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Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S Review

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is a flexible zoom lens that was created expressly for use with the mirrorless cameras that are part

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The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is a flexible zoom lens that was created expressly for use with the mirrorless cameras that are part of Nikon’s Z-series. This lens has a focal range of 24-120mm, which enables it to cover a wide variety of shooting conditions.

As a result, it is an excellent option for photographing both landscapes and portraits. Because it maintains a maximum aperture of f/4 over the whole zoom range, it is possible to keep exposure settings that are consistent. The lens is constructed using materials of the highest quality and is meticulously engineered, which guarantees its endurance and dependability in a variety of shooting environments.

Key Specs

  • Focal Length: 24-120mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4
  • Lens Mount: Nikon Z
  • Lens Construction: 17 elements in 13 groups
  • Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Elements: 4
  • Aspherical Elements: 1
  • Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating for reduced flare and ghosting
  • Autofocus System: Stepping Motor (STM)
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.45m (1.48ft)
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.24x
  • Vibration Reduction (VR) with up to 5 stops of compensation
  • Customizable Control Ring
  • Weather-Sealed and Dust-Resistant Construction
  • Compatible with Nikon Teleconverters (e.g., TC-1.4x, TC-2.0x)
  • Filter Thread Size: 77mm
  • Dimensions: 89mm (diameter) x 126mm (length)
  • Weight: Approximately 805g (28.4oz)

Performance

Outstanding performance is delivered by the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens, which ensures that photographs captured over the whole zoom range are both crisp and detailed. In order to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions as much as possible, the lens makes use of a number of cutting-edge optical elements, among which are four pieces made of Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and one aspherical element.

As a consequence, the photographs produced have a high level of clarity and precise color reproduction. Even in complex lighting settings, the lens is equipped with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating to cut down on flare and ghosting. These coatings work in tandem to achieve this goal.

Autofocus System

The autofocus mechanism of the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is lightning-quick, pinpoint precise, and whisper-quiet. It uses a stepping motor (STM) for focusing that is both smooth and nearly silent, which is very helpful while taking movies or capturing moments in areas with a lot of background noise.

In addition, the lens has a control ring that can be customized to perform a variety of purposes. These capabilities include manual focus override, exposure correction, and aperture adjustment, among others. Photographers are able to tailor their shooting experiences and have easy access to frequently used settings thanks to this feature.

Vibration Reduction

When shooting handheld or in low-light circumstances, the Vibration Reduction (VR) technology that is integrated into the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is highly successful at decreasing the amount of camera shake that occurs during the exposure.

It is possible to correct for up to five stops of shutter speed, which results in crisper photographs and reduces the requirement for using a tripod. The VR system is designed to integrate smoothly with the in-body image stabilization of Nikon Z-series cameras that are compatible. This results in more excellent stability and a further reduction in the likelihood of blur.

Build Quality

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens has a sturdy build that is both weather-sealed and dust-resistant. Its construction has a robust design. As a result of its resistance to a wide range of atmospheric conditions, it is appropriate for use in outdoor photography.

The lens barrel is constructed out of high-quality materials, giving it the sense of being both sturdy and pleasant to hand. The zoom and focus rings of the lens are quite smooth and accurate, which contributes to the overall build quality and the pleasure of operating the lens.

Handling and Ergonomics

The lens has been developed with ergonomics in mind, making it easy to use and giving controls that are clear and concise. Because of its small size and low weight, it is simple to transport and may be done so for long periods of time without creating discomfort.

Both the zoom and the focus rings feature a smooth rotation, which enables exact changes to be made. The lens also has a control ring that can be personalized, and it is situated towards the front of the lens barrel for your convenience. This ring may be programmed to manage a variety of camera settings, depending on your individual preferences.

Image Stabilization

Optical image stabilization is built into the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens, which helps to reduce blur caused by camera shake and produces photos that are sharper overall. Because the VR system can correct for up to five stops of shutter speed, it makes it possible to shoot handheld, even in challenging lighting circumstances.

This image stabilization feature is beneficial for photos taken in low light or with longer focal lengths, both of which increase the likelihood of blur in the captured image. Because the lens is compatible with the in-body image stabilization included in some Nikon Z-series cameras, it is able to provide an even higher level of stability and, in many instances, eliminate the requirement for the use of a tripod.

Shooting Experience

Because of its extensive zoom range and lightning-fast AF mechanism, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens provides a shooting experience that is very adaptable. This lens produces consistent performance and high-quality images, regardless of whether it is used to capture landscapes, portraits, or ordinary situations.

The camera has a constant aperture of f/4, which lets users have creative control over the depth of focus, and it has a control ring that can be customized, which enables users to have rapid access to frequently used camera settings. The lens was also developed to have a reduced amount of focus breathing, which ensures that video recordings will have smoother transitions and more precise framing.

Image Quality

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens provides photos with superb sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy because of its sophisticated optical design and high-quality glass components. The lens successfully reduces chromatic aberrations and distortions, which ultimately results in photographs that are sharp and detailed.

