Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S | Premium constant aperture all-in-one zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras (wide angle to telephoto) | Nikon USA Model
Camera compatibility: Compatible with FX and DX format Nikon Z series mirrorless (24mm-120mm on an FX format Z camera), (36mm – 180mm on a DX format Z camera).
Close focusing: Show the smallest details by getting as close as 1.15 ft. from your subject at any zoom position, including 120mm.
Autofocus: Autofocus is split between two high-speed, ultra-quiet STM stepping motors, enabling close focusing, edge-to-edge sharpness and virtually no color bleeding or focus breathing.
Custom control ring: Turn the ring on the lens to control, aperture, ISO or exposure compensation.
Dedicated manual focusing ring for smooth and precise manual focusing.
Product Dimensions
4.65 x 3.31 x 3.31 inches
Item Weight
1.39 pounds
Item model number
20105
Batteries
1 AA batteries required.
Date First Available
October 28, 2021
Manufacturer
Nikon
13 reviews for Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S | Premium constant aperture all-in-one zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras (wide angle to telephoto) | Nikon USA Model
Rated 5 out of 5
me –
I have only used a on one trip but it is very sharp but it is terrible in low light.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sam –
Light weight, sharp and now my perfect focal length. Paired with the z 14-30 f/4, I’m almost set for anything.
Rated 5 out of 5
Bedak –
The zoom range is perfect for making videos my grandchildren. It is sharp and smooth. It takes great photos as well and for most of my uses it is fast enough.
Rated 5 out of 5
elglobez –
This review is for the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S.
Preamble: When buying this lens through Amazon, be sure to check which seller you purchase from. If you want a Canadian warranty, be sure to buy from a Nikon-Canada authorized reseller.
Having had the F-mount version of this lens as well as the Z 24-70 f/4 S and the Z 24-200mm VR lenses, I have to say: This one trumps them all in the metrics that mean the most to me. – Compared to the F mount version, this lens is sharper and lighter; on a Z body, no FTZ adapter is needed. – Compared to the Z 24-70 f/4 S, the Z 24-120 is only a bit bigger but offers higher magnification at close focus, a less restrictive focal range and doesn’t require being extended before use. The Z 24-70 is nonetheless an equally superb f/4 optic. – Compared to the Z 24-200mm VR, the Z 24-120 S is measurably sharper across the range, not a lot heavier (but somewhat bigger, yes) and has its f/4 constant aperture. While the 24-200 has VR, you need VR with a lens that is already at f/5.6 by 50mm: While the 24-200 is more compact, I prefer the only slightly heavier Z 24-120 for its closer focus, tremendous sharpness and f/4 aperture throughout the range.
– I can pair the 24-120 with a 100-400 and be on my way for a nature hike. – I can pair it with a 180-600 for a two-lens wildlife adventure. – I can pair it with a 70-200 or, my preference, the 70-180, for event photography. – Add a UWA lens to the 24-120 for a useful 2 lens travel kit.
The only thing it doesn’t do is f/2.8 so, if that’s needed, then this isn’t the lens! lol
Otherwise, what you’ve read in the reviews about the Z 24-120 S is true. It’s sharp. It’s reasonably compact and lightweight for what it offers. Combined with a body with IBIS, it is useful in a broad range of ambient light. It offers useful close focus. It’s a lens that just helps.
It isn’t a fast prime lens but you can buy those. For everything else, this is, IMO, a foundation lens worth considering. Recommended accordingly.
