Nikon’s Z mount system has been steadily gaining traction with photographers, and the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a big reason why. This versatile zoom lens offers a compelling blend of image quality, portability, and weather sealing, making it a great companion for a variety of shooting styles.
Where it Shines
- Travel Photography: This lens is a dream for globetrotters. The 24-120mm zoom range covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to portraits and even telephoto details. Plus, its compact size and weight make it easy to carry around all day.
- Landscapes: With its sharp optics and constant f/4 aperture, the Z 24-120mm f/4 S excels at capturing stunning landscapes, even in low light.
- Portraits: The lens produces pleasing bokeh (background blur) at longer focal lengths, allowing you to isolate your subject beautifully.
- Everyday Shooting: This is a fantastic all-purpose lens. Whether you’re capturing family moments, street scenes, or candid photos, the Z 24-120mm f/4 S delivers.
- Video: The silent autofocus motor ensures smooth focus transitions during video recording.
Limitations to Consider
- Fast Action: While autofocus is excellent, the constant f/4 aperture might not be ideal for capturing super-fast action or low-light situations where you need the fastest possible shutter speeds.
- Macro Photography: While it offers decent close-up capabilities, a dedicated macro lens will provide higher magnification for extreme close-up shots.
- Low Light (Fast Subjects): For very low light environments where you need to freeze subject motion, a faster prime lens (f/1.8 or wider) might be a better option.
2026 Update: Still Nikon’s Current Standard Zoom
As of 2026 the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S remains part of Nikon’s active S-Line lineup with no successor announced — Nikon shipped a firmware update (v1.20) for it in May 2026, confirming it’s still actively supported rather than being phased out. If you’re already shooting Z-mount, this is still the go-to everyday zoom for travel, landscapes, and general shooting.
The Verdict
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a fantastic all-around zoom lens that won’t weigh you down. Its versatility, weather sealing, and image quality make it a great choice for travel photographers, landscape enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a single lens for everyday shooting. While it might not be the ultimate low-light or super-telephoto option, for most situations, the Z 24-120mm f/4 S delivers exceptional performance.