Nikon 18-140mm vs 24-120mm: Which Travel Zoom?

By Camix | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: Comparisons

Compare the Nikon 18-140mm DX travel zoom with the Nikon 24-120mm FX lens. See which one fits your camera, budget, and shooting style.

Quick answer

For most DX shooters, the Nikon 18-140mm is the better travel zoom: it's lighter, far more affordable, and covers a wider range. Choose the Nikon 24-120mm only if you shoot full-frame or need a constant f/4 aperture.

The DX vs FX trade-off

The 18-140mm is designed for Nikon DX (crop-sensor) cameras, while the 24-120mm is an FX (full-frame) lens. That difference matters more than the focal lengths suggest. On a DX body, the 24-120mm gives an effective range of about 36-180mm, losing the wide-angle end that makes the 18-140mm so versatile for travel. On an FX body, the 18-140mm isn't a practical option because it's built for a smaller sensor.

So your camera system largely decides the comparison. If you own a DX body like a D3500, D5600, or D7500, the 18-140mm is the natural fit. If you've moved to full-frame, the 24-120mm is the one that works.

Price and value for travel

The 18-140mm is listed at USD 121.39 in Camix's catalog, compared to a reference price of USD 199.00. The 24-120mm is a much bigger investment at USD 801.75 versus USD 1069.00. That's roughly a six-fold difference for a lens that doesn't give you more reach.

If you're a casual traveler or hobbyist, the 18-140mm is the clear value pick. The 24-120mm makes sense only if you already own full-frame glass or plan to upgrade your body soon and want a lens that will carry over.

Aperture and low-light performance

The 24-120mm has a constant f/4 aperture, which means it doesn't get darker as you zoom. That's a real advantage in dim interiors, evening street scenes, or when you're shooting handheld at the long end. The 18-140mm is f/3.5-5.6, so it starts bright but narrows to f/5.6 at 140mm.

Neither lens is a low-light specialist, but the 24-120mm gives you more consistent exposure control and better background separation at the telephoto end. If you mostly shoot in daylight, this difference won't matter much.

Trade-offs to weigh

Focal length coverage: The 18-140mm starts wider at 18mm, great for landscapes and tight indoor spaces. The 24-120mm starts at 24mm, so on DX you lose the wide end entirely. If you shoot on DX and want a true wide-to-tele range, the 18-140mm is the safer choice.
Aperture consistency: The 24-120mm keeps f/4 throughout the zoom, helping in low light and giving you predictable exposure. The 18-140mm slows to f/5.6 at the long end. If you often shoot in dim conditions, the constant aperture of the 24-120mm is worth the extra cost.
Price vs. value: At USD 121.39, the 18-140mm is a fraction of the 24-120mm's USD 801.75 price. For most travelers, the 18-140mm delivers the better value per dollar. Unless you need full-frame compatibility, the 18-140mm is the budget-smart pick.

Lens facts at a glance

Used – Nikon 18-140mm f3.5-5.6 AF-S G ED VR DX Lens: This DX lens covers 18-140mm with a variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture and is available at USD 121.39 (catalog comparison price USD 199.00). It's a budget-friendly all-in-one that gives you wide-angle to telephoto reach in one lightweight package—ideal for travel and everyday shooting.
Used – Nikon 18-140mm f3.5-5.6 AF-S G ED VR DX Lens
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S Lens: This FX lens offers a constant f/4 aperture across the 24-120mm range and is priced at USD 801.75 (catalog comparison price USD 1069.00). The constant aperture provides consistent exposure and better low-light performance, but at a significantly higher cost and with less wide-angle coverage on DX bodies.
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S Lens

Which one fits you?

Best for

DX shooters who want a lightweight, affordable all-in-one for travel and everyday photography
Travelers who need wide-angle coverage (18mm) for landscapes and cityscapes
Beginners or hobbyists on a budget who want one lens for most situations

Not for

Full-frame shooters who need a lens that covers the FX sensor
Photographers who frequently shoot in low light and need a constant f/4 aperture
Anyone who already owns a full-frame kit and wants to avoid investing in DX-only glass