Nikon NIKKOR Z f 4 S Premium Zoom Lens

Key Features That Stand Out

• Camera compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with both FX and DX format Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, providing a 24mm-120mm focal range on FX and a 36mm – 180mm equivalent on DX, making it incredibly adaptable.
• Close focusing: Get remarkably close to your subjects, with a minimum focusing distance of just 1.15 ft. (approximately 0.35m) at any zoom position, including the 120mm telephoto end, perfect for revealing intricate details.
• Autofocus: Features dual high-speed, ultra-quiet STM stepping motors that ensure fast and precise autofocus performance. This system also minimizes color bleeding and focus breathing, crucial for video recording and critical focusing.
• Custom control ring: Offers a dedicated control ring that can be assigned to adjust aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation, putting essential settings right at your fingertips without shifting your grip.
• Dedicated manual focusing ring: Provides a smooth and precise manual focusing experience, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments when autofocus isn’t ideal or for creative control.

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

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What We Like

• The versatile focal range from 24mm to 120mm is exceptionally useful for a broad spectrum of photography, from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups and portraits.
• The constant f/4 maximum aperture across the entire zoom range ensures consistent exposure and excellent low-light performance without needing to change aperture as you zoom.
• The impressive close-focusing capability of 1.15 ft. opens up creative possibilities for macro-like shots and detailed subject isolation, even at the longest focal lengths.
• The integration of dual STM stepping motors contributes to fast, quiet, and smooth autofocus, which is a significant advantage for both still photography and video work, minimizing distracting noise and focus shifts.
• The inclusion of a custom control ring provides quick and intuitive access to critical shooting parameters, enhancing the user experience and workflow efficiency.

Performance Analysis

The 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 delivers impressive performance across its zoom range, largely due to its advanced optical design and sophisticated autofocus system. The dual STM stepping motors are a standout feature, ensuring that autofocus is not only quick and accurate but also virtually silent, which is a significant benefit for videographers and those shooting in quiet environments. The lens’s ability to maintain edge-to-edge sharpness with minimal color bleeding or focus breathing further enhances its appeal for demanding applications. Its compatibility with both FX and DX format Nikon Z series cameras makes it a flexible choice for a wide range of users, offering a broad perspective on full-frame and a useful telephoto reach on crop-sensor bodies. The constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure and good low-light capability throughout the zoom range, reducing the need to constantly adjust settings.

Best For

This lens is an excellent choice for photographers who prioritize versatility and a high-quality all-in-one solution for their Nikon Z series camera. It’s ideal for travel photographers who want to carry fewer lenses, landscape enthusiasts seeking a wide to medium telephoto range, portrait photographers looking for flattering focal lengths and good subject isolation, and event shooters who need to adapt quickly to changing scenes. The close-focusing ability also makes it a strong contender for product photographers and those who enjoy capturing intricate details. For users who also shoot video, the quiet autofocus and minimal focus breathing are significant advantages. Those looking for a reliable and high-performing lens that covers a wide array of shooting scenarios without compromising on image quality will find the 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 to be an outstanding investment.

Buying Guide

Key Features to Look For

When considering a lens like the 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, prioritize a versatile zoom range that covers your typical shooting needs, such as the 24-120mm here which offers a great balance of wide-angle and telephoto capabilities. Look for a constant aperture (like the f/4 on this lens) which provides consistent exposure and better low-light performance across the zoom range. Advanced autofocus systems, especially those using stepping motors (STM), are crucial for fast, quiet, and accurate focusing, particularly for video. Close-focusing capabilities are also a significant advantage, allowing for greater creative flexibility and the ability to capture detailed shots. A customizable control ring offers added convenience and quicker access to essential settings.

Important Materials

While specific material compositions for the lens elements and coatings are not detailed in the provided features, premium lenses from Nikon’s S-Line typically employ high-quality optical glass, including elements like aspherical and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, to minimize aberrations and ensure superior image quality. Lens coatings are vital for reducing flare and ghosting, enhancing contrast and color accuracy. The exterior construction usually involves durable, weather-sealed materials to withstand various shooting conditions.

Essential Factors to Consider

The primary factor to consider is compatibility with your existing Nikon Z series mirrorless camera body, whether it’s FX or DX format, as the effective focal length will change. Assess the lens’s zoom range against your primary photographic interests; the 24-120mm is exceptionally broad for an all-in-one solution. Consider your shooting environment: if you frequently shoot in low light, the constant f/4 aperture is a major plus. For video creators, the autofocus performance, particularly its quiet operation and minimal focus breathing, is paramount. The physical size and weight of the lens should also be a consideration for travel and extended shooting sessions.

Budget Planning

As a premium S-Line lens from Nikon, the 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 represents a significant investment. Prices for such high-quality zoom lenses can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, reflecting their advanced optics, build quality, and features. It’s advisable to research current market prices and consider any available bundles or promotions. Factor in the potential value it adds to your photography by replacing multiple lenses and the long-term durability and performance it offers.

When to Buy

The best time to buy often coincides with major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or seasonal promotions offered by retailers. Nikon may also release new models or update its existing lens lineup, which can sometimes lead to discounts on older, but still highly capable, lenses. If you have an immediate need for a versatile lens for an upcoming trip or project, waiting for a sale might delay your ability to shoot. However, if you can be patient, you may be able to secure this lens at a more favorable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effective focal length of this lens on a DX format Nikon Z camera?

On a DX format Nikon Z camera, the 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 provides an equivalent focal range of 36mm – 180mm. This effectively transforms the lens into a versatile mid-range to telephoto zoom.

Can this lens be used for macro photography?

While not a dedicated macro lens, this lens offers a very impressive close focusing capability of 1.15 ft. (approximately 0.35m) at all zoom positions, including 120mm. This allows for detailed shots that are close to macro, making it suitable for capturing intricate textures and small subjects.

How quiet is the autofocus, and why is that important?

The autofocus is powered by two high-speed, ultra-quiet STM stepping motors. This quiet operation is crucial for videographers, as it minimizes distracting motor noise in recordings. For still photographers, it means the lens operates discreetly, which is beneficial in quiet environments like nature or during delicate events.

What functions can the custom control ring be assigned to?

The custom control ring on the lens can be assigned to control key shooting parameters such as aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. This allows for quick adjustments without needing to take your eye off the viewfinder or reach for camera body controls.

Does the lens exhibit focus breathing?

The lens is designed to have virtually no color bleeding or focus breathing. Focus breathing refers to the change in focal length or field of view that can occur when adjusting focus. Minimizing this is essential for professional video production, ensuring a smooth and consistent shot during focus pulls.

Is this lens weather-sealed?

While the provided product features do not explicitly mention weather sealing, Nikon’s premium S-Line lenses are generally built to a high standard and often incorporate some level of dust and drip resistance. It’s always recommended to check official Nikon specifications or consult user reviews for definitive information on weather sealing.

Final Thoughts

The 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 stands out as an exceptional all-in-one zoom lens for Nikon Z series camera owners. Its broad focal range, constant f/4 aperture, and impressive close-focusing capabilities make it incredibly versatile for a wide array of photographic genres. The advanced autofocus system, driven by quiet STM motors, ensures fast and reliable performance for both stills and video, while the custom control ring adds a layer of practical usability. This lens is a testament to Nikon’s commitment to optical excellence and user-centric design, offering a premium experience that justifies its position in the S-Line.