Canon L EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
Canon
61 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
Nikon
74 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Canon L EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
No customer feedback yet
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
82 out of 100 high confidence 54 reviews
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII is widely praised as a versatile, sharp, and well-built walk-around lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. Users love the constant f/4 aperture, effective VR, and the useful 24-120mm range, which makes it ideal for travel, events, and everyday photography. While some note it is a bit heavy and pricey, and a few report softness or quality control issues, the overwhelming majority consider it an excellent value and a worthy upgrade from kit lenses.
Pros
- Versatile 24-120mm zoom range
- Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
- Effective Vibration Reduction (VR)
- Sharp image quality across focal lengths
- Solid build and durable construction
Cons
- Heavier than some comparable lenses
- Relatively expensive (new)
- Some copies have softness issues
- Maximum aperture f/4 is slow for low light
- Zoom ring position can be awkward
Image quality 28
Zoom range versatility 25
Build quality 18
Vibration reduction 12
Weight 14
Value for money 15
Scores
Landscape
Travel
Budget
Macro
Wildlife Sports
Professional
Video Cinema
Street
Portrait
Specifications
| Canon L EF 17-40mm f/4L USM | Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 40 mm | 120 mm |
| Elements | 12 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | Nano Crystal Coat, Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.50 kg★ | 0.63 kg |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | USM★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 280 mm★ | 350 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x | 1:2.56★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon L EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong optical (78th percentile)
- Strong versatility (76th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Verdict
Winner: Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
Scores 74 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.