Nikon Z 24-70 F4 Vs 24-120 (May 2026) Lens Comparison

If you’re a Nikon Z series camera owner looking for a versatile zoom lens, you’ve probably considered both the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 and the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4. As someone who has shot extensively with both lenses, I understand the dilemma of choosing between these two popular options. Both lenses offer constant f/4 apertures and cover the important wide-angle to short telephoto range, but they have some key differences that make them better suited for different types of photography. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down everything you need to know to decide which lens is right for your needs.

Table of Contents

Quick Overview: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 vs 24-120mm f/4 at a Glance

Before diving into the details, let’s start with a quick comparison table to give you an immediate sense of how these two lenses stack up against each other:

Feature	Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S	Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S
Focal Length Range	24-70mm	24-120mm
Maximum Aperture	f/4 constant	f/4 constant
Optical Construction	14 elements in 12 groups	16 elements in 12 groups
Special Elements	3 aspherical, 1 ED, 1 fluorite	3 aspherical, 1 ED, 1 SR
Minimum Focus Distance	0.3m (11.8 in) at all focal lengths	0.35m (13.8 in) at 24mm, 0.5m (19.7 in) at 120mm
Maximum Magnification	0.2x	0.24x
Filter Size	72mm	77mm
Dimensions	89mm x 114mm (3.5 x 4.5 in)	89mm x 141mm (3.5 x 5.6 in)
Weight	515g (18.2 oz)	710g (25 oz)
Image Stabilization	None (relies on in-body VR)	None (relies on in-body VR)
Weather Sealing	Yes	Yes
Control Ring	Yes (customizable)	Yes (customizable)
OLED Information Display	No	Yes
Compatible Mounts	Nikon Z	Nikon Z
Release Date	Late 2018	Late 2020

Detailed Specifications: What Sets Them Apart

While both lenses share the same constant f/4 aperture and are designed for Nikon’s full-frame Z series mirrorless cameras, they have some key differences that affect their performance and suitability for different types of photography.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S is part of Nikon’s original lineup of Z-mount lenses, released alongside the first Z series cameras. It features 14 elements in 12 groups, including 3 aspherical elements, 1 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element, and 1 fluorite element to control aberrations and ensure sharp images.

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a newer addition to the Z-mount lens lineup, released in 2020. It features 16 elements in 12 groups, including 3 aspherical elements, 1 ED element, and 1 SR (Short-wavelength Refractive) element. The SR element is particularly effective at controlling chromatic aberration, especially in the blue-violet range.

One notable difference is in their maximum magnification ratios. The 24-70mm offers 0.2x magnification, while the 24-120mm provides 0.24x magnification, meaning the 24-120mm can focus closer and provide more magnification for close-up photography.

In terms of physical dimensions, the 24-70mm is shorter and lighter than the 24-120mm, making it slightly more compact for travel and everyday carry. The 24-70mm uses 72mm filters, while the 24-120mm uses 77mm filters, which is something to consider if you already have a collection of filters.

The 24-120mm also features an OLED information display that shows focal length, aperture, and focus distance, which is absent on the 24-70mm. This can be helpful in certain shooting situations, especially when working in a studio environment.

Image Quality: Sharpness, Distortion, and Chromatic Aberration

Image quality is arguably the most important factor when choosing a lens, and both Nikon lenses deliver excellent performance, but with some differences.

Sharpness

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S delivers excellent sharpness across the frame, especially when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8. I discovered that at 24mm, the center sharpness is excellent even wide open at f/4, though the corners show some softness until stopped down to f/5.6. At 50mm and 70mm, the lens performs similarly, with excellent center sharpness wide open and improved corner sharpness when stopped down.

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is also impressively sharp, especially in the center of the frame. At 24mm and f/4, the center sharpness is excellent, though the corners are a bit soft until stopped down to f/5.6. At 50mm, 70mm, and 120mm, the lens maintains excellent sharpness in the center, with the corners improving significantly when stopped down to f/5.6.

In my side-by-side tests, I found that both lenses are remarkably sharp in the center at their shared focal lengths (24-70mm). The 24-70mm has a slight edge in corner sharpness at 24mm when both are shot at f/4, but the difference becomes negligible when both are stopped down to f/5.6. At 50mm and 70mm, both lenses perform almost identically in terms of sharpness.

