Nikon Nikkor Z 24 120Mm F4 S Review

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a phenomenal, versatile zoom lens that truly delivers on its promise of being a do-it-all workhorse for Nikon Z-series mirrorless camera users.

This lens embodies the optical excellence of Nikon’s S-line, providing sharp images, excellent control over aberrations, and reliable performance across its entire zoom range, positioning it as a strong contender in the mid-range zoom market for the Z system.

To put its value into perspective, let’s consider some other essential tools that complement a photographer’s kit, ranging from camera bodies to accessories that enhance the creative process or streamline workflow.

Each of these products offers a distinct advantage, much like the 24-120mm f/4 S offers a unique blend of reach and quality.

• Nikon Z7 II Camera Body

  

  • Key Features: 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor, Dual EXPEED 6 Processors, 493-Point Phase-Detection AF System, 5-Axis In-Body Vibration Reduction, 4K UHD Video at 60p.
  • Average Price: Around $2,799.00
  • Pros: High-resolution sensor for incredible detail, excellent low-light performance, robust build, effective in-body stabilization, dual card slots for reliability.
  • Cons: Higher price point, autofocus can be less tenacious than some competitors in extreme low light.

• Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L

  • Key Features: Versatile FlexFold dividers, weatherproof 400D recycled nylon canvas shell, dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, external carry straps, magnetic latch system.
  • Average Price: Around $259.95
  • Pros: Exceptionally well-organized, durable and weather-resistant, comfortable to carry, quick access to gear, stylish design.
  • Cons: Can be pricey for a backpack, some find the magnetic latch takes getting used to, limited external water bottle pocket options.

• Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod

  • Key Features: Aluminum construction, M-lock twist locks for quick setup, 494 Ball Head with three independent controls, supports up to 19.8 lbs 9 kg, compact folded length.
  • Average Price: Around $199.99
  • Pros: Sturdy and stable for its size, quick and easy to deploy, excellent build quality, supports a good amount of weight, compact for travel.
  • Cons: Not as lightweight as carbon fiber alternatives which are pricier, ball head can be a bit sticky when making fine adjustments initially.

• SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Card 128GB Acer Chromebook Spin 714 Review

  • Key Features: Up to 170MB/s read speeds, up to 90MB/s write speeds, V30 video speed class, built for extreme conditions, shock-, temperature-, water-, and X-ray proof.
  • Average Price: Around $24.99
  • Pros: Fast read/write speeds for continuous shooting and 4K video, highly durable and reliable, widely compatible, excellent value.
  • Cons: Not as fast as UHS-II cards for cameras that support them, but perfectly adequate for most uses.

• Hoya 77mm UV HMC Slim Filter

  • Key Features: Multi-coated to reduce reflections, UV absorption, protects front lens element, slim frame to minimize vignetting.
  • Average Price: Around $25.00
  • Pros: Provides excellent protection for the lens front element, minimal impact on image quality, good value for money.
  • Cons: Can sometimes introduce minor reflections in extreme lighting, although HMC coating minimizes this.

• Godox V1 Flash for Nikon

  • Key Features: Round flash head for soft, even light, 76Ws power output, built-in Godox 2.4G wireless X system, 480 full power flashes per charge, TTL and HSS support.
  • Average Price: Around $259.00
  • Pros: Excellent light quality, powerful and fast recycling, rechargeable Li-ion battery for long life, great value compared to OEM flashes.
  • Cons: Can be a bit bulky, user interface takes some getting used to for beginners.

• Wacom Intuos Pro Creative Pen Tablet Medium

  • Key Features: 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, multi-touch gestures, customizable ExpressKeys and Touch Ring, bundled creative software.
  • Average Price: Around $379.95
  • Pros: Drastically improves precision and efficiency in photo editing, durable build quality, comfortable pen, highly customizable.
  • Cons: Learning curve for those new to pen tablets, higher price point than basic models.

Optical Performance: Sharpness and Resolution

When you’re talking about a lens like the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S, the first thing on most photographers’ minds is sharpness. And this lens does not disappoint.

It carries the “S-line” designation for a reason, indicating Nikon’s commitment to top-tier optical quality in its Z-mount lenses.

