Lens Review, Top 10 ReviewMorten ByskovAugust 06, 2024Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S Review, Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S Review, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S Review, Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S sample images, Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S sample images, Nikon 24-120mm review, Nikkor 24-120mm review, Nikon 24-120mm f4 review2 Comments

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 my long life in photography, I have yet to own a standard zoom lens, and I am often tempted to get one, especially when 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 changing 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 did with it.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S shown on the new Nikon Zf

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 the Z 24-70mm f/4 S.

When this review was posted,, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S retailed for $1,096.95 and was currently sold out, probably due to the recent release of the Nikon Z6 III.

Cabs lined up by Canada Place in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S and Nikon Zf. — 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, or 630 g, which isn’t too bad. However, it is relatively bulky, measuring 3.3 x 4.6" / 84 x 118 mm. Also, keep in mind that 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 Nikon Z 24-120mm in the 24mm position — The Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S in the 24 mm position

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 in the 120mm 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. A function dial on the lens barrel can be set to various parameters. It also has a function button and an AF/MF switch.

The lens hood is adequate in size and functions as expected without issues. However, I would probably leave it behind when unnecessary, as it adds to the bulk of the lens.

The overall feel of the lens is somewhat plasticky, but I say this without judging the build quality. Everything feels rock solid and as if it will stand the test of time. If you are used to metal-constructed lenses, you may have a similar first impression until you get used to the Z 24-120mm f/4 S.

I am sure the design philosophy was to create a light yet versatile zoom option. Nikon has struck a nice balance in this regard, as nothing feels flimsy about this lens.

CIBC Bank Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S and Nikon Zf. — Burrard Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 24mm

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 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 it allows you to cover various topics and scenes.

A stunt pilot at English Bay, Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S and Nikon Zf. — English Bay, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/5.6, 87mm, DX Mode

Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 vs. 24-70mm f/4 vs. 24-70mm f/2.8

If you want something more compact and less weight, the Z 24-70mm f/4 S may be worth a look. The cost of the two lenses is very similar, but for travel or using the lens on a gimbal, I would also consider the 24-70mm.

If a faster f/stop, internal focusing, and ultimate quality are paramount, you should probably look for the 24-70mm f/2.8. Pro photographers who shoot events or sports will likely gravitate toward this option.

Admittedly, I have not tried either of these alternatives, so unfortunately, I cannot comment on the image quality comparisons.

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S shown with the lens hood attached on a Nikon Zf — The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S shown with the lens hood attached

Image Quality

The overall image quality of the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is admirable across the zoom range and only slightly trails behind prime lenses. The colors are vibrant, and I cannot complain about the sharpness.

I accidentally shot some 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 about this lens is the wow factor. You can get this from prime lenses or a slightly faster zoom, but we must be careful and compare apples to apples. This is very good for a zoom lens, and I think I captured a set of pleasing images.

Depending on your monitor size, the sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide. Please click to view larger images or pinch-zoom on your mobile phone.

The Crystal Serenity Cruise ship docked at Canada Place in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S and Nikon Zf. — Canada Place, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/7.1, 24mm

Conclusion

If you had only one lens, the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S would be fine if you are okay with the maximum f/stop of f/4.

It would be somewhat limited to fair-weather shooting unless 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. This way, you would have the best of both worlds: a versatile zoom for any situation that may pop up along your way and a fast prime lens for low light and optimal image quality at your favorite focal length.

Two sail boats take off from the pier in Port Moody, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Nikon Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S and Nikon Zf. — Port Moody, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S @ f/8, 48mm, DX Mode

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 is perhaps less important.

I am on the fence about picking up a standard zoom lens, but I do not question how versatile it can be or why it may be 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

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S - B&H Photo

Nikon Zf - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.