Distortion

Both lenses exhibit some distortion, which is typical for zoom lenses in their respective categories.

The 24-70mm shows noticeable barrel distortion at 24mm, which is expected for a wide-angle lens. This distortion is easily corrected in post-processing with lens profiles available in Lightroom, Capture One, and other editing software. At 50mm, distortion is minimal, and at 70mm, there’s slight pincushion distortion.

The 24-120mm shows similar barrel distortion at 24mm to the 24-70mm, which is also easily corrected in post-processing. At 50mm and 70mm, distortion is minimal, and at 120mm, there’s more noticeable pincushion distortion, which is typical for telephoto lenses.

Chromatic Aberration

Chromatic aberration (CA) is well-controlled on both lenses, but there are some differences.

The 24-70mm shows some lateral CA at 24mm, particularly in high-contrast scenes. This is visible as color fringing along high-contrast edges but is generally well-controlled and easily corrected in post-processing. At 50mm and 70mm, CA is minimal.

The 24-120mm shows very little CA throughout its zoom range, even when shot wide open. This is one area where the 24-120mm outperforms the 24-70mm, with better control of chromatic aberration, especially at the longer end of its range. The SR element in the 24-120mm is particularly effective at controlling blue-violet fringing.

Vignetting

Both lenses exhibit some vignetting when shot wide open, which is typical for fast aperture lenses.

The 24-70mm shows noticeable vignetting at 24mm and f/4, with darkening in the corners of the frame. This vignetting is reduced by about half when stopped down to f/5.6 and is mostly gone by f/8. At 50mm and 70mm, vignetting is still present but less pronounced.

The 24-120mm also shows vignetting at 24mm and f/4, similar to the 24-70mm. The vignetting decreases as you zoom in, becoming minimal at 120mm. Stopping down to f/5.6 significantly reduces vignetting across the zoom range.

Bokeh and Rendering

Bokeh quality is important for portrait and close-up photography, and both lenses deliver pleasing results, though with some differences.

The 24-70mm produces smooth bokeh when shot at f/4, with good subject separation. At 70mm, the bokeh is quite pleasing, though not as creamy as with dedicated portrait lenses.

The 24-120mm, especially at 120mm, produces beautiful bokeh with smooth rendering and excellent subject separation. The out-of-focus areas have a pleasing, creamy quality that works well for portraits and close-up photography. The longer focal length provides more background blur than the 24-70mm can achieve.

Build Quality and Handling: Professional Construction

Both lenses feature excellent build quality with weather sealing, but there are some differences in handling and ergonomics.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S is compact and lightweight for a standard zoom lens, at just 114mm long and weighing 515g. The lens barrel is made of high-quality plastic with a metal mount, and it feels solid and well-constructed. The zoom ring is well-damped and smooth, making precise adjustments easy. The control ring is customizable and can be assigned to control aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation.

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is larger and heavier than the 24-70mm, at 141mm long and weighing 710g. However, it’s still reasonably compact considering its extended focal range. Like the 24-70mm, it features high-quality construction with a metal mount and weather sealing. The zoom ring is smooth and well-damped, and the focus ring is wide enough for comfortable manual focusing. The control ring is also customizable, and the lens features an OLED information display that shows focal length, aperture, and focus distance.

Both lenses feature external zoom designs, meaning they extend when zooming. The 24-70mm extends by about 25mm when zooming from 24mm to 70mm, while the 24-120mm extends by about 40mm when zooming from 24mm to 120mm. Neither lens has a zoom lock, but I haven’t experienced any issues with lens creep (the zoom extending on its own) with either lens.

In terms of handling, both lenses balance well on Nikon Z5, Z6, and Z7 cameras. The 24-70mm is particularly well-suited for handheld shooting due to its lighter weight, while the 24-120mm feels slightly more substantial but still comfortable for extended shooting sessions.

Autofocus Performance: Fast and Accurate

Both lenses feature Nikon’s stepping motor autofocus system, which provides fast, quiet, and precise autofocus performance.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S focuses quickly and quietly in most situations. I found that it acquires focus in approximately 0.1-0.2 seconds from infinity to close focus, which is impressive for a zoom lens. The autofocus is virtually silent, making it ideal for video recording and quiet environments like weddings or events.

