Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S Review
The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S mounted on the new Nikon Zf
Hands-On Review of the Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S With Sample Images on the Nikon Zf
One of the Most Popular Zoom Lenses For Nikon Z Cameras
During a long life in photography, I have yet to own a standard zoom lens, ever, and yet I am often tempted to get one, especially when I planning future photo shoots, upcoming events, or travel.
The lure is obvious. Carry just one lens instead of a bunch of primes which tends to weigh you down. With a zoom lens, you cover a range of focal lengths without having to change lenses which may result in getting shots you otherwise would have missed while fiddling with your gear.
The Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S is one of the most popular choices for Nikon Z cameras and I was curious to see why. My friend Chris, was kind enough to send me on my way with his Nikon Zf and 24-120mm f/4 for this review. Let’s see how I got on with it.
Introduction
Introduced in late 2021, the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S joined two other lenses in the standard zoom range, the Z 24-70mm f/4 S, $996.95, and the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, $2.396.95. The three lenses all belong in the best Nikkor Z lens category carrying the S badge.
The 24-120mm offered Nikon shooters an interesting choice in this segment with slightly more reach on the long end while maintaining a fixed aperture throughout the zoom range at a cost very close to that of the Z 24-70mm f/4 S.
When this review was posted the the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S retailed for $1,096.95 as was currently sold out, probably due to the recent release of the Nikon Z6 III.
Canada Place, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 120mm
Specs, Build Quality, and Handling
The Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S weighs 1.4 lb, 630 g, which isn’t too bad but it is fairly bulky with dimensions of 3.3 x 4.6" / 84 x 118 mm and keep in mind it does not have internal focusing, meaning the lens will protrude as you zoom in (see photos below).
The optical formula consists of 16 elements in 13 groups, mentioning ED and aspherical elements and ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings.
It has 9 rounded aperture blades and takes 77mm filters. The minimum focusing distance is an impressive 1.1', 35 cm, and I wish I had challenged this more in this review. The 24-120mm is weather sealed.
The Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S in the 24 mm position
The Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S in the 120mm position
The zoom rings feel marvelous with the appropriate amount of dampening. It feels consistent and does not creep. There is a function dial on the lens barrel That can be set to various parameters. It also has a function button and an AF/MF switch.
The lens hood is of adequate size and functions the way you would expect it to with no issues. I would probably leave it behind when not needed as it does add to the bulk of the lens.
The overall feel of the lens is somewhat plasticky and I say this without being able to fault the build quality. Everything feels rock solid as if it will stand the test of time but if you are used to metal-constructed lenses you may have a similar first impression until you get used to Z 24-120mm f/4 S.
I am sure the design philosophy was to create a light and yet versatile zoom option and I think Nikon has struck a nice balance in this regard as nothing feels flimsy on this lens.
In Action
I reviewed the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S simultaneously with two Viltrox prime lenses and I found myself gravitating to the Nikkor 24-120mm more so, the other lenses being at the 16mm and 40mm focal length.
Part of this could be the fact that I rarely shoot beyond 50mm these days and the novelty of having a variety of focal lengths at your fingertips was a breath of fresh air.
The zoom range of 24-120mm is significant and you can cover a huge variety of topics and scenes in this range.
Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 vs. 24-70mm f/4 vs. 24-70mm f/2.8
If you want something more compact and with less weight the Z 24-70mm f/4 S may be worth a look. The cost of the two lenses are very similar but for travel or if you use the lens on a gimbal, I would consider the 24-70mm also.
If a faster f/stop, internal focusing, and ultimate quality are paramount to you, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is probably what you are looking for. Pro photographers who shoot events or sports will most likely gravitate towards this option.
Admittedly, I have not tried either of these two alternatives so unfortunately I cannot comment on the image quality comparisons.
The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S shown with the lens hood attached
Image Quality
The overall image quality from the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is admirable across the zoom range and only trails slightly behind prime lenses from what I can see. The colors are vibrant and I cannot complain about the sharpness.
I accidentally shot a chunk of the sample images for this review in DX mode, meaning a 1.5x crop and file sizes of approximately 10 megapixels instead of 24 megapixels on the Nikon Zf.
Even at 10 megapixels, the files look okay and I believe the DX mode is a very legit option, especially if you use the 24-120mm with the Nikon Z8, Z9, or Z7 II which all have a 45.7-megapixel sensor.
The only thing I miss in this lens is the wow factor you can get from a prime lens or a slightly faster zoom but we have to be careful and compare apples to apples. For a zoom lens, this is very good and I think I came out with a set of pleasing images during a very short period.
The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger images or pinch-zoom if on your mobile phone.
Conclusion
If you were to have only one lens, the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S could do a fine job as long as you are okay with the maximum f/stop of f/4.
It would be somewhat limiting to fair weather shooting unless you you don’t need faster shutter speeds for your type of photography and shoot mainly with a tripod or take advantage of the IBIS, in-body-image-stabilization, in your camera.
If you have your heart set on the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S, I suggest pairing it with one of the faster prime lenses and you would have the best of both worlds; a versatile zoom for any situation that may pop up along your way and fast prime lens for low light and optimal image quality at your favorite focal length.
I would rate the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S as a solid piece of kit and understand why many photographers have picked it as their do-it-all zoom. This especially goes for landscape photographers of travel where having a fast f-stop perhaps is less important.
I am on the fence in regards to picking up a standard zoom lens but do not question how versatile it can be or why it may be exactly the right tool for a job.
Pros
Admirable image quality across the zoom range
A constant f-stop
Solid build quality
Lightweight
Cons
Size
Please see more sample images below
Price / Availability
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Check the current price at B&H Photo
Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S - B&H Photo
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Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S - Sample Images
Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Lightroom and some of the photos have been cropped slightly and some are captured in DX Mode.
Please click to view larger images.
Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 24mm
Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 40mm
Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 103mm
Downtown, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 115mm
Marine Building, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 55mm
False Creek, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 120mm, DX Mode
Vancouver Harbour, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/4, 120mm, DX Mode
Canada Place, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/11, 86mm, DX Mode
Harbour Air, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/11, 68mm, DX Mode
English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 120mm, DX Mode
English Bay, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/4, 120mm DX Mode
English Bay, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/4, 24mm DX Mode
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