Thom's Commentary: I wasn't expecting to like the 24-120mm f/4 as much as I do. This Z-mount version makes the old F-mount versions look, well, old, tired, and incapable. This lens is good enough—that S designation is well deserved—that it introduces a clear conundrum for mid-range zoom lens users. Do you get the 24-70mm f/4, the 24-120mm f/4, the 24-70mm f/2.8, or maybe even the 24-200mm f/4-6.3? My answer is this: you get the 24-120mm f/4 unless small/light is important, then you get the 24-70mm f/4 (preferably at the kit lens pricing). You get the 24-120mm unless you absolutely need fast aperture and the sharpest zoom in the mount (24-70mm f/2.8). While a lot of you value that extra 80mm of the 24-200mm, let me state it outright: the 24-200mm isn’t in the same optical class as the 24-120mm f/4. I wouldn’t have predicted it, but the 24-120mm f/4 is turning up in almost every pro’s bag for its excellence coupled with flexibility. Recommended Read Thom's Full Review of the 24-120mm f/4 Lens
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Nikon Z Camera Owners: Up-to-date information and new articles by Thom Hogan are available at zsystemuser.com, which continues to follow all Nikon mirrorless camera news and information in 2026 and the future.
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- Coverage: full frame (FX)
- Build: dust and drip resistant, S-line
- Optic design:
- 16 elements in 13 groups
- 3 aspherical, 3 ED aspherical, 1 low-dispersion aspherical elements
- Arneo, Nano, and fluorine coatings
- Field of view: 34-84° diagonal
- Aperture:
- f/4 to f/22
- 9-blade rounded diaphragm
- Stabilization: none (uses on-sensor VR if available)
- Focus:
- autofocus, internal focus
- dual motor
- 16" (0.35m) minimum focus
- 1:2.6 maximum magnification ratio
- Filter: 77mm filter size
- Lens hood: supplied HB-85
- Size and weight:
- 4.7" (118mm) long (retracted for travel)
- 3.4" (84mm) diameter
- 22.2 ounces (630g)
- Model number: 20105
- Price: US$1099
- Firmware: 1.10 (updated April 2022)
- Announced: October 28, 2021