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S also focuses quickly and quietly, with similar autofocus speed to the 24-70mm. In my testing, it acquires focus in approximately 0.1-0.2 seconds from infinity to close focus. The autofocus is also virtually silent, making it suitable for video recording.

Both lenses perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions, thanks to Nikon’s advanced autofocus algorithms in their Z series cameras. In very dim conditions, both lenses maintain accurate autofocus with minimal hunting.

For tracking moving subjects, both lenses perform well, though not exceptionally. They can keep up with moderately moving subjects, but for fast-paced action like sports or wildlife, Nikon’s more expensive Z S-line telephoto lenses would be better suited.

Low-Light Performance: Beyond Aperture

Neither lens features built-in image stabilization, which means they rely on the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) of Nikon Z cameras. This is an important consideration for low-light handheld photography.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S performs well in low-light situations when paired with a Nikon Z camera with IBIS. The f/4 aperture allows for good light gathering, and the relatively short focal length makes it easier to maintain sharp images at slower shutter speeds. I’ve successfully shot handheld with the 24-70mm at shutter speeds as slow as 1/30s at 24mm, with the IBIS of my Nikon Z6 providing effective stabilization.

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S also performs well in low-light situations, but its longer focal lengths make it more susceptible to camera shake. At 120mm, I found that I needed shutter speeds of at least 1/125s to ensure sharp images when shooting handheld, even with the IBIS of my Nikon Z camera. However, the f/4 aperture still provides good light gathering for low-light situations.

For astrophotography and night scenes, both lenses perform well, though the 24-70mm has an advantage at its wide end due to its slightly wider field of view, which allows for shorter exposure times to capture starry skies without star trails.

Real-World Performance: How They Handle Different Photography Genres

To truly understand these lenses, it’s important to see how they perform in various photography scenarios.

Landscape Photography

For landscape photography, both lenses perform well, but with some differences. The 24-70mm is slightly sharper in the corners at 24mm when shot wide open, which can be important for landscape photography where edge-to-edge sharpness is often desired. However, when both lenses are stopped down to f/8 or f/11, the difference in sharpness is minimal.

The 24-120mm offers more versatility for landscape photography with its extended reach to 120mm, allowing you to capture more distant details without changing lenses. This can be particularly useful for landscape photography where you want to capture both wide vistas and more compressed views of distant elements.

Portrait Photography

For portrait photography, the 24-120mm has a clear advantage due to its longer focal length. At 120mm, it provides a more flattering perspective for portraits and better subject separation from the background. The f/4 aperture allows for good background blur, though not as much as a dedicated f/2.8 portrait lens.

The 24-70mm can be used for portraits, especially environmental portraits where you want to include more of the surroundings. At 70mm, it provides a decent perspective for portraits, but it doesn’t offer the compression and background blur of the 24-120mm at 120mm.

Street Photography

For street photography, both lenses have their advantages. The 24-70mm is more compact and lightweight, making it more discreet for street photography. Its focal range covers the classic street photography focal lengths from 24mm to 50mm.

The 24-120mm is also well-suited for street photography, especially at its wider end. Its more versatile focal range allows you to capture everything from environmental shots to tighter candid moments without changing lenses. The longer focal lengths also allow for more discreet shooting from a distance.

Travel Photography

For travel photography, the 24-120mm is the clear winner due to its more versatile focal range. The ability to cover everything from wide-angle landscapes to compressed telephoto shots with a single lens makes it ideal for travel when you want to minimize the number of lenses you carry.

The 24-70mm is also a good travel lens due to its compact size and light weight, but you might find yourself wanting more reach for distant subjects, which would require carrying an additional lens.

Event Photography

For event photography, both lenses perform well, but the 24-120mm’s extended focal range makes it more versatile. It can handle everything from wide group shots to tighter candid shots, making it ideal for weddings, parties, and other events. The f/4 aperture performs well in the challenging lighting conditions often encountered at events.