Rated 5 out of 5
user name –
No te vas a arrepentir
Rated 5 out of 5
funkermudgeon –
My favorite 24-whatever for the Nikon Z. I like using the 24-200 for those times when I have to travel light and know I will have enough light to deal with. I like using the 24-70 f4 when I am videoing, it compliments my 14-30 f4 extremely well, both compacting down small and are light weight for travel and have outstanding image resolution. But this lens is on a different level. It produces some amazing images, offers a wide range and stays a constant f4 throughout. It is the perfect compromise between the 24-70 f4 and the 24-200 f4-6.3. One thing in particular I enjoy is the function button that is missing on the other 24-xx lenses I have. I use this button constantly and now that I am used to it, it’s difficult for me to shoot without it. The 24-120 f4 has replaced the other 24-xx lenses I have for 99% of my usage.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sam –
I purchased a Z5 in April of 2021 and the 2 lens options were the 24-50 and 24-200. Naturally I went with the 24-200 and was very pleased with it’s versatility, but the image quality left a little to be desired especially in the corners and in lower light. When the 24-120 was introduced I started saving my pennies and am glad I did. The fixed F4 keeps the ISO down, and the shutter speed up when zooming in. I did a controlled test of the 24-120 vs my 24-200 and the image quality differences are noticeable. In the center both lenses are sharp and detailed at all apertures, but in the corners the 24-120 is much sharper and perfectly usable even wide open. At 24mm where both lenses are at F4 the 24-120 is much better for both corner sharpness and vignetting. The 24-200 only gets to a reasonable level of sharpness in the corners at F11 and it’s still worse than the 24-120 at F4. The same story applies at 50mm, but now the 24-200 is wide open at F5.6. At 120mm the 2 lenses are actually the same in overall sharpness at all aperatures, but then the 24-200 is at a slow F6.3 compared to the F4. At 200mm the 24-200 needs to be stoped down to really get the best out of it, wide open it’s soft in the whole image, at F9 it sharpens up nicely corner to corner, but it only matches the 24-120 at 120mm wide open. So the 24-120 F4S is the much better lens in a similar size to the 24-200. If you can spend the few hundred extra for the 24-120 I’d highly recommend it.
Rated 4 out of 5
Roberto –
El lente es impecable. El vendedor Makacel lo entregó incluso antes del tiempo estipulado. El problema es que Amazon pone a varios vendedores dentro de la misma publicación. La publicación no dice que el producto es “importado”. En mi caso, no pude obtener una factura mexicana, sino una factura tipo recibo. Si esto es un problema para ti, ten cuidado.
Rated 5 out of 5
BD Fordyce –
Excelente producto
Rated 5 out of 5
Vato –
This is my favorite zoom lens!!! I have a lot of lenses but this one is the one! Super sharp nice bokeh, impressive zoom range! F4 is enough for a lot of situations. Even with my 2.8 lens I rarely use 2.8. This lens is really good and I think that Nikon did something amazing with this lens. It is much cheaper than bulky 24 70 2.8 and is much lighter. I think that the picture quality is as good as the pro 2.8. I recommend it to anyone using a full frame Nikon z camera.
Rated 5 out of 5
Mr. Richard Hart –
I have used a lot of lenses over the years of many brands. I have a Nikon Z30 and Z5. I used this lens with both cameras. Photos were great right off. Colors looked great, no weird chroma stuff. I used the lens in the grey cloudy rain and in +30 bright sunlight. It performs great in any condition. It is kinda pricey, but if you can wait for a sale or do the Amazon 12 months thing it’s not as bad to the pocket book.
Rated 5 out of 5
RoJoe –
This is an excellent lens. Its sharpness, focus speed and the close reach are excellent. I use it on a Nikon Z9 and being an f4 lens does not seem to be that much of a concern in low light conditions as it is working great. The lens seems to be well constructed. Till date, I was using the Full frame DSLR lenses from Nikon using the FTZII converter. This is my first Z lens and I am impressed!
Rated 4 out of 5
John Boyle –
I received the 24-120mm lens yesterday and have had a small amount of time to test it. I have been waiting for this lens to come out since the Z7 was announced. And then a few months more from the official announcement for the order to be fulfilled. The zoom range on this lens is going to cover most people’s needs which makes it a must have for most people.
As mentioned the zoom range is huge. This will suit most needs. Yes the 24-200mm has a longer reach, however the size of the aperture reduces too, making it great for many uses, but challenging in low light or when inside. The 24-120mm lens is larger than the 24-200mm. So if you want a small compact lens, the 24-70mm kit lens is probably a better choice. A simple truth is that better glass means bigger lenses. f4 is fine. Anything wider increases the likeliness of it being out of focus.
There is no image stabilization in the lens which does make a noticeable difference. My Z7 body has stabilization. Nikon et al will say to increase the iso. You might see blur when shooting at 120mm below 1/125th without it on. I haven’t fully tested to see the slowest possible hand held exposure.
Looking through the viewfinder, the image quality looks very sharp. This isnt going to be prime lens sharp. For most uses, I would rather use the 24-120 than carrying and having to be changing lenses all day. If you are pixel peeping more than capturing images then your images are never going to be great anyway. Focus on great composition, lighting and what is happening in the frame. Whoever gets asked what lens they used by someone admiring an image?
I managed to get some zoomed in macro shots of plant stamen with a very very shallow depth of field. The closet focus distance from the lens is probably about 6 inches at 120mm. Macro extension tubes will get you closer for little money.
