Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S | Premium constant aperture all-in-one zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras (wide angle to telephoto) | Nikon USA Model
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AI Verdict
This 1.39-pound f/4 constant aperture zoom covers 24-120mm on FX, gets you 1.15 ft close, and is for Z-series shooters needing a single, optically capable lens.
This lens is a strong fit for Z-series users who want a single, capable lens for diverse shooting. Its 24-120mm f/4 constant aperture range and 1.15 ft close focusing make it incredibly versatile for travel, landscapes, and even portraits, without the need for constant lens changes. It balances optical performance with a manageable 1.39-pound weight.
If you need an internal zoom or a wider aperture for low-light work, look for lenses with f/2.8 or f/1.8 constant apertures.
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Pros
- Delivers sharpness and contrast throughout the 24-120mm zoom range, even at f/4.
- Achieves close focusing down to 1.15 ft (0.35m) at any zoom position, providing 0.39x to 0.42x magnification at 120mm.
- Autofocus uses two high-speed, ultra-quiet STM stepping motors, enabling responsive and accurate focusing with suppressed focus breathing.
- Maintains a constant f/4 aperture across the entire 24-120mm focal range.
- Features robust weather-sealing and Nano/ARNEO coatings for resistance to flare and ghosting.
- The zoom ring is stiff enough to prevent lens creep when facing down.
Cons
- Exhibits barrel distortion at 24mm, which is corrected in-camera or in RAW files.
- Lacks built-in optical image stabilization (VR), relying on the camera's in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
- The lens extends significantly on a double-tube extension when zooming to 120mm.
- Some users report the bokeh can appear busy or have onion-skinning artifacts in out-of-focus highlights.
- The zoom ring's stiffness and minimal turn (80°) can make dialing in small focal length changes challenging.
Dimension Scores
Delivers impressive sharpness and contrast throughout the 24-120mm zoom range, even wide open at f/4, with high-quality S-Line optics.
Equipped with dual STM stepping motors for fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance, capable of tracking action effectively.
Features ultra-quiet STM motors and suppressed focus breathing, making it well-suited for video recording, especially when paired with a Z camera's IBIS.
Weighing 1.39 pounds, it's considered manageable for its versatile 5x zoom range and constant f/4 aperture, though it does extend significantly when zoomed.
Best For
- Travel photography, covering wide-angle to telephoto needs with one lens.
- Landscape photography, offering sharpness from f/8-f/11.
- Portrait photography, especially at 120mm f/4 for pleasing background separation.
- General walk-around and everyday shooting due to its versatile range.
Not Recommended For
- Low-light situations requiring apertures faster than f/4.
- Dedicated macro photography needing 1:1 magnification.
- Action photography where extreme telephoto reach beyond 120mm is crucial.
Watch Out For
- At 24mm, the lens shows strong barrel distortion and dark corners at f/4 in uncorrected RAW files.
- The lens does not have its own Vibration Reduction (VR), so you're relying entirely on your Z camera's IBIS for stabilization.
- The lens extends by 2 inches (52mm) when zooming from 24mm to 120mm, which might affect balance or discretion.
- Nikon does not include a quality lens case; it comes with a flimsy pouch.
- The zoom ring requires a bit of force to turn, which some users find makes precise focal length adjustments harder.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09KHB76TP |
| Brand | Nikon |
| Batteries | 1 AA batteries required. |
| Lens Type | Wide Angle |
| Item Weight | 1.39 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Nikon |
| Item model number | 20105 |
| Product Dimensions | 4.65 x 3.31 x 3.31 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon Z |
| Camera Lens Description | 24-120mm |
| Focal Length Description | 24mm Wide ange to 120mm Telephoto |
What Buyers Say
What really stands out is how many users are genuinely surprised by the optical performance of this 24-120mm f/4 S, often saying it rivals prime lenses in sharpness across its entire range. It’s become the 'never-leaves-my-camera' lens for many because of its incredible versatility for travel and general shooting. While the barrel distortion at 24mm is a known characteristic, it's usually corrected automatically, and the lack of in-lens VR is offset by Z camera IBIS. The extending barrel and stiff zoom ring are minor points, but the overall image quality and autofocus are consistently praised.