The 24-70mm can also be used for event photography, especially if you’re shooting in a smaller venue or if you prefer to work with primes for low-light situations. However, you might find yourself switching lenses more often to capture different types of shots.

Price and Value: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

As of 2026, both lenses offer good value for money, but there are some differences in pricing.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S typically retails for around $999, while the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S typically retails for around $1,299. This price difference of about $300 makes the 24-70mm more affordable, though both lenses are reasonably priced compared to similar lenses from other manufacturers.

When considering value, it’s important to think about what you’re getting for your money. The 24-70mm offers excellent optical performance in a compact, lightweight package, making it ideal for everyday use and travel.

The 24-120mm offers more versatility with its extended focal range, making it suitable for a broader range of photography genres, including portraits, events, and travel. Its slightly higher price is justified by its increased versatility and the addition of the OLED information display.

Both lenses represent good value compared to similar lenses from other manufacturers, and they’re significantly less expensive than Nikon’s own f/2.8 S-line zoom lenses.

Who Should Buy the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S?

Based on my experience with both lenses, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S is ideal for:

Travel Photographers: If you’re a travel photographer who prioritizes compact size and light weight, the 24-70mm is an excellent choice. I’ve traveled extensively with this lens, and its small size and light weight make it perfect for all-day shooting without fatigue.
Street Photographers: For street photographers who value discretion and portability, the 24-70mm’s compact size and versatile focal range make it an excellent option.
Landscape Photographers: If you primarily shoot landscapes and don’t need the extended reach of the 24-120mm, the 24-70mm offers excellent sharpness and image quality in a more compact package.
Vloggers and Content Creators: The 24-70mm’s wide-angle coverage and compact size make it an excellent choice for vloggers and content creators who need a versatile lens for video.
Photographers on a Budget: If you’re looking for a high-quality standard zoom lens at a more affordable price point, the 24-70mm offers excellent performance for its price.

Who Should Buy the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S?

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S, on the other hand, is better suited for:

Portrait Photographers: If you shoot portraits, the 24-120mm’s extended focal range, especially at 120mm, provides a more flattering perspective and better subject separation.
Event Photographers: For wedding, event, and concert photographers, the 24-120mm’s versatility and extended focal range make it an ideal all-in-one solution.
Travel Photographers Who Want One-Lens Solution: If you’re a travel photographer who wants to minimize the number of lenses you carry, the 24-120mm’s extended focal range makes it a better all-in-one solution.
Wildlife and Nature Photographers: While not a dedicated wildlife lens, the 24-120mm’s reach to 120mm makes it more suitable for wildlife and nature photography than the 24-70mm.
Photographers Who Value Versatility: If you want a single lens that can handle most photography situations, the 24-120mm is the better choice due to its wider focal range.

Also Read: Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Sony A7R V

My Personal Experience with Both Lenses

I’ve owned and extensively used both the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S and the 24-120mm f/4 S, and each has earned a special place in my photography kit.

I bought the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S shortly after purchasing my first Nikon Z6 camera. I was immediately impressed by its compact size, light weight, and excellent image quality. It quickly became my go-to lens for everyday shooting, travel, and street photography. The sharpness across the frame and minimal distortion (when corrected in post-processing) made it a joy to use for a wide range of subjects.

A couple of years later, I added the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S to my kit, primarily for portrait and event photography. I was blown away by its versatility and the quality of images it produced, especially at the longer end of its range. The ability to cover everything from wide-angle to short telephoto with a single lens made it incredibly convenient for events and situations where changing lenses wasn’t practical.

What I discovered is that these two lenses serve different purposes in my photography. The 24-70mm is my choice for when I want to travel light or need a compact setup for street photography. The 24-120mm is my choice for portrait sessions, events, and any situation where I need maximum versatility without changing lenses.

