Nikon 24-120 Z Review: Revolutionizing Mirrorless Photography

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Post on Mar 09, 2025

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Nikon 24-120mm f/4 Z Review: Revolutionizing Mirrorless Photography?

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens has generated considerable buzz since its release. But does it live up to the hype? Is it truly revolutionary, or just another excellent lens in a crowded market? This in-depth review will explore its performance, features, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right addition to your mirrorless system.

Image Quality: Sharpness, Contrast, and Color Rendition

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S consistently delivers stunning image quality. Sharpness is exceptional across the entire zoom range, even wide open at f/4. Contrast is excellent, resulting in images with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Color rendition is natural and accurate, though easily adjustable in post-processing should you prefer a more stylistic look. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, minimizing the appearance of color fringing, especially in high-contrast situations. Overall, the image quality is a significant strength of this lens, easily rivaling, and in many cases surpassing, competing lenses in its class.

Build Quality and Handling: A Professional-Grade Experience

Nikon's reputation for robust build quality is fully realized in the 24-120mm f/4 S. The lens feels solid and well-constructed, with a premium metal build that inspires confidence. The zoom ring and focus ring are smooth and responsive, offering a satisfying tactile experience. Dust and moisture sealing provide added protection in challenging environments. While the lens is relatively compact for its zoom range, it's still substantial enough to feel substantial in hand, and it balances well on full-frame Z-series cameras.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability

The autofocus performance of the 24-120mm f/4 S is remarkably fast and accurate. It consistently locks onto subjects quickly and reliably, even in low-light conditions. This makes it a highly versatile lens suitable for a wide range of photographic scenarios, from landscapes and portraits to sports and wildlife (though a longer telephoto might be preferred for the latter). The autofocus system's precision is notable, ensuring sharp focus even with challenging subjects.

Versatility and Zoom Range: Covering a Wide Variety of Needs

The 24-120mm focal range is incredibly versatile, providing a wide-angle perspective for landscapes and architectural photography all the way to a moderate telephoto range suitable for portraits and tighter compositions. This makes it an ideal “one-lens wonder” for travel photography or situations where carrying multiple lenses is impractical. Its constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent performance throughout the zoom range, valuable in low light scenarios or when maintaining a shallow depth of field is crucial.

Is the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S worth the price?

The price point of the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S places it firmly in the premium lens category. However, considering its exceptional image quality, robust build, and versatile zoom range, many photographers will find the investment worthwhile. The lens offers professional-grade performance and reliability, making it a valuable asset for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. The long-term value it provides, coupled with its versatility, helps justify the cost for many.

What are the best alternative lenses to the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S?

Several excellent alternatives exist, each with its strengths and weaknesses. These might include lenses with wider maximum apertures (offering better low-light performance), or those with a longer reach. However, few can match the overall balance of versatility, image quality, and build quality offered by the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S. The best alternative will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget.

Is the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S suitable for video recording?

Yes, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S is well-suited for video recording. Its smooth, quiet autofocus operation is a key benefit for videography, ensuring that focus transitions are seamless and unobtrusive. Its constant aperture is also advantageous, as it maintains consistent exposure throughout the zoom range.

What is the closest competitor to this lens?

Direct competitors depend on the mount system, but lenses from Tamron and Sigma offer comparable focal length and aperture ranges within the same price bracket. However, the overall image quality, build quality, and autofocus performance of the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S often place it above these competitors in comparative reviews.

Conclusion: A Top-Tier Performer

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is not just a good lens; it's a great lens that often sets the benchmark for its class. While the price may be a barrier for some, its exceptional performance, build quality, and versatility make it a compelling choice for serious photographers who demand the best. If you're seeking a versatile all-around lens capable of delivering consistently exceptional images, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S deserves serious consideration.