Edge-to-Edge Sharpness Across the Zoom Range

One of the most impressive feats of the 24-120mm f/4 S is its consistent sharpness from the center to the edges, even wide open at f/4, across its entire zoom range.

This isn’t always a given with superzooms, where optical compromises often lead to softer corners or a noticeable drop-off in resolution at the telephoto end.

• Mid-range 50-85mm: This is often the sweet spot for many lenses, and the 24-120mm f/4 S absolutely excels here. Portrait and street photographers will find images pop with detail and clarity.
• Telephoto 120mm: Even at the 120mm end, where many zooms start to show weakness, the 24-120mm f/4 S maintains impressive sharpness. While there might be a slight dip compared to the center at 24mm, it’s still remarkably good, making it viable for tighter compositions or distant subjects. This consistency sets it apart from many other “walk-around” zooms.

Minimizing Aberrations: Chromatic and Spherical

Beyond sheer sharpness, how a lens handles aberrations is a key indicator of its optical design and quality.

The 24-120mm f/4 S does an excellent job in this regard, showcasing advanced engineering.

• Chromatic Aberrations CA: Both lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberrations are incredibly well-controlled. In practical terms, this means you’ll see very little of that annoying color fringing around high-contrast edges, even in challenging conditions. This saves a ton of time in post-processing.
• Spherical Aberrations: These are minimized, contributing to excellent overall clarity and preventing the ‘glow’ or softness that can occur with poorly corrected lenses, especially at wider apertures.

Build Quality and Handling: A Premium Feel

Holding the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S, you immediately get a sense of its premium build. Star Ocean The Divine Force For Pc Review

It feels solid and well-engineered, exactly what you’d expect from an S-line lens. This isn’t a flimsy plastic fantastic.

It’s a tool designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Nikon has rightly emphasized robust construction for its Z-mount S-line lenses, and the 24-120mm f/4 S is no exception.

• Extensive Weather Sealing: The lens features comprehensive weather sealing, protecting it from dust and moisture. This is critical for photographers who shoot outdoors, whether it’s in light rain, dusty environments, or snowy conditions. You can confidently take this lens almost anywhere without worrying about its internal components.
• Fluorine Coating: The front element boasts a fluorine coating, which repels water, oil, and dirt. This makes it much easier to clean and maintain, a small but significant detail for fieldwork. Imagine wiping off fingerprints or raindrops with ease, without leaving smudges.
• Durable Construction: The lens barrel is primarily made of high-quality engineering plastic, but it feels incredibly solid. The metal mount ensures a secure connection to the camera body, and the overall fit and finish are excellent, suggesting long-term durability.

Ergonomics and Control Layout

Beyond its robust build, the 24-120mm f/4 S is designed with user experience in mind.

Its ergonomics are well-thought-out, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods.

• Balanced Weight: Weighing in at approximately 630g 1.39 lbs, it strikes a good balance between being substantial enough to feel professional and light enough for comfortable all-day shooting, especially on Z-series bodies like the Z6 II or Z7 II.
• Smooth Rings: Both the zoom and focus rings operate with satisfying smoothness and just the right amount of dampening. The zoom ring’s movement is precise, allowing for easy focal length adjustments, while the focus ring offers excellent tactile feedback for manual focus.
• Customizable Control Ring: Like other Z-mount lenses, it features a customizable control ring. This can be assigned to aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO, providing quick, tactile adjustments without having to dive into menus. This is a huge win for both photographers and videographers seeking quick adjustments.
• L-Fn Button: A dedicated L-Fn Lens Function button is present, which can be programmed to a variety of functions, such as AE-L/AF-L, subject tracking, or AF-ON. This further enhances the lens’s adaptability to your shooting style.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Precision

For any modern lens, especially a versatile zoom, autofocus performance is paramount.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S doesn’t just meet expectations.

It often exceeds them, providing reliable and snappy AF for a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Stepping Motor STM System

The lens employs Nikon’s stepping motor STM system for autofocus, a design choice that offers significant advantages for both still photography and video recording.