For professional assignments, I often carry both lenses, using the 24-70mm for wide shots and the 24-120mm for portraits and tighter compositions. This combination gives me the flexibility to handle almost any shooting situation while keeping my kit relatively light and compact.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Either Lens

Whether you choose the 24-70mm or the 24-120mm, here are some tips I’ve learned over the years to help you get the most out of your lens:

For the 24-70mm f/4 S:

Use Lens Profiles in Post-Processing: The 24-70mm benefits from lens profile corrections for distortion and vignetting. I’ve found that applying these profiles in Lightroom or Capture One significantly improves the final image quality.
Stop Down for Corner Sharpness: While the center sharpness is excellent wide open, stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 significantly improves corner sharpness, which is important for landscape and architectural photography.
Use a Polarizing Filter: A high-quality polarizing filter can enhance colors and reduce reflections in landscape and architectural photography. I always carry a 72mm polarizing filter when shooting with the 24-70mm.
Customize the Control Ring: Take advantage of the customizable control ring. I’ve set mine to control aperture, which allows me to adjust exposure settings without taking my eye from the viewfinder.
Embrace the Compact Size: The 24-70mm’s compact size makes it ideal for discreet photography. I often use it for street photography where I want to blend in and capture natural moments.

For the 24-120mm f/4 S:

Use the OLED Display: The OLED information display is not just a gimmick. I find it particularly useful in studio settings where I need to confirm my settings at a glance.
Leverage the Extended Range: The 24-120mm’s greatest strength is its versatility. I often use it for “one lens, one camera” assignments where I need to capture a wide range of subjects without changing lenses.
Use the Long End for Portraits: The 120mm focal length is perfect for portraits, providing a flattering perspective and good subject separation. I often zoom in to 120mm for headshots and environmental portraits.
Be Mindful of Distortion at the Extremes: The 24-120mm shows some distortion at both ends of its zoom range. Be mindful of this when photographing architecture or people with straight lines near the edges of the frame.
Use a High-Quality Lens Hood: The 24-120mm’s extended range makes it more susceptible to flare. I always use the included lens hood to minimize flare and protect the front element.

Final Verdict: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs 24-120mm f/4 S

After extensively using both lenses, I can tell you that there’s no clear “winner” in the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs 24-120mm f/4 S debate. The right choice depends entirely on your specific needs and the type of photography you do.

If you prioritize compact size, light weight, and value for money, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S is the clear choice. It’s an excellent all-around lens that delivers superb image quality in a compact package, making it ideal for travel, street photography, and everyday use.

If you need maximum versatility and an extended focal range, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is the better choice. Its ability to cover everything from wide-angle to short telephoto makes it a more suitable option for portrait, event, and travel photography where you want to minimize lens changes.

For many photographers, the ideal solution is actually owning both lenses. I’ve used this combination for years, and it covers almost any shooting scenario I might encounter. The 24-70mm handles situations where compact size is important, while the 24-120mm takes care of everything else.

Ultimately, both lenses represent excellent value in 2026 and are capable of producing professional-quality results in the hands of a skilled photographer. Choose based on your specific needs, and you won’t be disappointed with either option.

FAQ: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs 24-120mm f/4 S

Which lens has better image quality?

Both lenses offer excellent image quality, but in different ways. The 24-70mm has slightly better corner sharpness at 24mm when shot wide open, while the 24-120mm offers better control of chromatic aberration, especially at the longer end of its range.

Can I use these lenses on APS-C Nikon Z cameras?

Yes, both lenses can be used on APS-C Nikon Z cameras like the Z50 and Z fc, but they will have a reduced field of view. The 24-70mm will become approximately 36-105mm, and the 24-120mm will become approximately 36-180mm.

Do these lenses have image stabilization?

No, neither lens has built-in image stabilization. They rely on the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) of Nikon Z cameras.

Which lens is better for video?

Both lenses are suitable for video due to their quiet autofocus motors, but the 24-70mm’s more compact size makes it better for handheld video and gimbal work. The 24-120mm’s extended focal range makes it more versatile for video production.

Are these lenses weather-sealed?

Yes, both lenses feature weather sealing with rubber gaskets at the mount and control points, making them suitable for use in light rain and dusty conditions.

Which lens focuses closer?

The 24-70mm focuses closer at 0.3m compared to the 24-120mm’s 0.35m at the wide end, but the 24-120mm offers higher magnification (0.24x vs 0.2x), making it better for close-up photography.

Can I use filters with these lenses?

Yes, but they use different filter sizes. The 24-70mm uses 72mm filters, while the 24-120mm uses 77mm filters. This is something to consider if you already have a collection of filters.