Nikon Z 24–120mm f/4 Review: The Best All-Around Lens for Nikon Z

I’ve owned and used a lot of different lenses on the Nikon Z system, including most of the main options in the standard zoom range — from the 24–200mm through to the 24–70mm f/2.8 S. But the one I’ve ultimately settled on as my main lens in this range is the 24–120mm f/4 S, thanks to its balance of range and image quality.

It’s not a small lens, but it balances well on bodies like the Z8 and Z6III. The optics, while not quite at the level of the 24–70mm f/2.8, are still excellent across the range — and that 24–120mm focal length is incredibly flexible when you’re out walking in places like the Scottish Highlands- Which is why it’s one of the best lenses for the Nikon Z system.

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Image Quality

Every time I use the 24–120mm f/4, I’m pleasantly surprised by just how good it is. Whether I’m shooting landscapes, general scenes, or capturing people and animals at the long end, it consistently delivers sharp, detailed images.

What stands out just as much is how clean the images look. Out-of-focus areas are smooth and well-behaved, while chromatic aberrations, flare, and distortion are all well controlled.

It’s also more than capable of resolving the 45MP sensor in my Z8, which means you can crop into images without them falling apart — something that adds even more flexibility to an already very versatile focal range. See my full Nikon Z8 review for more details.

If I’m heading out into the Scottish Highlands or the woodlands near where I live and I’m not sure what I’ll encounter, the 24–120mm f/4 has become my default choice.

A 24–70mm can feel a little limiting on the long end, while a pro-level f/2.8 zoom often feels heavier than I need for the kind of photography I actually do. On the other hand, the 24–200mm, while more flexible, feels a bit too compromised optically to pair with a camera like the Z8.

The 24–120mm f/4 sits right in the middle of those options, and for me, it strikes the balance almost perfectly. It gives you the flexibility to shoot everything from wide landscapes to tighter detail shots — even close-up work thanks to its short minimum focus distance — without the usual trade-offs in image quality you might expect from a lens with this kind of range.

At f/4 on a full-frame sensor, it also hits a sweet spot in terms of usability. It’s bright enough to handle moving subjects like people, while still giving you enough subject separation when you need it — but without the size and weight that comes with faster lenses.

And for landscapes, where you’re often stopping down anyway, f/4 isn’t a limitation at all.

What you’re left with is a lens that’s sharp across the range, versatile enough for a wide range of subjects, and easy to carry — which, in real-world use, matters just as much as anything else.

Autofocus & Handling

Autofocus is fast and reliable, whether you’re focusing on a specific point for landscapes or using subject detection on cameras like the Z8 or Z6III. It locks on quickly and has no trouble keeping up with moving subjects. I’ve used it on my Nikon Z6III photographing Sofia at the local park, and it kept up perfectly as she flew down the zip line. It also works perfectly well on my Nikon Zf but the balance feels a little off as I noted in my Nikon Zf review

What I enjoy just as much is how the lens feels in use — particularly on the Z8. The balance is spot on. It’s not a small lens, but the size and weight feel well judged, giving you something solid to hold without ever feeling bulky or front-heavy. It feels perfectly suited to Nikon’s DSLR-style Z bodies.

If you’re building out a Z8 kit and want something that covers almost everything, this lens is an easy recommendation — and it’s one of the first lenses I suggest in my best lenses for the Nikon Z8 guide.

The construction is mostly plastic, but it still feels solid in the hand — and as a bonus, it doesn’t freeze your hands in winter the way some metal lenses can. Compared to the older F-mount 24–120mm f/4 I used on the D850, this version feels noticeably more refined and better balanced, despite only being around 80g lighter on paper.

The lens doesn’t include optical stabilisation, so if you’re using a Z body without in-body stabilisation, that’s something to keep in mind. On cameras like the Z8 and Z6III though, it’s not an issue — getting sharp handheld shots at slower shutter speeds is straightforward. For more details see my Nikon Z6III review.

It uses a telescoping zoom design, extending as you move through the focal range. Personally, I prefer internal zooms, but that would make a lens like this significantly larger. In this case, it’s a compromise that makes sense given the size and range.

The lens is weather sealed, with a gasket at the mount, and I’ve used it in some pretty rough Scottish conditions without any issues. That said, with a telescoping design, I do try to wipe down the barrel before retracting it in heavy rain, just to be on the safe side.

In terms of controls, you get the usual L-Fn button, along with separate zoom, focus, and control rings. I do wish Nikon would standardise their layouts a bit more across lenses, as switching between them can take a moment to adjust. That aside, the overall handling experience is excellent — it’s a lens I’m always happy to have on the camera, whatever the conditions.

So what’s not to like?

For some photographers, the biggest limitation will be the f/4 aperture. In lower light, or when you want stronger subject separation, it can start to feel restrictive. Cameras like the Z6III handle high ISO well, but lenses like the 24–70mm f/2.8 S or Nikon’s f/1.8 primes are still better choices if low light is a priority.

It’s also not a lens that gives your images a particularly distinctive look. If you’re chasing that last bit of sharpness, rendering, or subject isolation, you’ll get more from faster zooms or primes. That’s why I still shoot a lot with primes like the Nikon Z 20mm 1.8S when I want to create rather than cover subjects.

But for anyone who just wants a highly flexible, consistently good-performing lens that works across a wide range of situations, those trade-offs make sense.

Who is the 24-120mm f/4 S lens for?

For me, the 24–120mm f/4 makes the most sense for photographers who shoot landscapes, want a high-quality walkaround lens, or need something versatile for travel.

It’s particularly well suited to people who don’t want to carry multiple lenses or deal with the weight of faster f/2.8 zooms, but still want excellent image quality across a wide range of situations.

If you’re the kind of photographer who heads out without a fixed plan — shooting landscapes one moment, details or people the next — this lens fits that way of working perfectly.

It strikes an excellent balance between performance, size, weight, and price, which is exactly why it’s become such an easy default choice in my own kit.

Who Should Avoid It

This isn’t the lens for photographers who regularly shoot in low light or need a faster aperture. If you rely on subject separation or shoot events, portraits, or indoor work, you’ll be better served by f/2.8 zooms or prime lenses.

It’s also not ideal if you’re chasing the absolute best image quality or a more distinctive rendering style. In those cases, Nikon’s S-line primes or pro zooms will give you that extra level of performance.

This lens is about balance and versatility — if that’s not your priority, there are better options.

Verdict

The Nikon Z 24–120mm f/4 S might not be the kind of lens you dream about adding to your kit, but in my experience, it’s one of the most useful lenses in the entire Z system.

I’ll admit, I’ve often been drawn to more exotic lenses, but here in Scotland — where reliability, performance, and practicality matter — this is the lens I keep coming back to.

If I could only take one lens out with my Z8, this would be it.

If you want to consider other lens options then see my best lenses for the Nikon Z system guide which talks about the absolute best and best value lenses available for Nikon Z cameras.