• Fast and Responsive: The STM system provides incredibly fast autofocus acquisition. Whether you’re tracking a moving subject or simply locking onto a static target, the lens snaps into focus with minimal delay. This is particularly noticeable in good light conditions, where it performs almost instantaneously.
• Near-Silent Operation: One of the standout features of STM motors is their near-silent operation. This is a massive benefit for videographers, as focus adjustments won’t be picked up by on-camera microphones. For still photographers, it means less distraction and a more discreet shooting experience, particularly in quiet environments like weddings or wildlife settings.
• Smooth Transitions: For video work, the smoothness of focus transitions is just as important as speed. The STM allows for smooth, gradual focus pulls, avoiding jarring movements that can ruin a shot. This cinematic quality makes the 24-120mm f/4 S a highly capable lens for hybrid shooters.

Tracking and Low-Light Capabilities

While ideal conditions highlight any lens’s strengths, a truly great lens performs well when the going gets tough. God Of War Ragnarok For Playstation 5 Review

The 24-120mm f/4 S demonstrates commendable performance in challenging situations.

• Reliable Subject Tracking: Paired with Nikon Z camera bodies that feature advanced autofocus systems like the Z6 II or Z7 II, the 24-120mm f/4 S maintains excellent subject tracking. Whether it’s a person walking towards you, a pet playing, or a moving car, the lens keeps up, ensuring a high hit rate of in-focus shots. This reliability makes it suitable for events, sports within its f/4 limitations, and street photography.
• Solid Low-Light Performance: The f/4 constant aperture is relatively bright and, combined with the excellent low-light capabilities of Nikon Z sensors, allows the lens to focus effectively even in dimly lit environments. While it won’t replace a fast prime lens for extreme low-light, it’s more than capable for most indoor and twilight shooting scenarios. The quick and precise autofocus helps minimize hunting in these conditions, providing confidence in your shots.

Versatility and Practical Applications: A True Workhorse

The beauty of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S lies in its incredible versatility. This isn’t a niche lens.

It’s designed to be the one lens you grab when you’re unsure what you’ll encounter, yet still demand high-quality results.

Ideal for Travel and Everyday Photography

If you’re a traveler or someone who wants a single lens that can handle almost anything, the 24-120mm f/4 S is a compelling choice.

• Compact and Lightweight: While not pancake-sized, its relatively compact size and weight for such a broad zoom range make it easy to carry all day. Compared to carrying multiple primes or heavier f/2.8 zooms, it significantly reduces your load. This makes a real difference when you’re exploring a new city or embarking on a long hike.
• Constant f/4 Aperture: The constant f/4 aperture means your exposure doesn’t change as you zoom, simplifying shooting in manual or aperture priority modes. It also provides enough light gathering for most conditions and allows for moderate background separation, particularly at the longer end.

Strong Contender for Video and Hybrid Shooters

With the rise of hybrid content creators, lenses that perform equally well for stills and video are highly sought after. The 24-120mm f/4 S truly shines here.

• Smooth Aperture Control: The customizable control ring can be assigned to aperture, providing smooth, silent, and click-less aperture adjustments during video recording. This is essential for maintaining consistent exposure as lighting changes or for creative depth-of-field transitions.
• Minimized Focus Breathing: Focus breathing, where the focal length subtly changes as you rack focus, is remarkably well-controlled in this lens. This makes for much more professional-looking video footage, as compositions remain stable during focus shifts. This is a feature often found in cinema lenses, making its inclusion here noteworthy.
• Vibration Reduction VR Compatibility: While the lens itself doesn’t have optical VR, it benefits immensely from Nikon Z cameras’ in-body image stabilization IBIS. Combined, the two provide up to 5 stops of stabilization depending on the camera model, allowing for much steadier handheld video and sharper low-light stills. This synergy makes it a formidable tool for run-and-gun videography.

Image Quality Characteristics: Beyond Sharpness

While sharpness is crucial, a great lens offers more than just resolution.

It contributes to the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of an image through characteristics like bokeh, color rendition, and flare control. The 24-120mm f/4 S excels in these areas.

Pleasing Bokeh and Subject Separation

For a constant f/4 aperture zoom lens, the 24-120mm f/4 S delivers surprisingly pleasing bokeh the quality of the out-of-focus areas.

