In this article, I will share my experience using the versatile Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens. As in my previous article on the Nikon 100-400mm (Here), I will not discuss performance in numerical terms or specifications. You can find that useful information in the original Photography Life review (HereInstead, I’ll focus on how and why this lens is always in my backpack, whether visiting a city, hiking the mountains, or going on a photography expedition.
focal length
I just completed my re-reading of a classic adventure photography classic written by Galen Rowell nearly 40 years ago: “Mountain Light – In Search of Dynamic Landscapes.” The book is devoted to adventure photography more than gear, but one section talks about how essential the 24mm and 75-150mm focal lengths were to him; Very briefly, they were his bread-and-butter lenses.
Things have changed a lot in photography, and landscape photography today is all about extremes – especially ultra-wide, but also using long telephotos to extract detail from wide scenes. I had become so accustomed to my 16-35mm f/4 and 70-200mm f/4 that I never had a midrange zoom before switching to the Z system!
However, one reason for this was that I was not satisfied with what Nikon had to offer in the past. But now, the Z 24-120mm f/4 has completely changed my mind. I use my 24-120mm almost every time I go out with my camera, whether documenting trips, trying my best in landscape photography, or even when animals are shy. If not, then you have to take pictures of wildlife.
It’s no secret that zooms are helpful for a variety of focal lengths. But there are four things to consider: focal length range, maximum aperture, image quality and bulk. There are better midrange zooms in any of these individual cases, but to my knowledge, none of these four are that good.
I like to think of a zoom lens (especially a lens covering both wide and telephoto) as a set of primes. Instead of composing by zooming in and out, I recommend defining how you want to pose the subject, then select the focal length accordingly (24 / 35 / 50 / 85 / 120). After making your choice, move the camera position instead of zooming to get the desired composition. Although you can still zoom in and zoom out to fine-tune the composition, this approach helps prevent the thoughtless composition that can sometimes affect the use of the zoom.
optical properties
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 has a fixed f/4 aperture. It’s not as sharp as f/2.8, but considering the focal range it’s good enough. This lens does not have vibration reduction, however, the lens does a good job in conjunction with the camera’s in-body image stabilization. I sometimes avoid bringing a tripod if I’m not planning on taking long exposures.
Although the usefulness of using a tripod should not be underestimated, I found this way of working particularly useful when moving fast and in challenging weather conditions, trying to pursue unusual situations. However, in doing so, you can’t be afraid to increase the ISO a bit.
The Bokeh on this lens is not at the level of fast and bright lenses, especially fast prime lenses or even f/2.8 zooms of similar focal length. For this reason, I wouldn’t use it as my primary portrait lens, but it certainly isn’t inconvenient for reportage photography. The fast and accurate autofocus makes this even more true.
Finally, where image quality is concerned, I find the Z 24-120mm f/4 to be quite sharp and optimal for any landscape photography.
other features
Although this lens zooms externally and the binoculars zoom longer when zoomed, it feels durable and professional and can withstand extensive abuse without any problems. As you’ve seen in my photos, I often shoot in very cold conditions – take mine last March in the Svalbard Archipelago in the Arctic using this lens at -37°C! (And in Fahrenheit it is exactly the same, indicating -35°F.) Unlike some of my gear in the past, I never had any problems with the Z 24-120mm f/4 in these conditions. It feels reassuring and reassuring in comparison, and I only cover it when shooting in heavy rain.
A small bonus with the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 is that it uses the 77mm filter size, which is also used by Nikon’s 100-400mm (and their 70-200 f/2.8 Z). Those who want to keep ultra-wide will find that the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 also has 77mm filters, and it pairs well with the 24-120mm f/4. The same is true of the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8. However, other Nikon ultra-wides unfortunately have different sizes (although you can use the step-up ring with the Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 and its 67mm filter).
Also, there’s nothing wrong with using a 24mm as your widest lens. I might also say about using the 120mm as your longest lens. With this range of focal lengths, a photographer can now take excellent photographs, as in the time of Galen Rowell. And there’s some joy in the simplicity that comes with just one lens, the 24-120mm f/4.
Personally, as I discussed earlier, I go with a two-lens kit most of the time when looking at my wildlife photography. Often, I pair this lens with the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. This combination of focal lengths makes it a versatile and hard-to-beat kit for nature photography, and the vast majority of my photos fall within the 24mm to 400mm range.
conclusion
I’ve neglected midrange zoom throughout my photographic career, preferring instead to alternate between wide and telephoto lenses. This 24-120mm f/4 changed my mind because it balances everything from image quality to bulk very well. It’s not perfect, but it’s much better than “good enough” and helps me efficiently create the photos I want in this range of focal lengths.
In practice, I found it clearly superior to the Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3, a lens that has gained a reputation for its versatility when a faster aperture is unnecessary. I also found it to be a little better than the Nikon 24-70mm f/4, but mainly, I liked it for the longer focal length range. (Photography Life has scientifically tested all these lenses and reported their intricacies, but this is my personal opinion.)
I had trouble choosing photos to illustrate this essay because I came across so many different photos and subjects. This is as versatile a lens as a photographer could ask for. It suits my style of nature photography perfectly and supports me in any other type of photography I do.
I hope you enjoyed this essay about the value of the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens in my photography. As a Nikon shooter, I haven’t used Sony or Canon’s 24-105mm f/4 lenses, but I suspect I’ll like them too for similar reasons, even if a little on the long end of focal lengths. The boost is very welcome! If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
