Nikon 24 120 f4 review – Nikon 24-120mm f/4 review: The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens is a versatile workhorse designed for photographers seeking a single lens to cover a wide range of focal lengths. This lens boasts a constant f/4 aperture, making it ideal for various scenarios, from landscapes to portraits and even wildlife photography.
Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, this lens promises to be a reliable companion for your photographic adventures.
The lens’s key features include its wide zoom range, which provides flexibility in capturing diverse subjects. The constant f/4 aperture allows for consistent depth of field control throughout the zoom range, a feature appreciated by photographers seeking creative control over their images.
This lens is particularly well-suited for photographers who prioritize portability and versatility without sacrificing image quality.
Introduction
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens is a versatile zoom lens designed for full-frame Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto, making it suitable for various photographic applications. This lens is particularly well-suited for landscape, travel, and everyday photography, providing photographers with a single lens solution for most shooting scenarios.This lens targets photographers who seek a balance between image quality, versatility, and portability.
It offers a wide focal length range and a constant f/4 aperture, making it a practical choice for both casual and professional photographers.
Key Features, Nikon 24 120 f4 review
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens boasts several notable features:
- Focal Length Range:24-120mm, providing versatility for various shooting situations.
- Constant Aperture:f/4 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, allowing consistent light gathering and depth-of-field control.
- Image Stabilization:VR (Vibration Reduction) technology helps to reduce camera shake, enabling sharper images, especially in low-light conditions.
- Autofocus:Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides fast and quiet autofocus performance.
- Build Quality:Constructed with a durable and weather-sealed design, making it suitable for various shooting conditions.
Intended Purpose
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens is designed for photographers who require a versatile zoom lens for a wide range of subjects and shooting situations. Its wide focal length range and constant aperture make it ideal for:
- Landscape Photography:Capture expansive landscapes, from wide-angle perspectives to zoomed-in details.
- Travel Photography:Document your travels with a single lens that covers various subjects, from architecture to portraits.
- Everyday Photography:Capture everyday moments, from candid street shots to portraits of friends and family.
- Events and Weddings:The lens’s versatility allows photographers to capture a variety of moments, from wide shots to close-ups.
Image Quality
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S lens is known for its impressive image quality across its entire zoom range. It consistently delivers sharp and detailed images, even at the wider and longer focal lengths. The lens’s performance in various lighting conditions is equally impressive, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of photographic scenarios.
Sharpness
The sharpness of the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S lens is exceptional across the entire zoom range. This is due to its sophisticated optical design, which incorporates 17 elements in 13 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical lens elements.
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens, often praised for its versatility, is a great choice for capturing a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits. Its moderate aperture, however, might not be ideal for fast-paced action shots where freezing motion is crucial.
For those seeking a camera specifically designed for action photography, a camera with a faster autofocus system and a higher frame rate might be a better choice. You can explore the options for action photography here , but for everyday versatility and excellent image quality, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 remains a strong contender.
These elements help to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion, contributing to the lens’s overall sharpness. The lens delivers excellent sharpness in the center of the frame, even at wide apertures. However, its performance at the edges and corners of the frame is slightly less impressive, particularly at the wider focal lengths and wider apertures.
This is a common characteristic of zoom lenses, and it is not a significant issue for most photographers. The sharpness of the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S lens is particularly noteworthy at the longer focal lengths. It maintains excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, making it an excellent choice for photographers who require high-quality images at various distances.
Performance in Various Lighting Conditions
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S lens performs well in various lighting conditions. It excels in well-lit environments, delivering crisp and detailed images with excellent contrast. The lens’s performance in low-light conditions is also impressive, thanks to its wide maximum aperture of f/4.
However, the lens’s performance in low-light conditions is not as impressive as some other lenses with wider maximum apertures. While it delivers acceptable images at ISO sensitivities up to 3200, image noise becomes more noticeable at higher ISO settings. This is a common issue with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/4.
Distortion, Chromatic Aberration, and Vignetting
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S lens exhibits minimal distortion across its entire zoom range. The lens’s optical design effectively minimizes barrel distortion at the wider focal lengths and pincushion distortion at the longer focal lengths. Chromatic aberration is also well controlled, with minimal fringing visible in high-contrast areas.
The lens’s performance in this regard is impressive, particularly considering its wide zoom range. Vignetting is noticeable at wider apertures, especially at the wider focal lengths. However, it is easily corrected in post-processing, and it is not a significant issue for most photographers.
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens is a popular choice for photographers seeking a versatile zoom lens, and reviews often highlight its sharpness and image quality. However, some users may find themselves needing a wider range of focal lengths or a different mount.
This is where the world of lens adapters comes into play, allowing photographers to use lenses from other systems, like Canon lenses, on Sony E-mount cameras. Adapting a Canon lens to a Sony E-mount camera, as explained in this helpful resource canon lens sony e mount , opens up a world of possibilities for photographers who want to explore different lens options.
While the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 remains a strong contender for many, understanding the options available through lens adapters can enhance a photographer’s creative workflow and expand their photographic horizons.
The lens’s performance in this regard is comparable to other zoom lenses with similar focal lengths and maximum apertures.
Autofocus and Performance
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens boasts a reliable and efficient autofocus system, crucial for capturing sharp and focused images in various scenarios. Its performance in different shooting conditions and its suitability for various photographic genres are discussed in detail below.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
The lens employs a stepping motor (STM) for quiet and precise autofocus, offering a blend of speed and accuracy. The autofocus speed is generally fast, especially when shooting in good lighting conditions. In low-light situations, the autofocus system may slightly slow down, but it still manages to lock focus with reasonable accuracy.