• Smooth Background Blurring: Particularly at the longer end 85mm-120mm and when shooting close to your subject, the f/4 aperture combined with the longer focal length allows for good subject isolation and smooth background blur. The 9-blade rounded diaphragm helps create soft, pleasing out-of-focus circles, avoiding harsh polygonal shapes.
• Portraits and Details: This makes the lens suitable for portraits where you want to separate your subject from a busy background without needing an ultra-fast prime. It also works well for isolating details in nature or urban environments. You can get a nice sense of depth and dimension in your images.
• Absence of Onion Ring Effect: Higher-end lenses often suffer from what’s called the “onion ring” effect in bokeh, where concentric circles appear due to the manufacturing process of aspherical elements. The 24-120mm f/4 S exhibits very little to no evidence of this, contributing to its smooth bokeh quality.

Color Rendition and Contrast

Nikon’s S-line lenses are renowned for their excellent color reproduction and contrast, and the 24-120mm f/4 S lives up to this reputation.

• Natural and Accurate Colors: Images captured with this lens boast natural, lifelike colors. There’s no discernible color cast, ensuring that your photos reflect the true scene with accuracy. This makes post-processing easier, as you start with a neutral, high-quality base.
• Micro-contrast: Beyond overall contrast, the lens exhibits excellent micro-contrast, which refers to the ability to distinguish subtle differences in tone and texture. This is what gives images that “3D pop” and contributes to the perception of extreme sharpness and detail, making subjects look more tangible.

Flare Control and Ghosting

Managing flare and ghosting is a critical aspect of lens design, especially for lenses that will be used in diverse lighting conditions, including shooting directly into light sources. Epson Workforce Wf 2960 Wireless All In One Review

• Excellent Flare Resistance: Thanks to Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating, the 24-120mm f/4 S demonstrates remarkable resistance to flare. Even when the sun or other strong light sources are in or near the frame, unwanted light artifacts are minimized, maintaining high contrast and color fidelity. This means you can confidently shoot backlit subjects or dramatic sunset scenes without your image being ruined by overwhelming glare.
• Minimal Ghosting: Ghosting, which appears as distinct reflections of light sources, is also very well-controlled. Any ghosts that do appear are typically small, faint, and well-behaved, making them easy to manage or ignore. This is a testament to the sophisticated optical design and high-quality coatings.
• High Transmittance: The coatings also ensure high light transmittance, meaning more light reaches the sensor, contributing to bright, clear images with accurate colors, especially in challenging lighting.

Comparison with Alternatives: Finding Its Place

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

It sits in a competitive space, and understanding how it stacks up against its closest siblings and some primes can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your kit.

Versus the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S

This is often the first comparison made, as the 24-70mm f/4 S was the standard kit lens for many early Z-series bundles.

• Focal Range: The most obvious difference is the extended telephoto reach of the 24-120mm. That extra 50mm makes a significant practical difference, allowing for more compositional flexibility without changing lenses. You can go from a wide-angle group shot to a head-and-shoulders portrait without moving your feet.
• Size and Weight: The 24-120mm f/4 S is slightly larger and heavier 630g vs. 500g than the 24-70mm f/4 S, which is understandable given the longer zoom range. However, it’s still very manageable. The 24-70mm is retractable, making it more compact for carrying, but it needs to be extended for use. The 24-120mm does not retract.
• Optical Quality: Both lenses are S-line and optically excellent. Many reviewers find the 24-120mm to be on par with, or even slightly surpass, the 24-70mm in terms of overall sharpness and aberration control, especially in the corners at certain focal lengths.
• Features: The 24-120mm f/4 S boasts a customizable L-Fn button and a focus distance scale when manually focusing, features absent on the 24-70mm f/4 S. These small additions enhance usability.
• Value: Given its extended range, comparable or superior optical performance, and added features, the 24-120mm f/4 S often presents a stronger value proposition, especially for those looking for a single versatile lens. If you frequently find 70mm too short, the 120mm reach is a must.

Versus the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

This comparison is about balancing versatility with low-light capability and ultimate background separation.

