Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

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88%
91%
Image Quality
88%
Autofocus Performance
90%
Build Quality
93%
Portability
87%
Optical Stabilization (VR)
85%
Versatility for Video
89%
Ease of Use
92%
Sharpness Across Focal Lengths
78%
Low-Light Performance
86%
Manual Control Features
80%
Value for Money
95%
Compatibility with Nikon Z Series
More

Overview

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a versatile mid-range zoom lens, specifically designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. Weighing just 1.1 lbs, this lens is a compact choice for photographers looking to reduce gear bulk while maintaining performance. With its constant f/4 aperture, it ensures consistent exposure throughout the zoom range. This zoom lens provides an excellent balance of size, weight, and optical clarity, making it a reliable companion for various shooting conditions, from landscapes to portraits. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a hobbyist, this lens offers flexibility without compromising on image quality.

Features & Benefits

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S stands out with its extreme sharpness across the entire frame, delivering high-quality results even at the edges. Thanks to the 5-axis Dual Detect Optical VR, users benefit from reduced camera shake, particularly when shooting handheld. The lens also features smooth, silent autofocus, making it ideal for both photography and video work. The customizable control ring adds a level of manual control, allowing users to tailor their settings for a more personalized experience. These features make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, all-around lens for mirrorless systems.

Best For

This lens is best suited for photographers who need a versatile tool for the Nikon Z series, especially those looking for an all-around lens that can handle a range of subjects. Its compact design and consistent aperture make it a great option for travel and landscape photography, where weight and flexibility are key. Videographers will also appreciate its silent autofocus and smooth performance, ensuring a seamless shooting experience. Overall, it's an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable, portable lens without sacrificing optical quality.

User Feedback

Users praise the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S for its impressive image quality, particularly at wide and mid-range focal lengths. Many appreciate its lightweight design, which makes it perfect for long shoots or travel. However, some mention that the f/4 aperture, while great for most situations, may not be ideal for low-light conditions, especially compared to faster lenses like f/2.8. Despite this, the lens remains highly regarded for its sharpness and overall performance, offering great value for anyone seeking a flexible zoom lens for their Nikon Z series camera.

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Pros

  • Compact and lightweight, making it a great choice for travel and long shoots.
  • Delivers excellent sharpness across the frame with minimal distortion.
  • The constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure throughout the zoom range.
  • Smooth, silent autofocus is ideal for both photography and videography.
  • The 5-axis Dual Detect Optical VR significantly reduces shake for clearer images.
  • Customizable control ring provides more manual control, improving user experience.

Cons

  • The f/4 aperture may struggle in low-light conditions, limiting performance for certain situations.
  • Some users find the lens a bit bulky compared to ultra-compact alternatives.
  • Lack of a faster aperture (like f/2.8) can be a drawback for action shots or low-light work.
  • Not the best option for professional sports or high-speed photography, where faster lenses are needed.
  • While it performs well, it may not be versatile enough for those needing extreme close-up or macro shots.
  • A few users report the autofocus can occasionally be slower in more complex scenes.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user feedback from a variety of global sources and languages, the reviews for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S highlight both its strengths and pain points. Spam, bot-driven, and exaggerated reviews were filtered out to ensure the scores reflect authentic experiences. This analysis incorporates diverse insights from real users, providing a clear picture of how the lens performs across different use cases and environments.

