Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S Review: The One Zoom Most Nikon Full-Frame Shooters Should Own
If you could only own one lens for Nikon Z full frame, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S would be the strongest candidate. It covers wide angle to short telephoto, holds f/4 through the whole range, and delivers S-line sharpness that rivals Nikon’s f/2.8 zooms. It launched in late 2021 at $1,100, and it’s been the default kit lens on Z6III and Z8 bundles ever since.
That extra reach past 70mm matters more than it sounds. 120mm is a real portrait length, a useful focal length for details and compressed landscapes, and enough to pick out a face across a room at an event.
It weighs about 630 grams and takes a 77mm filter.
Video review: Dustin Abbott
Sharper than it has any right to be
Nikon’s S-line badge means it meets their top optical standard, and it shows. Sharpness is excellent across the frame from f/4 at nearly every focal length, holding up on the 45.7MP Z8. Contrast and flare resistance are strong.
Close focus is a hidden strength: 35 centimeters across the range, giving up to 0.39x magnification at 120mm. You can shoot near-macro details without swapping lenses.
Handling
Autofocus uses two synchronized stepping motors. It’s fast, quiet and accurate, and smooth enough for video. There’s a customizable control ring you can set to aperture, ISO or exposure compensation, a separate focus ring, an A/M switch and an assignable function button.
It’s dust and drip resistant with a fluorine coating on the front element.
The limits
f/4 means less light and less background blur than an f/2.8 zoom. In dim churches or evening receptions you’ll be working at higher ISO.
There’s no optical stabilization in the lens. Every Nikon full-frame Z body has in-body stabilization, so that’s rarely a problem.
At 630 grams it’s not small. On a Zf or Z5II it’s balanced but noticeable. If you want something lighter, Nikon’s 24-70mm f/4 S or the newer 24-105mm f/4-7.1 are smaller.
Who should buy it
Travel, landscape and event photographers. Anyone buying a Nikon full-frame body who wants one excellent lens to start with. Wedding shooters looking for a flexible second zoom.
If you shoot mostly in low light or want more blur, the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the step up. For range, sharpness and versatility, the 24-120mm f/4 S is the smarter all-rounder for most people.