• Aperture: The f/2.8 constant aperture of the 24-70mm f/2.8 S allows for two stops more light gathering than the f/4 of the 24-120mm. This is crucial for shooting in very dim conditions without pushing ISO as high, and for achieving shallower depth of field and more pronounced background blur.
• Size and Weight: The 24-70mm f/2.8 S is significantly larger and heavier 805g vs. 630g and generally more expensive. It’s a professional workhorse but less ideal for lightweight travel.
• Focal Range: The 24-120mm has the clear advantage in telephoto reach, extending well beyond the 70mm of its f/2.8 sibling.
• Optical Quality: Both lenses are optically superb. The 24-70mm f/2.8 S often boasts slightly better wide-open sharpness and aberration control at f/2.8 than the 24-120mm at f/4, but the difference is often marginal when both are stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6.
• Decision Factor: If you prioritize low-light performance, maximum background separation, and are willing to pay more and carry more weight, the 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the choice. However, if versatility, a lighter package, and the extended reach are more important, and f/4 is sufficient for your needs especially with modern high-ISO performance and IBIS, the 24-120mm f/4 S is an excellent alternative.

Complementing with Primes or Telephotos

While the 24-120mm f/4 S is incredibly versatile, there are situations where specific primes or dedicated telephoto zooms would complement it.

• For Extreme Low Light/Ultimate Bokeh: If you regularly shoot in very dark conditions or desire the absolute creamiest bokeh, supplementing with a fast prime like the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S or Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S would be beneficial. These lenses offer much wider apertures and often even better optical correction specific to their fixed focal length.
• For Extended Reach: For serious wildlife or sports photography requiring more reach, a dedicated telephoto zoom like the Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S would be the next step. The 24-120mm can get you started, but it’s not a true long telephoto.
• For Ultra-Wide: If 24mm isn’t wide enough for your architectural or astrophotography needs, an ultra-wide prime or zoom like the Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S would be a perfect companion, expanding your creative possibilities.

Value Proposition and Target Audience: Is It for You?

Understanding the value proposition of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is key to determining if it deserves a spot in your camera bag. It’s not just about specs.

It’s about how it fits into your workflow and addresses your shooting needs.

An Excellent All-Around Lens

The 24-120mm f/4 S carves out a significant niche as a true “all-around” lens, offering a compelling blend of versatility, performance, and portability.

• High Performance without Pro Price Tag: While it’s an S-line lens and thus carries a premium, its price point is significantly more accessible than the f/2.8 professional zooms, making high-quality optics available to a broader audience. You get professional-grade results without necessarily needing a professional budget.
• Reliable and Consistent: Consistency across the zoom range in terms of sharpness, color, and aberration control is a huge advantage. This reliability means you can trust the lens to deliver high-quality results whether you’re at 24mm or 120mm, wide open or stopped down.

Ideal for Specific Photography Genres

While “all-around” is a good descriptor, the 24-120mm f/4 S particularly excels in certain genres due to its characteristics.

• Travel Photography: Its broad focal range, relatively compact size, and weather sealing make it an absolutely stellar choice for travel. You can capture grand architecture, street scenes, portraits of locals, and distant landmarks all with one lens, reducing the need for multiple heavy lenses.
• Portrait Photography: While f/4 isn’t f/1.8, the 120mm end at f/4 still provides decent background separation, especially when you’re close to your subject. The natural color rendition and excellent sharpness make for pleasing portraits. It’s perfect for environmental portraits or when you need a bit more reach than a 70mm offers.
• Event Photography Daytime/Well-Lit: For events where lighting is generally good, or you’re mostly shooting outdoors, the 24-120mm f/4 S offers fantastic flexibility. You can go from wide group shots to tighter captures of speakers or performers quickly.
• Videography Hybrid Shooters: As discussed, its smooth, silent autofocus, well-controlled focus breathing, and compatibility with IBIS make it an incredibly strong contender for hybrid photographers who also shoot a lot of video.

Who It’s Not For

While highly versatile, the 24-120mm f/4 S might not be the absolute best fit for every single photographer. Razer Naga V2 Pro Review

• Extreme Low-Light Shooters: If you constantly shoot in very dim indoor environments, require very fast shutter speeds in low light, or crave extremely shallow depth of field for artistic expression, an f/2.8 zoom like the 24-70mm f/2.8 S or 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S or faster prime lenses will be more suitable. The f/4 aperture might necessitate higher ISOs or slower shutter speeds in these conditions.
• Dedicated Wildlife/Sports Photographers: While 120mm is useful, it’s not a long telephoto. For serious wildlife, birds, or fast-action sports where distant subjects are the norm, you’ll eventually need a dedicated telephoto zoom e.g., 100-400mm or 400mm prime or a super-telephoto.
• Budget-Conscious Beginners: While excellent value, the S-line price point might still be a significant investment for someone just starting out. More affordable options like the 24-50mm f/4-6.3 or older F-mount lenses via the FTZ adapter might be considered first.