Image Quality
91%
Users praise this zoom lens for its exceptional image quality, especially at wide and mid-range focal lengths. The sharpness is impressive, even in the corners, with minimal distortion, making it a reliable choice for both photos and videos.
Some buyers mention that the lens doesn't perform as well in low-light conditions compared to faster f/2.8 lenses. While still good, the f/4 aperture limits its performance in dimly lit environments, leading to slower shutter speeds or increased ISO.
Autofocus Performance
88%
Many users highlight the smooth, silent autofocus, which makes this lens great for both still photography and video work. The autofocus is fast and reliable, even during quick shots or while recording, ensuring smooth transitions without distracting noise.
A few reviewers have noted that autofocus can be inconsistent in certain low-light scenarios or in highly complex scenes. While generally responsive, it may struggle in extremely dark or cluttered environments, requiring manual focus adjustments.
Build Quality
90%
The build quality of this lens is highly regarded by users, with many appreciating its solid construction and premium feel. The weather-sealing and robust design make it a dependable option for outdoor photographers who need something durable.
A small number of users mention that while the lens feels sturdy, it might feel a bit heavier than expected for a compact design. Some might prefer an even lighter option for extended handheld use or during travel.
Portability
93%
This Nikon lens is praised for its portability, with users noting its lightweight build, which makes it easy to carry around for long shoots or travel. At just 1.1 lbs, it strikes a perfect balance between performance and ease of transport.
A few users have noted that while it is lightweight, it might feel slightly bulky for those who prioritize ultra-compact setups. Photographers who need the absolute smallest gear for backpacking trips may still find it a bit too large.
Optical Stabilization (VR)
87%
The 5-axis Dual Detect Optical VR is appreciated for reducing shake and providing sharper images in handheld shooting scenarios. Many users report that this stabilization system works effectively, especially when shooting in lower light or at longer focal lengths.
While many users find it beneficial, some feel the stabilization isn't as powerful as other high-end lenses with more advanced VR systems. In particularly shaky conditions, users might still notice some blur or instability in their shots.
Versatility for Video
85%
Videographers often note how this lens excels in delivering smooth focus transitions and minimal focus breathing, making it an excellent choice for video shooting. Its compact size and silent autofocus also make it ideal for handheld video work.
Some videographers mentioned that, while the autofocus is generally smooth, it can occasionally struggle with maintaining consistent tracking in more dynamic or fast-paced video situations. This can lead to occasional refocusing when filming action shots.
Ease of Use
89%
Users find this lens intuitive and easy to use, with its customizable control ring allowing for quick manual adjustments. The lens is designed to provide a natural, comfortable shooting experience for both beginners and professionals.
However, some users feel that the control ring, while customizable, could benefit from a slightly more tactile feel for finer adjustments. A few users have also mentioned a slight learning curve when first using the manual focus features.
Sharpness Across Focal Lengths
92%
Buyers consistently highlight the lens's exceptional sharpness, especially across the entire zoom range. Whether shooting wide at 24mm or zoomed in at 70mm, the sharpness remains impressive, making this lens a reliable choice for detail-oriented work.
A few users noted that the sharpness can soften slightly at the extreme ends of the zoom range, particularly at 70mm. While still great, it may not match the absolute sharpness of prime lenses in the same range.
Low-Light Performance
78%
22%
Despite its f/4 aperture, many users still find this lens acceptable for moderate low-light conditions, thanks to its sharpness and stable autofocus in various lighting environments. It's a practical lens for most general photography.
However, several users mentioned that the lens struggles in very low-light settings. The f/4 aperture limits its ability to gather enough light, which can result in slower shutter speeds or higher ISO settings, leading to more noise or blurry images.
Manual Control Features
86%
The customizable control ring provides additional manual control, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer fine-tuning their settings during shoots. It’s particularly appreciated by photographers who like to have more control over focus or aperture.
Some users reported that the control ring, while a nice feature, lacks precision compared to higher-end lenses. The adjustments can sometimes feel a bit too sensitive, which may not suit photographers who need finer, more deliberate control.
Value for Money
80%
20%
This lens offers excellent value for the quality it delivers, especially for Nikon Z series users looking for a versatile, reliable lens. It strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it an appealing choice for both hobbyists and professionals.
A few users felt that the lens could be priced lower for its feature set, especially considering that some competing lenses offer similar performance at a slightly lower cost. For budget-conscious buyers, the f/4 aperture may also feel limiting at this price point.
Compatibility with Nikon Z Series
95%
Users are pleased with how seamlessly this lens integrates with Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. The lens mount is perfectly matched, and it works flawlessly with all the latest features of Z cameras, including autofocus and image stabilization.
While the lens is optimized for Nikon Z series cameras, some users with older or non-Z series Nikon bodies might find it less compatible or unable to utilize all the features. A few users have expressed frustration with this lack of broader compatibility.

Suitable for:

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is ideal for photographers and videographers looking for a versatile, reliable lens for their Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. Its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for travelers and landscape photographers who need portability without sacrificing performance. Additionally, this lens is well-suited for those who require smooth autofocus and image stabilization, such as videographers capturing steady footage on the go. Its consistent f/4 aperture across the focal range ensures stable exposure, making it a great all-around option for various shooting scenarios, from casual photography to professional work.

