NikonNIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Black

Like many reviewers, I have been faced with the unenviable choice of sticking with my ‘kit’ Nikkor Z 24-70 F4 or replacing it with a 24-120 F4. Not an easy one, that; the 24-70, although called a ‘kit’ lens, is really a no such thing. This breed of lens, purchased as a package - and usually heavily discounted - with a camera is usually much derided, and for good reason. Quite simply, many of these are garbage and should be binned with haste. However, like all Z-series lenses I have (now 9, DX and FX), the Nikkor 24-70 F4 confounds expectation, delivering excellent and consistent image quality in a well-built and compact package.So why change? Well, the obvious reason is the much greater range of focal lengths delivered by the new lens. 24-70 can be a bit limiting, whilst 24-120 enables a much greater versatility and image capture range. But this extended range usually comes with a somewhat compromised image quality. Was this going to be the case with the 24-120? I’ll spoil it now with a simple answer.NOAs I always do with a new lens, I did a series of optical tests with known test subjects. It’s OK, I’m a physicist, so I’m allowed to do this… The camera used was a Z6, first generation. Yes, I know, it’s 'only' 24MP, but that’s always been good enough for me, even in my more demanding professional usage. Very few folk and uses will ever demand more.The results astounded me. Over the 24-70 focal length range, I found the two lenses extremely difficult to tell apart optically, both at f4 and F6.3. This is actually the first time I have been unable to separate out two lenses out like this. So I repeated the tests - and got exactly the same result. I don’t expect anyone to be able to split these two although, under threat of torture, I might concede the 24-120 appears to offer slightly better edge/corner acutance. Of course, megapixel monsters like the Z7, 8 or 9 might be different, but I suspect not.So, here we have two stonkingly similar lenses, also very well matched in size, weight, aberrations and build quality. But one goes out to 120mm, and the other to 70mm. Plus the longer lens also offers an extremely practical and usable expect control button and ring, which I use for aperture.So there you have it. Your choice.In the end, I kept both; I only discard lenses that are broken, obsolete or simply not up the job. The 24-70 is none of these! Whilst the new 24-120 is the sort of high quality, versatile do-it-all midrange zoom that will rarely leave your camera. It's that good.

I already owned the Z24-70 f4 "Kit Lens" that came with the body a couple of years ago, I had been debating whether this lens would be a worthwhile upgrade for many months. I had owned many years ago the 28-105 f3.5 / f4.5 and enjoyed the versatility of the focal range this gave, especially as a one lens option when I did not fancy carrying a bag full of glass.With the prices dropping I decided to take the plunge, and am so glad that I did, this lens is in another league to the 24-70 with respect to image quality, and only slightly heavier. I can see this spending plenty of time on my camera body.Just to note in light of another comment, this lens came in the correct Nikon lens box, and not a white box.

Apart from being a very versatile everyday lens I am also finding it very good at focus shift and macro photography. I am very pleased to have bought it and find that my AF-s trinity lenses sit in the cupboard most days. It delivers excellent quality and sharp photographs

I use this lens for social events photography, with very good image quality and a useful zoom range.

Be aware that this arrived as a "white box" item, meaning it is not sold in its retail packaging and didn't come with the lens bag with which it is usually sold. There's nothing particularly wrong with that and it's possibly why it was £50 - 60 cheaper than advertised elsewhere but it is not something that is made clear in the listing as far as I'm aware. Lens arrived within 24 hours (a week earlier than due date) but only after a previous one had not arrived at all after two weeks.

I can't deny my love for this lens, it's just stunning and it performs so well at all focal lengths!