Ultimately, for the vast majority of Nikon Z users seeking a single, high-quality, do-it-all lens that can travel light and deliver superb results across a wide range of subjects, the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is an outstanding choice and a worthy investment.

Conclusion: A Must-Have in the Z System?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S has firmly established itself as one of the most compelling and essential lenses in the Nikon Z mirrorless ecosystem. It’s more than just a competent performer.

It’s a remarkably well-balanced optical instrument that truly enhances the shooting experience.

Summarizing the Strengths

Let’s quickly recap what makes this lens a standout:

• Exceptional Optical Quality: S-line sharpness, excellent aberration control, and beautiful color rendition across its broad zoom range. You get consistently sharp, vibrant images.
• Premium Build and Handling: Robust weather-sealed construction, smooth control rings, and customizable buttons enhance the user experience and ensure durability.
• Fast, Quiet, and Smooth Autofocus: The STM system delivers snappy, near-silent AF that’s fantastic for both stills and video, with minimal focus breathing.
• Great Value: For an S-line lens with this focal range and optical performance, it presents an extremely strong value proposition, especially when compared to buying multiple primes or larger f/2.8 zooms.

Impact on the Nikon Z System

The introduction of the 24-120mm f/4 S filled a critical gap in the Nikon Z lens lineup, providing a highly capable and versatile mid-range zoom that many photographers had been clamoring for.

It offers a more compelling “kit lens” experience than the 24-70mm f/4 S for many, particularly those who find 70mm a bit short.

It helps solidify the Z system as a robust and well-rounded platform for a diverse range of photographic endeavors.

This lens is a clear demonstration of Nikon’s commitment to building out a strong native Z-mount lens portfolio that meets the needs of demanding photographers.

Final Recommendation

If you own a Nikon Z-series mirrorless camera and are looking for a single lens that can handle the vast majority of your photographic needs with uncompromising image quality, the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S comes with my highest recommendation.

It’s a lens that empowers you to capture a wide array of scenes without constantly swapping glass, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than equipment. Insta360 X3 Review

It’s a workhorse that consistently delivers, making it an indispensable part of many photographers’ kits.

Invest in this lens, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S best for?

Is the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S a good lens for video?

Yes, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S is an excellent lens for video due to its silent and smooth stepping motor STM autofocus, well-controlled focus breathing, and customizable control ring for seamless aperture adjustments.

Does the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S have image stabilization VR?

No, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S does not have built-in optical Vibration Reduction VR. However, it pairs perfectly with Nikon Z cameras that feature in-body image stabilization IBIS, leveraging the camera’s stabilization for steady shots and video.

Is the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S weather-sealed?

Yes, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S features extensive weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor use in various conditions.

What is the difference between the 24-120mm f/4 S and the 24-70mm f/4 S?

The main differences are the longer telephoto reach of the 24-120mm 120mm vs. 70mm, the 24-120mm is slightly larger and does not retract, and the 24-120mm includes an L-Fn button and focus distance scale.

Both are S-line lenses with excellent optical quality.

Is the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S sharp?

Yes, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S is incredibly sharp, especially from the center to the edges, even wide open at f/4, across its entire zoom range.

It’s an S-line lens, denoting top-tier optical performance.

What is the minimum focusing distance of the 24-120mm f/4 S?

The minimum focusing distance of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is approximately 0.35m 1.15 ft at the wide end and 0.39m 1.28 ft at the telephoto end, allowing for reasonably close-up shots. Sega Genesis Mini 2 Review

Does the 24-120mm f/4 S suffer from focus breathing?

No, focus breathing is remarkably well-controlled in the 24-120mm f/4 S, making it an excellent choice for video shooters who want stable compositions during focus pulls.

What is the filter thread size for the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S?

The filter thread size for the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is 77mm.

Can I use the 24-120mm f/4 S on a Nikon F-mount DSLR?

No, the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a native Z-mount lens designed exclusively for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras and cannot be directly mounted on F-mount DSLRs.