“This lens is always on my camera, it's so sharp and I can get so close, but man, that distortion at 24mm without corrections is wild.”
Common Praise
- Razor sharpness and contrast across the entire 24-120mm focal range.
- Ability to focus as close as 1.15 ft, enabling near-macro shots with 0.39x to 0.42x magnification.
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus thanks to dual STM stepping motors.
- The constant f/4 aperture provides consistent exposure and depth of field control.
- The versatile 24-120mm range makes it an ideal single lens for travel and everyday use.
- Weather-sealing and robust build quality provide confidence in various shooting conditions.
Common Complaints
- Noticeable barrel distortion at 24mm, which requires in-camera or post-processing correction.
- Absence of optical image stabilization (VR) in the lens itself.
- The lens extends significantly when zooming from 24mm to 120mm.
- Some users find the bokeh can be 'busy' or exhibit 'onion skinning' in out-of-focus areas.
- The zoom ring is stiff, making subtle focal length adjustments a bit challenging.
Ownership Tips
- The zoom ring has enough resistance to prevent the lens from creeping when pointed downwards.
- The lens extends on a double-tube mechanism, which feels solid with no wobble even at 120mm.
- Nikon doesn't include a proper lens case, just a flimsy pouch.
- The programmable control ring can be set to control aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation.
- The lens relies entirely on the camera's IBIS for stabilization, which works effectively with Z bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S sharp?
Yes, users consistently report it delivers sharpness and contrast across the entire 24-120mm zoom range, even at its widest aperture of f/4.
Is this lens good for travel?
Absolutely, its versatile 24-120mm focal range and manageable 1.39-pound weight make it a popular choice for travel and general walk-around photography, often serving as a single-lens solution.
Does the lens have image stabilization?
No, the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S does not have built-in Vibration Reduction (VR); it relies on the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) found in most Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
How close can this lens focus?
It can focus as close as 1.15 ft (0.35m) from your subject at any zoom position, including 120mm, offering a maximum magnification of 0.39x to 0.42x for near-macro shots.
How is the autofocus performance?
The autofocus system, powered by dual STM stepping motors, is described as fast, quiet, and accurate, making it suitable for both stills and video with virtually no focus breathing.
Buying Guide
When looking at a lens like this, you're essentially buying a 'do-it-all' tool. The focal range, like 24-120mm here, tells you how much of the scene it can capture, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in subjects. A constant aperture, like f/4, means you get the same amount of light gathering ability and background blur across the entire zoom, which is super handy for consistent results. The 'S-Line' designation from Nikon means it's one of their premium lenses, so expect better optical performance and build quality.
Lens Type: Wide Angle to Telephoto
This means the lens covers a broad perspective, from capturing expansive scenes (wide angle, like looking at a whole room) to bringing distant subjects closer (telephoto, like zooming in on a bird). It's like having multiple prime lenses in one, reducing the need to swap lenses.
Weight: 1.39 pounds
This is how much the lens weighs. For a lens with such a wide zoom range and constant aperture, 1.39 pounds is relatively light, making it easier to carry around all day without feeling like you're lugging a brick. Think of it like carrying a small water bottle versus a heavy textbook.
Close Focusing: 1.15 ft (0.35m)
This tells you the minimum distance you can be from your subject and still achieve focus. A short close-focusing distance means you can get really near to small objects, like flowers or food, and fill the frame, giving you 'near-macro' capabilities without needing a dedicated macro lens.
Autofocus: Dual STM Stepping Motors
These motors are responsible for moving the lens elements to achieve focus. 'STM' means they're designed to be quiet and smooth, which is crucial for video recording so you don't hear lens noise. 'Dual' implies faster and more precise focusing, especially for tracking moving subjects.
Alternatives
If this lens doesn't fit, consider looking for lenses with a wider constant aperture (e.g., f/2.8) for better low-light performance and more background blur, or lenses with internal zoom if you prefer a fixed length barrel.
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