Nikon AF-S DX 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED

One of Nikon’s first DX format lenses, it has a vital place in history

Released (year) 2003 Price new £1050/$1150 Buy at MP B.com today EXCELLENT £414/$489 Good £369/$549 Due to the 1.5x crop factor of DX format DSLRs, it was vital that Nikon created a really short focal length lens that enabled wide viewing angles. Launched back in 2003, this 12-24mm enabled the same effective zoom range on cameras like the D1X, D100 and D70, as using an 1836mm lens on a conventional 35mm film camera.

As the world’s first DX format ultra-wide zoom, it was a vital stepping stone in the evolution of Nikon’s DSLRs. Impressive at the time, the lens is still very desirable, with ring-type ultrasonic autofocus, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and fully internal focusing. Newer lenses on the market produce even wider viewing angles, including the Sigma 8-16mm and Nikon’s own 10-20mm and 10-24mm lenses. But this forerunner is a quality item, designed and built to satisfy the demands of professionals and amateur photographers at the time.