The focus is generally pretty quick although can take a few seconds when going from closest to furthest. It also got lost on a couple occasions, taking a few seconds longer.
I dont think the 24-120mm will be compatible with the Nikon teleconverters. I dont know if there are others. At the widest zoom, the glass will collide.
The filter thread is 72mm which means I dont have to buy a whole new set as this is the same as older Nikon lenses.
There is a function button and aperture ring that you can program. For example focus lock or to adjust the aperture.
The build quality is pretty solid. The body is a hard plastic like Z bodies. The mount is metal. There isnt any play in the barrel.
Over all I am very pleased with the purchase! I will add images when possible.
me –
I have only used a on one trip but it is very sharp but it is terrible in low light.
Sam –
Light weight, sharp and now my perfect focal length. Paired with the z 14-30 f/4, I’m almost set for anything.
Bedak –
The zoom range is perfect for making videos my grandchildren. It is sharp and smooth. It takes great photos as well and for most of my uses it is fast enough.
elglobez –
This review is for the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S.
Preamble: When buying this lens through Amazon, be sure to check which seller you purchase from. If you want a Canadian warranty, be sure to buy from a Nikon-Canada authorized reseller.
Having had the F-mount version of this lens as well as the Z 24-70 f/4 S and the Z 24-200mm VR lenses, I have to say: This one trumps them all in the metrics that mean the most to me.
– Compared to the F mount version, this lens is sharper and lighter; on a Z body, no FTZ adapter is needed.
– Compared to the Z 24-70 f/4 S, the Z 24-120 is only a bit bigger but offers higher magnification at close focus, a less restrictive focal range and doesn’t require being extended before use. The Z 24-70 is nonetheless an equally superb f/4 optic.
– Compared to the Z 24-200mm VR, the Z 24-120 S is measurably sharper across the range, not a lot heavier (but somewhat bigger, yes) and has its f/4 constant aperture. While the 24-200 has VR, you need VR with a lens that is already at f/5.6 by 50mm: While the 24-200 is more compact, I prefer the only slightly heavier Z 24-120 for its closer focus, tremendous sharpness and f/4 aperture throughout the range.
– I can pair the 24-120 with a 100-400 and be on my way for a nature hike.
– I can pair it with a 180-600 for a two-lens wildlife adventure.
– I can pair it with a 70-200 or, my preference, the 70-180, for event photography.
– Add a UWA lens to the 24-120 for a useful 2 lens travel kit.
The only thing it doesn’t do is f/2.8 so, if that’s needed, then this isn’t the lens! lol
Otherwise, what you’ve read in the reviews about the Z 24-120 S is true. It’s sharp. It’s reasonably compact and lightweight for what it offers. Combined with a body with IBIS, it is useful in a broad range of ambient light. It offers useful close focus. It’s a lens that just helps.
It isn’t a fast prime lens but you can buy those. For everything else, this is, IMO, a foundation lens worth considering. Recommended accordingly.
user name –
No te vas a arrepentir
funkermudgeon –
My favorite 24-whatever for the Nikon Z. I like using the 24-200 for those times when I have to travel light and know I will have enough light to deal with. I like using the 24-70 f4 when I am videoing, it compliments my 14-30 f4 extremely well, both compacting down small and are light weight for travel and have outstanding image resolution. But this lens is on a different level. It produces some amazing images, offers a wide range and stays a constant f4 throughout. It is the perfect compromise between the 24-70 f4 and the 24-200 f4-6.3. One thing in particular I enjoy is the function button that is missing on the other 24-xx lenses I have. I use this button constantly and now that I am used to it, it’s difficult for me to shoot without it. The 24-120 f4 has replaced the other 24-xx lenses I have for 99% of my usage.
Sam –
I purchased a Z5 in April of 2021 and the 2 lens options were the 24-50 and 24-200. Naturally I went with the 24-200 and was very pleased with it’s versatility, but the image quality left a little to be desired especially in the corners and in lower light. When the 24-120 was introduced I started saving my pennies and am glad I did. The fixed F4 keeps the ISO down, and the shutter speed up when zooming in. I did a controlled test of the 24-120 vs my 24-200 and the image quality differences are noticeable. In the center both lenses are sharp and detailed at all apertures, but in the corners the 24-120 is much sharper and perfectly usable even wide open. At 24mm where both lenses are at F4 the 24-120 is much better for both corner sharpness and vignetting. The 24-200 only gets to a reasonable level of sharpness in the corners at F11 and it’s still worse than the 24-120 at F4. The same story applies at 50mm, but now the 24-200 is wide open at F5.6. At 120mm the 2 lenses are actually the same in overall sharpness at all aperatures, but then the 24-200 is at a slow F6.3 compared to the F4. At 200mm the 24-200 needs to be stoped down to really get the best out of it, wide open it’s soft in the whole image, at F9 it sharpens up nicely corner to corner, but it only matches the 24-120 at 120mm wide open. So the 24-120 F4S is the much better lens in a similar size to the 24-200. If you can spend the few hundred extra for the 24-120 I’d highly recommend it.
