NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S - Versatile All-in-One Travel Zoom

In this review the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is evaluated as an all-purpose travel zoom for Nikon Z mirrorless users. The bottom line: this lens is aimed at photographers who want a single, reliable optic that covers wide angle to telephoto with a constant f/4 aperture. It delivers edge-to-edge sharpness, fast autofocus, and close focusing that make it useful for landscapes, portraits and everyday shooting, and the review highlights why those features make it a practical, go-everywhere choice.

Key Features

• All-in-one zoom range: The 24-120mm focal length covers wide angle to medium telephoto, letting one lens handle landscapes, street scenes and portraits without changing glass.
• Constant f/4 aperture: A steady aperture across the zoom range maintains exposure and depth-of-field control when zooming during stills or video work.
• Close focusing: The lens can focus as close as 1.15 ft., allowing detailed close-ups and tighter framing even at 120mm.
• Dual STM autofocus: Two high-speed, ultra-quiet stepping motors deliver fast, near-silent AF with minimal focus breathing for both photo and video.
• Custom control ring: The configurable ring on the barrel lets users quickly adjust aperture, ISO or exposure compensation without diving into menus.
• Weather-sealed build: Robust sealing and S-Line optics provide durability and consistent resolution in travel and outdoor conditions.

Who It's For

The lens suits travel photographers, content creators and everyday shooters who value flexibility and image quality in a single, lightweight package. Its wide focal range and constant aperture make it a practical choice for those who prefer carrying one lens instead of a bag of primes.

Photographers who need extreme low-light capability or a very long telephoto reach should look elsewhere; if maximum background blur at long focal lengths or specialized focal lengths are critical, a faster prime or longer zoom would be a better match.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent corner-to-corner image quality for a zoom in this range, producing sharp results across the frame.
• Fast, quiet autofocus performance thanks to the dual STM motors, suitable for both stills and video.
• Very useful close-focusing capability at 1.15 ft., letting users capture small details without switching lenses.
• Lightweight, travel-friendly design and a customizable control ring that improve handling and workflow.

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/4 is constant but not as bright as f/2.8 alternatives, limiting shallow depth-of-field and low-light headroom.

Specifications

Mount compatibility	Nikon Z series (FX and DX)
Focal length	24-120mm (FX); 36-180mm equivalent on DX
Maximum aperture	Constant f/4
Minimum focus distance	1.15 ft. at all zoom positions
Autofocus system	Two high-speed ultra-quiet STM stepping motors
Control	Custom control ring and dedicated manual focus ring
Weather sealing	Robust weather-sealed construction

Our Verdict

The NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a compelling value for photographers who want one versatile, high-quality lens for travel and everyday use. It balances sharp S-Line optics, responsive AF and close-focusing in a compact package, making it ideal for users who trade a bit of low-light speed for convenience and range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this lens compatible with DX Z bodies?
Yes, it mounts on FX and DX Z series cameras; on DX bodies the effective range is about 36-180mm equivalent.

How close can it focus?
The lens can focus down to approximately 1.15 ft. at any zoom position, including 120mm.

Does it have quick, quiet autofocus for video?
Yes, the dual STM stepping motors provide high-speed, near-silent autofocus with minimal focus breathing, suitable for video work.