Lens Logic Verdict
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a great lens for anyone who needs a single lens for many different kinds of photos. It’s sharp, works well in different light, and is easy to carry. The lens is perfect for both beginners and experienced photographers. You can use it for landscapes, portraits, or even travel photos. It gives you a lot of flexibility and still delivers high-quality images. While it’s a bit heavy, it’s well-built and does its job well.
Pros
- Excellent image quality and sharpness
- Versatile focal length range (24-120mm)
- Constant f/4 aperture
- Great for both landscapes and portraits
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- Slightly heavy for some users
- No weather-sealing
- Can be expensive
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The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a lens that can do it all. It gives you a wide view at 24mm and zooms all the way to 120mm for detailed close-ups. With a constant f/4 aperture, your shots stay bright and clear, no matter how much you zoom in or out.
This lens is perfect for landscapes, portraits, and travel photography. You don’t need to switch lenses as you move from wide scenes to tight portraits. It’s all in one.
The f/4 aperture helps keep things simple too. You don’t have to worry about adjusting settings all the time. It’s easy to use, especially for beginners, but still powerful enough for experienced photographers.
The lens is light and compact, making it easy to carry on your travels. Whether you’re exploring the city or hiking a mountain, you can trust this lens to deliver sharp, vibrant photos. It’s made to perform in all conditions and deliver stunning results every time.
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S Overview: A Lens for Every Shot
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a lens that works in many different situations. With a 24-120mm focal length, it lets you shoot wide landscapes and zoom in on small details. You don’t need to carry multiple lenses—this one does it all.
The lens has a constant f/4 aperture. That means the lens keeps the same brightness, no matter how much you zoom. Whether you’re in bright sunlight or the evening light, your photos stay sharp.
You can also get close to your subject with this lens. It has a close focusing distance, which makes it a good choice for macro photography. You can capture tiny details like flowers or textures with ease.
This lens is for everyone—from new photographers to experienced pros. It’s simple to use and delivers amazing results in landscape, travel, and portrait photography. The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a great tool to have in your camera bag because it can handle almost any situation.
Let’s dive into the design and build quality of this lens to see how it holds up to everyday use.
Design and Build Quality: Strong and Comfortable
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens feels strong yet light. It’s made of metal, so it has a solid build. Even though it’s tough, it’s still easy to carry around, which makes it great for long photo shoots or travel.
This lens is weather-sealed, meaning it’s built to handle the outdoors. It can stand up to rain and dust, so you don’t need to worry if you’re shooting in challenging conditions. Whether you’re in a dusty desert or a light rain, this lens can take it.
It has a comfortable grip and feels well-balanced when you attach it to your Nikon Z-series camera. You can hold it easily for long periods without feeling tired. The control ring lets you adjust the aperture or focus smoothly, giving you more control over your shots.
Overall, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is built to last and made for comfort. It’s light enough to carry all day but strong enough to handle rough conditions. You’ll enjoy using it whether you’re on a trip or shooting for hours at an event.
Optical Performance of the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S
Sharp and Clear Images
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S gives you clear, sharp images from the edge to the center. Whether you’re shooting at 24mm or zoomed in at 120mm, the lens keeps everything in focus. You’ll notice the difference, especially when shooting landscapes, where you want every little detail to pop, or portraits, where sharpness on the subject matters.
Smooth Backgrounds (Bokeh)
This lens also makes smooth, blurry backgrounds that make your subject stand out. It handles out-of-focus areas really well, making the background look soft and natural. If you like taking portraits, the bokeh helps the subject look sharp while the background stays blurred.
No Color Problems or Flare
The lens controls things like color fringing and flare. When you shoot in bright light, you won’t see strange color edges around objects. Your photos will look more natural, with accurate colors, even in tricky lighting.
Good for Low Ligh
In low light, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S still works well. It keeps the details sharp, even when the light isn’t great. You can shoot at 120mm or 24mm and get clear photos without needing a super fast lens.