The Nano Crystal Coat and the Super Integrated Coating both contribute to a further reduction in flare and ghosting, which ultimately results in an improvement to the image quality overall, particularly in difficult lighting circumstances. The picture quality produced by the lens is trustworthy regardless of the focal length at which it is used because of its consistent performance across the whole zoom range.

Teleconverter Compatibility

Because it is compatible with Nikon’s teleconverters, the focal length range of the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens may be expanded, giving it greater versatility. When combined with teleconverters that are compatible with the lens, such as the Nikon Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x or TC-2.0x, the lens is able to attain a greater reach while preserving both its picture quality and its ability to autofocus.

This is especially helpful for wildlife and sports photographers, who want additional reach without sacrificing image quality, and who may take use of this feature.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to other lenses in its class, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens distinguishes out because of its exceptional image quality, flexible focus range, and cutting-edge features. The fact that it maintains an aperture of f/4 throughout the whole zoom range is one of the many things that sets it apart from other zoom lenses with comparable capabilities.

The optical characteristics of the lens, which includes the use of elements with Extra-low Dispersion and aspherical surfaces, when paired with Nikon’s coatings, assure that images will be of a high quality with very few aberrations. In addition, the lens’s compatibility with Nikon’s teleconverters provides photographers with the ability to increase the lens’s focal length range, which offers it an advantage over competing lenses.

Specifications

Mount TypeNikon Z Mount
Focal Length Range24 – 120mm
Zoom Ratio5x
Maximum Aperturef/4
Minimum Aperturef/22
FormatFX
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format)61° – 13°20′
Maximum Angle of View (FX-format)84° – 20°20′
Maximum Reproduction Ratio0.39x
Lens Elements16
Lens Groups13
Diaphragm Blades9 (Rounded diaphragm opening)
ARNEO CoatYes
Nano Crystal CoatYes
ED Glass Elements3
Aspherical Elements3
Aspherical Extra-low Dispersion Glass Elements1
Fluorine CoatYes
AutofocusYes
AF Actuator2 STM (stepping motor)
Internal FocusingYes
Minimum Focus Distance1.15 ft (0.35m) from focal plane at all zoom positions
Focus ModeAuto/Manual
Filter Size77mm (P = 0.75 mm)
Accepts Filter TypeScrew-in
Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length)3.4 in. (84 mm) x 4.7 in. (118 mm)
Approx. Weight22.2 oz. (630 g)
Lens TypeZoom

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Zoom range that is adaptable and may be used in a variety of shooting situations.
  • Outstanding image quality with only a few distracting distortions.
  • Fast, accurate, and silent autofocus technology.

Cons:

  • It’s possible that the maximum aperture of f/4 is not the best choice for photographing in low light.
  • At the widest point of the zoom range, there is some visible distortion.
  • In comparison to other lenses of the same type, this one is huge and weighty.

Price and Availability

When its varied focal range and sophisticated features are taken into consideration, the pricing of the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is found to be among the most favorable in its class. It is possible that the price will change according to the shop and the location, as is the case with many camera lenses.

It is recommended that you verify with authorized Nikon dealers or reputable internet vendors in order to obtain the most current information on price. This lens is readily available through a variety of distribution methods, including Nikon’s official channels, authorized resellers, and internet platforms. It is also advisable to keep an eye out for special offers or bundle deals since these may provide additional value for the money spent.

Conclusion

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is a powerful zoom lens that performs exceptionally well in a variety of different shooting scenarios. Its remarkable performance, along with its sophisticated features like a continuous f/4 aperture, good picture stabilization, and a customizable control ring, makes it a dependable and adaptable tool for photographers.

A satisfactory shooting experience can be achieved with the lens because of its high picture quality, reliable autofocus, and sturdy build quality. The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens produces consistent results and proves to be a great addition to the environment of the Nikon Z-series camera system. This lens may be used to capture landscapes, portraits, or daily situations.

Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S FAQs

Q. What is the focal length range of the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens?
A. The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens has a versatile focal length range of 24mm to 120mm, making it suitable for a wide range of photography subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and close-up shots.

Q. What is the maximum aperture of the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens?
A. The maximum aperture of the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is f/4. This aperture value remains constant throughout the entire zoom range, allowing you to maintain a consistent exposure and depth of field.

Q. Is the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens weather-sealed?
A. Yes, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens features weather-sealing. This makes it resistant to dust, moisture, and other environmental elements, providing added durability and peace of mind when shooting in challenging conditions.

Q. Does the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens have image stabilization?
A. Yes, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is equipped with built-in optical image stabilization (VR) technology. This feature helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images, particularly when shooting at longer focal lengths or in low-light situations.

Q. Is the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens compatible with Nikon Z-mount cameras?
A. Yes, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is specifically designed for Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless cameras. It is fully compatible with Nikon Z series cameras, including the Z6, Z7, Z5, and other Z-mount models, providing seamless integration and optimized performance.

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