Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm F/4 S

This Nikon Z zoom covers 24–120mm on full-frame cameras. The range suits travel, events, portraits and everyday scenes. You can show a broad view, then give one person or a detail more of the frame without changing lenses. Nikon introduced it in 2021.

The main trade-offs are the f/4 maximum aperture and lack of built-in stabilization. A wider opening gives more light in dim venues. The broad range is useful when your day moves between scenery, streets and people.

The lens weighs 1 lb 6.2 oz (630 g). Its barrel measures 3.31 in (84 mm) across and 4.65 in (118 mm) long, a moderate package for a zoom with this reach. Any screw-in filter must match the 77mm front thread.

At 24mm, you can include more of an interior or a landscape from one position. The middle settings suit people with their surroundings. At 120mm, distant details become larger. Where you stand determines perspective; zooming changes how much of the scene you include.

During a walk or event, the range can reduce lens changes when the subject distance changes. It does not replace a change of viewpoint if something blocks your subject or the background is distracting. A short move can improve the composition more than a zoom adjustment.

The maximum aperture remains f/4 throughout the zoom. You can retain that opening as you reframe, though a different part of the scene may need a different exposure. In a dim room, you may need a higher ISO to retain enough shutter speed for a moving person.

Closest focus is 1.1 ft (35 cm) throughout the zoom, measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification reaches 0.39x at 120mm, useful for flowers and everyday objects. Leave room ahead of the glass and avoid shading a nearby subject. At close distances, focus carefully and stop down if more depth is needed.

There is no stabilization in the lens. A camera with body stabilization can reduce shake for still scenes. Small hand movements have a greater effect on the image at 120mm. Firm support is useful for slow exposures. A moving person still needs enough shutter speed for their movement.

Dust and moisture resistance help outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. Fluorine coating helps water and oily marks wipe away from the front glass. Remove loose grit before cleaning, especially after working near sand or soil.

The rotary zoom ring changes framing manually. There is no zoom lock switch. Keep the lens supported while carrying the camera between locations.

The design uses four aspherical elements, one of which also uses ED glass. Aspherical surfaces help correct distortion and spherical aberration, which can bend lines or soften detail. The ED-aspherical element and three further ED elements help reduce coloured fringes along high-contrast edges. Internal focusing keeps barrel length unchanged while focus moves.