Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF Lens User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the safe and effective use of your Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF lens. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the lens and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

The Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF is a versatile 5x zoom lens designed for Nikon F-mount cameras. It features Internal Focusing (IF) technology for fast autofocus operation and aspherical lens elements to minimize distortion.

Safety Precautions

• Do not look at the sun or other strong light sources through the lens, as this can cause permanent vision impairment.
• Keep the lens away from water and moisture to prevent damage.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts.
• Store the lens in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Parts of the Lens

Familiarize yourself with the various parts of your lens.

Image: The Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF lens shown with its original box, lens hood, and front lens cap. This image provides an overview of the product and its main accessories.

Image: A detailed view of the Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF lens, highlighting the textured focus and zoom rings, as well as the aperture scale. The front element and lens cap are also visible.

• Focus Ring: Used for manual focusing.
• Zoom Ring: Used to adjust the focal length (24mm to 120mm).
• Aperture Ring: Used to set the aperture (f/3.5-5.6 to f/22).
• Lens Mount: Connects the lens to the camera body.
• Front Lens Cap: Protects the front element.
• Rear Lens Cap: Protects the rear element and lens mount.
• Lens Hood: Reduces flare and protects the front element.

Setup

Attaching the Lens

1. Remove the rear lens cap from the lens and the body cap from the camera.
2. Align the mounting mark on the lens with the mounting mark on the camera body.
3. Rotate the lens counter-clockwise (when viewed from the front) until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.

Detaching the Lens

1. Turn off the camera.
2. While pressing the lens release button on the camera body, rotate the lens clockwise until it detaches.
3. Attach the front and rear lens caps to protect the lens.

Attaching the Lens Hood

The lens hood helps to prevent stray light from entering the lens, which can cause flare and ghosting.

Image: The Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF lens with its dedicated lens hood securely attached, demonstrating its readiness for use.

1. Align the mounting mark on the lens hood with the mark on the front of the lens.
2. Rotate the lens hood until it clicks into place.

Operating the Lens

Autofocus (AF) Operation

This lens supports autofocus with compatible Nikon camera bodies.

1. Set the camera's focus mode to AF.
2. The lens will automatically focus when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

Manual Focus (M) Operation

For precise control, you can use manual focus.

1. Set the camera's focus mode to M.
2. Rotate the focus ring on the lens until the subject appears sharp in the viewfinder or on the camera's display.

Zooming

To change the focal length, rotate the zoom ring on the lens. The focal length range is 24mm (wide-angle) to 120mm (telephoto).

Image: A side profile of the Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF lens, clearly displaying the marked focal lengths on the zoom ring and the distance scale for focusing.

Image: An angled perspective of the Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF lens, emphasizing the aperture ring with its f-stop markings, which allows for manual control over the lens's diaphragm.

Aperture Control

This lens features an aperture ring. For modern Nikon DSLRs, set the aperture ring to its minimum aperture (f/22) and lock it there, allowing the camera to control the aperture electronically. For older film cameras, you can set the aperture directly on the ring.

Maintenance and Storage

Cleaning the Lens

• Use a blower brush to remove dust from the lens surfaces.
• For smudges or fingerprints, use a clean, soft lens cloth and a small amount of lens cleaning fluid. Apply the fluid to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
• Never use organic solvents such as paint thinner or benzene to clean the lens.

Storage

• When not in use, attach both front and rear lens caps.
• Store the lens in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
• If storing for an extended period, consider using a desiccant to prevent mold growth.

Troubleshooting

Lens not focusing

• Ensure the camera's focus mode is set correctly (AF or M).
• Check for sufficient light on the subject.
• Clean the lens contacts on both the lens and camera body.

Images are blurry

• Verify that the lens is properly focused.
• Check the shutter speed to avoid camera shake.
• Ensure the aperture is appropriate for the lighting conditions.

Lens not attaching to camera

• Ensure the mounting marks on the lens and camera are aligned.
• Do not force the lens; if it doesn't attach smoothly, re-align and try again.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Nikon website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For further assistance, you may contact Nikon customer service.