If ever there was one Nikon lens to rule them all, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S would be top of my list. It’s not the most versatile Nikon Z lens out there, but I think it offers the best balance between image quality, portability, and versatility. The Nikon 24-120mm is so sharp that it essentially matches the performance of the Nikon Z 24-70 f/4 S, while offering a further 50mm of headroom. Which begs the question, why would anybody bother with the latter? Extra portability and budget (although prices aren't that different) are the only viable answers.The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S isn't particularly compact for its focal length, weighing in at 630g and measuring 84 x 118mm (3.4 x 4.7in), but it’s inherently a lot smaller than the Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR. And that’s important to me. The Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is a fantastic lens that boasts excellent image quality. But versatility isn’t the be-all and end-all. A versatile lens is only worth it if you’re prepared to live with it on a regular basis – and that’s where I think the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S shines.
It’s small enough that it can live on your Z-series camera, whether you’re going on a photo walk, an outing, or travelling. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a pocketable, everyday lens in the same vein as a pancake or a miniature zoom like the Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3. But if you want a versatile zoom range that can cover landscapes, street, architecture, close-ups and portraits – not to mention low-budget videography (there’s next to no focus breathing) – this is an exemplary optic.If I had to choose one discipline where I think it excels above all else, it’s landscape photography. I’ve known professional landscape photographers to use this lens. The f/4 aperture is more than wide enough for most landscape applications, bar astrophotography, and the image quality – although not quite what you’d expect from a Z-series trinity standard zoom – is good enough, even for professional use. Add to that the small footprint and the ability to crop into the scene with that 24-120mm zoom range and this is an outstanding landscape companion. Mind you, so is the Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR, if you anticipate yourself needing even more reach.
Oh, and the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is great value, too. It retails for $1,149.95 / £1,049, and at the time of writing it’s actually on sale for $999.95 / £799, with used prices quite a bit lower. And of course, it can be bundled as a kit lens with many Nikon cameras. So there you have it, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S, a lens so good, it made the already fantastic Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S almost redundant.
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