Is the 24-120mm f/4 S a good lens for portraits?

Yes, the 24-120mm f/4 S is a good lens for portraits, especially at the 85mm-120mm focal lengths, where the f/4 aperture can provide pleasing background separation and creamy bokeh, particularly when shooting relatively close to your subject.

How does the 24-120mm f/4 S compare to the 24-70mm f/2.8 S?

The 24-120mm f/4 S offers a longer zoom range and is lighter and generally more affordable.

The 24-70mm f/2.8 S offers a faster f/2.8 aperture for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field, but it is heavier, larger, and more expensive.

Does the 24-120mm f/4 S retract like the 24-70mm f/4 S?

No, unlike the 24-70mm f/4 S, the 24-120mm f/4 S does not retract. It maintains its size whether zoomed in or out.

What is the weight of the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S weighs approximately 630g 1.39 lbs.

What is the price of the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S?

The average price for the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is around $1,099.95, though prices can vary slightly depending on retailers and promotions.

Does the 24-120mm f/4 S come with a lens hood?

Yes, the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S typically comes with a bayonet-type lens hood HB-102 to help reduce flare and protect the front element. Lenovo Thinkstation P360 Ultra Review

Is the 24-120mm f/4 S good for landscape photography?

What kind of coating does the 24-120mm f/4 S have?

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S features Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating for superior anti-reflection performance and excellent flare resistance, as well as a fluorine coating on the front element for easy cleaning.

Can I use the 24-120mm f/4 S for astrophotography?

While 24mm is a useful focal length for astrophotography, the f/4 aperture might be too slow for serious astrophotography, which generally benefits from much wider apertures e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.8 to gather more light.

Does the 24-120mm f/4 S have a customizable control ring?

Yes, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S features a customizable control ring that can be assigned to adjust aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO, providing quick and tactile control.

Is the bokeh from the 24-120mm f/4 S pleasing?

Yes, for an f/4 zoom, the bokeh from the 24-120mm f/4 S is surprisingly pleasing and smooth, especially at longer focal lengths and closer focusing distances, thanks to its 9-blade rounded diaphragm.

Is the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S a “professional” lens?

Yes, as an S-line lens, it meets professional optical and build quality standards, offering excellent performance and reliability suitable for professional use, particularly as a versatile everyday and travel lens.

Does the 24-120mm f/4 S have an L-Fn button?

Yes, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S includes a dedicated L-Fn Lens Function button that can be customized to various functions on the camera.

What are the main advantages of the 24-120mm f/4 S over primes?

The main advantage is its versatility and convenience of a broad zoom range, eliminating the need to frequently change lenses, especially in situations where speed or dust prevention is crucial.

Primes generally offer wider apertures and often marginally better optical performance at their specific focal length.

What are the typical chromatic aberration levels in the 24-120mm f/4 S?

Chromatic aberrations color fringing are extremely well-controlled in the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S, thanks to its sophisticated optical design, leading to clean, high-contrast images.

Is the 24-120mm f/4 S a good walk-around lens?

Yes, it is an excellent walk-around lens due to its highly versatile focal range, relatively manageable size and weight, and robust weather-sealed construction, making it suitable for a wide variety of everyday shooting scenarios. Amazon Kindle Scribe Review

Can I use the 24-120mm f/4 S on a crop-sensor DX Nikon Z camera?

Yes, you can use the full-frame FX Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S on a crop-sensor DX Nikon Z camera, like the Z50 or Z fc.

However, the effective focal length will be multiplied by 1.5x e.g., 36-180mm equivalent.

Is the 24-120mm f/4 S a good upgrade from the 24-70mm f/4 S kit lens?

Yes, for many users, it’s a significant upgrade primarily due to the extended telephoto reach up to 120mm, which adds considerable versatility, often without sacrificing optical quality.

Does the 24-120mm f/4 S exhibit significant distortion?

Like most zoom lenses, it has some distortion barrel at wide end, pincushion at telephoto, but it’s generally well-controlled by the optical design and further easily corrected by in-camera profiles and modern RAW processing software.

What kind of aperture blades does the 24-120mm f/4 S have?

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S features a 9-blade rounded diaphragm, which helps to produce smooth and pleasing out-of-focus areas bokeh.