Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/4 S

Nikon introduced this full-frame Z-mount standard zoom in 2018. Its 24–70mm range suits travel, events and everyday photography, from wide interiors to tighter views of people. The range offers varied compositions without changing lenses. Check whether its coverage fits your usual subjects and the space available.

The f/4 maximum aperture is the main trade-off to consider in dim light. It stays available throughout the zoom, but exposure time and ISO still depend on the scene. For a travel kit, weigh that opening against the space and weight you want to carry.

The lens weighs 1 lb 1.6 oz (500 g) and measures 3.05 in (77.5 mm) across and 3.48 in (88.5 mm) long when retracted. Turn the zoom ring out of the retracted position before shooting. Leave room for the extended lens and hood when arranging a camera bag.

Filters screw into a 72mm thread, so any polariser or ND filter you buy must match that size.

At 24mm, the wide view suits interiors, streets and open landscapes. How much fits depends on your position and the scene. At 70mm, a person or detail occupies more of the frame from the same spot. Moving the camera changes perspective as well as framing, so check foreground relationships after a large move.

The f/4 maximum aperture remains available at every focal length. Zooming changes the composition, so a meter reading can still change with the scene. Depth of field depends on aperture, focus distance and focal length. It does not stay constant simply because the maximum aperture is fixed.

A close subject can have a soft background at f/4 when there is enough space behind it. Stop down when more depth is needed for a group or landscape. In dim light, check whether the resulting shutter speed suits camera shake and subject movement.

Closest focus is 1 ft (30 cm), with 0.3x maximum magnification. This range can help with meals, flowers and small travel details. The focus distance is measured from the sensor, so leave room ahead of the lens for light and check that the camera does not shade the subject.

Weather sealing guards against dust and moisture, which helps when you shoot outdoors through changing conditions. A fluorine coating on the front element helps water and oil slide off, so the glass cleans more easily after a damp day. Blow or brush grit away before wiping, as with any lens.

There is no image stabilisation in the lens. A camera with body stabilisation can help with shake. Firm support helps with long exposures of still scenes, but people and wind-blown plants can continue to move. There is no zoom lock switch; check the selected focal length before a sequence.

The 14-element, 11-group design includes three aspherical elements, one ED element and one element that combines both types. Aspherical surfaces help correct distortion and spherical aberration. ED glass helps reduce coloured fringes along high-contrast edges, such as branches against bright sky. Their presence does not establish measured image quality.