Roberto –
El lente es impecable. El vendedor Makacel lo entregó incluso antes del tiempo estipulado. El problema es que Amazon pone a varios vendedores dentro de la misma publicación. La publicación no dice que el producto es “importado”. En mi caso, no pude obtener una factura mexicana, sino una factura tipo recibo. Si esto es un problema para ti, ten cuidado.
BD Fordyce –
Excelente producto
Vato –
This is my favorite zoom lens!!! I have a lot of lenses but this one is the one! Super sharp nice bokeh, impressive zoom range! F4 is enough for a lot of situations. Even with my 2.8 lens I rarely use 2.8. This lens is really good and I think that Nikon did something amazing with this lens. It is much cheaper than bulky 24 70 2.8 and is much lighter. I think that the picture quality is as good as the pro 2.8. I recommend it to anyone using a full frame Nikon z camera.
Mr. Richard Hart –
I have used a lot of lenses over the years of many brands. I have a Nikon Z30 and Z5. I used this lens with both cameras. Photos were great right off. Colors looked great, no weird chroma stuff. I used the lens in the grey cloudy rain and in +30 bright sunlight. It performs great in any condition. It is kinda pricey, but if you can wait for a sale or do the Amazon 12 months thing it’s not as bad to the pocket book.
RoJoe –
This is an excellent lens. Its sharpness, focus speed and the close reach are excellent. I use it on a Nikon Z9 and being an f4 lens does not seem to be that much of a concern in low light conditions as it is working great. The lens seems to be well constructed. Till date, I was using the Full frame DSLR lenses from Nikon using the FTZII converter. This is my first Z lens and I am impressed!
John Boyle –
I received the 24-120mm lens yesterday and have had a small amount of time to test it. I have been waiting for this lens to come out since the Z7 was announced. And then a few months more from the official announcement for the order to be fulfilled. The zoom range on this lens is going to cover most people’s needs which makes it a must have for most people.
As mentioned the zoom range is huge. This will suit most needs. Yes the 24-200mm has a longer reach, however the size of the aperture reduces too, making it great for many uses, but challenging in low light or when inside. The 24-120mm lens is larger than the 24-200mm. So if you want a small compact lens, the 24-70mm kit lens is probably a better choice. A simple truth is that better glass means bigger lenses. f4 is fine. Anything wider increases the likeliness of it being out of focus.
There is no image stabilization in the lens which does make a noticeable difference. My Z7 body has stabilization. Nikon et al will say to increase the iso. You might see blur when shooting at 120mm below 1/125th without it on. I haven’t fully tested to see the slowest possible hand held exposure.
Looking through the viewfinder, the image quality looks very sharp. This isnt going to be prime lens sharp. For most uses, I would rather use the 24-120 than carrying and having to be changing lenses all day. If you are pixel peeping more than capturing images then your images are never going to be great anyway. Focus on great composition, lighting and what is happening in the frame. Whoever gets asked what lens they used by someone admiring an image?
I managed to get some zoomed in macro shots of plant stamen with a very very shallow depth of field. The closet focus distance from the lens is probably about 6 inches at 120mm. Macro extension tubes will get you closer for little money.
The focus is generally pretty quick although can take a few seconds when going from closest to furthest. It also got lost on a couple occasions, taking a few seconds longer.
I dont think the 24-120mm will be compatible with the Nikon teleconverters. I dont know if there are others. At the widest zoom, the glass will collide.
The filter thread is 72mm which means I dont have to buy a whole new set as this is the same as older Nikon lenses.
There is a function button and aperture ring that you can program. For example focus lock or to adjust the aperture.
The build quality is pretty solid. The body is a hard plastic like Z bodies. The mount is metal. There isnt any play in the barrel.
Over all I am very pleased with the purchase! I will add images when possible.