Free shippingObserved at 9:48 PM
Also available at
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- eBayCheck price at eBay
Specs compared
| Spec | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens | Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR |
|---|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom Lens | Zoom lens |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 10.2 lb | 480 g |
| color | Black | — |
| Focal length | 24–120 | — |
| Brand | 6Ave | — |
| Attachment style | Snap-On | — |
| Compatibility | Nikon | — |
| Focus type | Auto Focus | — |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | — |
| Lens diameter |
What reviewers say
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens
Owners treat it as the dependable FX all-rounder: a wide zoom range, useful stabilization and solid build. Most criticism centers on weight and on sharpness at 120mm and f/4.
- Versatile 24-120mm range covers most shooting
- Effective VR for handheld low-light work
- Fast, quiet autofocus
- Solid build and weather sealing on the body mount
- Heavy for a walk-around lens
- Softer at 120mm and wide open
- Barrel distortion at 24mm before correction
- Price has risen since it was a common kit lens
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
Reviewers consistently praise the lens for sharpness across the zoom and aperture range, its versatile 16-80mm range, and effective VR, with several calling it a favorite walk-around or travel lens. One reviewer notes the price is high and worth it only depending on budget and needs.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a DX camera?
- The 16-80mm. It is built for DX, gives the same 24-120mm equivalent range, is faster at the wide end and weighs 480 g. The 24-120mm on DX becomes a 36-180mm equivalent, which loses the wide end.
- Which is better for a full-frame camera?
- The 24-120mm f/4G. The 16-80mm is a DX lens and will not cover an FX sensor outside DX crop mode.
- Is the 16-80mm worth the extra $129?
- If you shoot DX and often work in low light, yes. The f/2.8 wide end, lighter body and closer focus are real gains. If you shoot FX or want the lowest price, no.
- Which has better image stabilization?
- The 16-80mm's VR is rated to about four stops and adds Sport and Tripod modes. The 24-120mm uses VR II, which is effective but an older generation.
- Which focuses closer?
- The 16-80mm at 1.15 ft (0.35 m) versus 17 in (0.43 m) for the 24-120mm, with 0.22x magnification.
- Which lasts longer?
- Neither is weather-sealed. The 24-120mm has a metal mount and 9 blades; the 16-80mm has a plastic body but fluorine-coated elements that resist dirt and moisture.