Not suitable for:

While this lens offers impressive performance in many areas, it may not be the best choice for those who regularly shoot in low-light conditions. The f/4 aperture can be limiting for achieving bright, sharp images in dim environments, especially for users who need the faster performance offered by f/2.8 lenses. Additionally, some users may find it less ideal for high-speed action shots, as the autofocus may struggle in certain complex or fast-moving scenes. Photographers or videographers seeking an ultra-light, ultra-compact setup might also find the lens a bit bulky for their needs, particularly when compared to more minimalist options.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: 24-70mm zoom range, offering a versatile mid-range focal length for general photography.
  • Aperture: Constant f/4 aperture provides consistent exposure across the entire zoom range.
  • Weight: Weighs just 1.1 lbs, making it a lightweight and portable option for extended use.
  • Mount: Compatible with Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras via the Z-mount.
  • Lens Type: Zoom lens designed for general-purpose photography and videography.
  • Optical VR: Features 5-axis Dual Detect Optical VR to reduce camera shake and improve image clarity.
  • Autofocus: Smooth, silent autofocus system suitable for both photography and video work.
  • Control Ring: Customizable control ring allows manual adjustments for focus, aperture, or exposure compensation.
  • Sharpness: Delivers extreme sharpness across the frame with minimal distortion.
  • Distortion: Minimal optical distortion, providing clear, accurate images across the zoom range.
  • Intended Use: Designed for general-purpose photography, landscape, travel, and videography.
  • Lens Elements: Contains a complex optical construction optimized for high resolution and minimal chromatic aberration.
  • Build Quality: Durable construction with weather-sealing to withstand light moisture and dust.
  • Compatibility: Fully compatible with Nikon Z-series cameras, including full-frame and crop-sensor models.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: Features a minimum focus distance suitable for capturing close-up shots at all focal lengths.
  • Image Stabilization: Incorporates Nikon's 5-axis Dual Detect Optical VR for stabilization, ideal for handheld shooting.
  • Video Performance: Designed with videographers in mind, offering smooth focus transitions and quiet autofocus for video recording.
  • Filter Size: Accepts 72mm threaded filters, allowing for additional lens customization.
  • Focus Type: Uses internal focusing (IF) to maintain the overall length of the lens during autofocus operation.

FAQ

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is specifically designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, offering a versatile 24-70mm zoom range, a constant f/4 aperture, and excellent image quality across all focal lengths. It combines sharpness, minimal distortion, and smooth autofocus, making it ideal for both photography and videography.

No, this lens is designed specifically for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, and it uses the Z-mount. It will not work with Nikon's older DSLR cameras, which use the F-mount. If you’re using a Z-series camera, though, it’s an excellent choice for a general-purpose lens.

Users have praised the sharpness and clarity of this lens across the entire frame, even at wide and mid-range focal lengths. The lens offers minimal distortion and excellent color rendering, making it ideal for both landscape photography and detailed portraits.

While the f/4 aperture delivers consistent exposure across focal lengths, it may struggle in very low-light environments compared to lenses with a larger aperture (e.g., f/2.8). For professional low-light work, you might consider a faster lens, but for most everyday scenarios, this lens performs adequately.

This lens is highly recommended for videography, thanks to its smooth, silent autofocus, which ensures minimal noise during focus adjustments. The 5-axis Dual Detect Optical VR also reduces shake, providing stable video footage, even when shooting handheld.

At just 1.1 lbs, this lens is lightweight and compact compared to other zoom lenses in its category. Its portability makes it an excellent option for travel and extended use, without the burden of carrying a heavy, bulky lens.

The customizable control ring on this lens can be adjusted for various functions beyond focusing, such as aperture or exposure compensation, depending on your preferences and camera settings. This flexibility gives you more manual control during shooting.

This lens is ideal for a wide range of users, including travel and landscape photographers who value portability, as well as event photographers and videographers who need a reliable, versatile lens. Its consistent aperture and sharpness make it a go-to option for general-purpose photography and video work.

While the lens delivers excellent image quality and performance, some users have expressed concerns over the f/4 aperture's limitations in low-light environments. Additionally, the autofocus can occasionally be slower in more complex scenes, and some may find it a bit bulky for quick, casual setups.

Yes, the lens features weather-sealing, making it resistant to dust and moisture. This makes it suitable for outdoor shoots in a variety of conditions, such as light rain or dusty environments. However, it’s not fully waterproof, so it’s still important to take care when shooting in extreme conditions.