Those are your autofocus controls Mike. Though simply manual versus auto, I think they call their autofocus MA because you can still turn the focus ring manually to fine tune focus while it is in "auto." Some lenses disable the ring entirely when you have the camera set for "auto." I thought it was kinda obnoxious at first, being accustomed to the ring being deactivated on other lenses, but I'm a little surprised how often I use the feature for fine tuning.
BTW- That's without question our most-used Nikon lens. In fact my wife and I have three of them between us and have contemplated buying a fourth. They're so useful that when we're using multiple bodies we often have one on each. Image quality is entirely reasonable for most of our needs.
The only hangups are the variable aperture and general lightweight construction. We've broken them when we abused them, and in critical DOF situations that variable aperture can be irritating. Canon has a 24-105 f/4 in their pro line, and it's a robust, highly regarded (though more expensive) lens. If Nikon ever brought out a pro competitor, we'd buy it instantly and dump the 24-120's. In the meantime, the temptation to pick up a Canon body or two so we could use their lens is a constant irritant.
I agree with Hank in that the 24-120vr lens is the one I use most often. I'm not too easy on my gear, and it has served me well. I also would upgrade it in a nanosecond if they made it faster and without the variable aperture. I hope you find it as useful a workhorse!
Posted by Mike Sellers on January 22, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Thanks for all the tips. Now,if the Dogwoods and Redbuds would just bloom early!
Discussion
4 repliesMike
Try this link Mike: http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/lenses/AF/AFSVR24-120_3.5-5.6G_(80)04.pdf
Or you can go to NikonUsa.com and look for photo support, then click through the menus until you get to dowload manuals.
Then you can store the pdf on your computer.
BTW- That's without question our most-used Nikon lens. In fact my wife and I have three of them between us and have contemplated buying a fourth. They're so useful that when we're using multiple bodies we often have one on each. Image quality is entirely reasonable for most of our needs.
The only hangups are the variable aperture and general lightweight construction. We've broken them when we abused them, and in critical DOF situations that variable aperture can be irritating. Canon has a 24-105 f/4 in their pro line, and it's a robust, highly regarded (though more expensive) lens. If Nikon ever brought out a pro competitor, we'd buy it instantly and dump the 24-120's. In the meantime, the temptation to pick up a Canon body or two so we could use their lens is a constant irritant.