Perfect for Landscapes and Portraits
This lens is great for both landscapes and portraits. It gives true-to-life colors that look great in any photo. Whether you’re taking wide scenic shots or close-up portraits, the lens helps your photos come out looking professional.
Autofocus and Stabilization: Smooth and Steady Shots
Fast and Quiet Autofocus
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S focuses fast and quietly. It uses a special motor that helps it lock onto your subject without making any noise. This is perfect if you’re filming or shooting in quiet places. The lens is quick, so you don’t miss a shot, even when your subject moves.
Focus Even in Low Light
Even in low light, this lens works great. Whether you’re shooting indoors or at night, the autofocus stays sharp. You won’t have trouble getting clear photos, even when the light is dim. The Z 24-120mm f/4 S also follows moving subjects well. If you’re taking pictures of people walking or animals running, the focus stays right where it should.
In-Lens Stabilization for Clear Photos
The lens has in-lens stabilization to help keep your photos sharp. If you’re holding the camera without a tripod, the lens reduces the shake from your hands. It’s especially helpful when you take pictures with a slow shutter speed, like in dim light or when zoomed in at 120mm.
Works with Camera’s IBIS for Extra Stability
When you pair the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S with a Nikon Z-series camera, the lens works together with the camera’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This combination gives you even more steady shots. Whether you’re walking or shooting at night, your photos and videos stay smooth and clear.
Comparisons with Similar Lenses
| Feature | Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S | Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S | Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM | Sony 24-105mm f/4 G OSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom Range | 24-120mm | 24-70mm | 24-105mm | 24-105mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/4 | f/4 | f/4 |
| Image Stabilization | Yes (In-lens) | Yes (In-lens) | Yes (In-lens) | Yes (In-lens + IBIS) |
| Autofocus Speed | Fast & Silent | Fast & Silent | Fast & Silent | Fast & Silent |
| Build Quality | Weather-sealed, strong | Compact, lightweight | L-series, durable, weather-sealed | Strong, weather-sealed |
| Max Magnification | 0.26x | 0.22x | 0.24x | 0.31x |
| Price | Mid-range | Mid-range | High-end | Mid-range |
| Weight | 630g | 500g | 700g | 663g |
| Best Use | Travel, Versatility | Lightweight, Compact | Durability, Image Quality | Sports, Wildlife |
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S vs Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S gives you more zoom. It reaches 120mm, while the Z 24-70mm f/4 S only goes up to 70mm. This makes the Z 24-120mm better if you need to zoom in farther. Both lenses have the same f/4 aperture, so they let in the same amount of light. If you want more flexibility for different shots, the Z 24-120mm is the winner. But if you need something smaller and lighter, the Z 24-70mm could be a better choice.
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S vs Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM and the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S are very similar in zoom range. The Canon has a solid build, and it’s part of Canon’s L-series, which means it’s very durable. The Nikon gives you a bit more zoom with its 120mm reach. Both lenses have great sharpness, but if you need the extra zoom, the Nikon might be the better choice.
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S vs Sony 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
The Sony 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is a strong lens with fast autofocus. It’s great for quick-moving subjects, but the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S gives you more zoom, going up to 120mm. Both lenses offer sharp images, but if you want extra zoom and better stability for handheld shots, the Nikon Z 24-120mm could be the one for you.
Conclusion: A Lens for Every Photographer
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a great choice for many types of photography. It works well for landscapes, portraits, and everyday shots. With a zoom range from wide to medium telephoto, you can capture almost anything without switching lenses. The f/4 aperture helps you get clear photos in different lighting, and the lens is fast enough for most situations.
This lens is also sturdy. It’s built to last with weather sealing, so you can take it outside in different conditions. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this lens will serve you well. It’s easy to use and produces high-quality photos. If you want a lens that can handle almost everything, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a solid option.