The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR and the Nikon 24-85mm f2.8-4D IF for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR is the longer of the two lenses at 94mm. The Nikon 24-85mm f2.8-4D IF with a length of 83mm, is 11mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon 24-85mm f2.8-4D IF has a larger diameter of 79mm compared to the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR's 77mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 24-85mm f2.8-4D IF weighs 545g, 5% (30g) lighter than the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR's weight of 575g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR and the Nikon 24-85mm f2.8-4D IF have the same Filter thread size of 72mm.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR and the Nikon 24-85mm f2.8-4D IF has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Focal Range
Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR has a focal range of 24-120mm and
5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
36 - 180mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 24-85mm f2.8-4D IF has a focal range of 24-85mm and 3.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 36 - 127.5mm.