The lens’s autofocus performance is consistently reliable, making it a suitable choice for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Autofocus Performance in Different Scenarios
- Wildlife Photography:The lens’s autofocus speed and accuracy are sufficient for capturing wildlife, especially when shooting stationary or slowly moving subjects. While it might not be the ideal choice for capturing fast-flying birds in flight, its performance is adequate for capturing mammals and other wildlife in various environments.
- Landscape Photography:Landscape photography often involves static subjects, allowing the lens ample time to achieve precise focus. The autofocus system works reliably in landscape situations, ensuring sharp images of distant mountains, flowing rivers, and other scenic elements.
- Portrait Photography:The lens’s autofocus system performs well in portrait photography, allowing for accurate focus on the subject’s eyes, even in challenging lighting conditions. The smooth and quiet autofocus operation minimizes distractions during portrait sessions, ensuring a comfortable experience for both the photographer and the subject.
Build and Design: Nikon 24 120 F4 Review
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 is a well-constructed lens, exhibiting a robust design that reflects its intended use for professional and enthusiast photographers. The lens boasts a high-quality build, employing materials and engineering that contribute to its durability and reliability.
Lens Construction and Materials
The lens consists of 17 elements in 14 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical elements. This complex lens design is a testament to Nikon’s commitment to delivering high-quality image performance. The ED glass elements effectively minimize chromatic aberration, a common lens flaw that can result in color fringing, especially at the edges of the frame.
As for the aspherical elements, they contribute to minimizing distortion and maximizing image sharpness across the entire frame. The lens barrel itself is constructed from a durable metal alloy, contributing to its robust build and resistance to wear and tear.
This choice of material also ensures that the lens maintains its form and function over time, even under demanding conditions.
Weather Sealing and Durability
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 features a weather-sealed design, offering protection against dust and moisture. This is an essential feature for photographers who frequently work in challenging outdoor environments. The lens’s weather sealing is achieved through the use of rubber seals strategically placed around the lens barrel, including the lens mount and the zoom ring.
These seals create a barrier that prevents dust and moisture from entering the lens, ensuring its internal components remain protected. The lens’s robust build and weather sealing make it a reliable choice for photographers who need a lens that can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Ergonomics and Handling
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens is designed for comfortable handling. The zoom ring is smooth and responsive, allowing for precise control over the focal length. The lens features a focus ring that is well-dampened, providing a tactile feel and enabling precise focusing.
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens is a popular choice for photographers seeking versatility, boasting a wide zoom range and a constant aperture. However, if you’re seeking even greater reach for wildlife or sports photography, you might consider exploring the world of telephoto lenses.
The best EF mount telephoto lenses offer impressive magnification and excellent image quality, allowing you to capture subjects from afar with stunning detail. While the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 is a great all-around lens, the specialized nature of telephoto lenses makes them ideal for specific photography niches.
This smooth and controlled zoom and focus ring action is particularly important for photographers who need to make quick adjustments in the field. The lens also features a dedicated aperture ring, which is a welcome addition for photographers who prefer manual control over the aperture.
The aperture ring clicks in half-stop increments, allowing for precise control over the depth of field.
Comparison with Competitors
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens finds itself in a competitive landscape filled with other versatile zoom lenses catering to a wide range of photographers. To understand its position, it’s crucial to compare it with its rivals, both within Nikon’s own lineup and from other brands.
Comparison with Other Nikon Lenses
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens faces competition from other Nikon lenses, including the older 24-120mm f/4 VR and the more recent 24-120mm f/4 S. While all three lenses share the same focal range, they differ in features, performance, and price.
- The older 24-120mm f/4 VR, while still a capable lens, lacks the modern features found in the newer models, including the latest autofocus technology and a more compact design. Its image quality is generally good, but it falls short of the newer lenses in sharpness and clarity, particularly at the longer end of the zoom range.
- The 24-120mm f/4 S, on the other hand, is a more premium lens with a faster aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range, making it more versatile for low-light photography. It also boasts superior image quality and a more refined optical design.
However, it comes at a higher price point, making it a more expensive option.
Comparison with Lenses from Other Brands
Beyond Nikon, the 24-120mm f/4 lens faces competition from similar lenses offered by other brands, such as Canon, Sony, and Tamron. These lenses often provide similar features and performance, but with subtle differences in image quality, autofocus speed, and build quality.
- Canon’s 24-105mm f/4 L IS II USM is a popular choice among Canon users, offering excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a compact design. It covers a slightly shorter focal range than the Nikon 24-120mm f/4, but it’s still a versatile lens for many shooting scenarios.
- Sony’s 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is another strong contender, offering impressive image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, and a compact design. It also features in-body image stabilization, which can be beneficial for handheld shooting.
- Tamron’s 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a popular choice among photographers looking for a fast aperture zoom lens. It offers excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a compact design, but it’s slightly heavier than the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens.
Price and Value for Money
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens is positioned at a mid-range price point, making it a compelling option for photographers seeking a versatile zoom lens without breaking the bank. While it might not offer the premium features of the 24-120mm f/4 S, it provides excellent value for money, offering solid image quality, fast autofocus, and a compact design.
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens represents a solid balance between performance and affordability, making it a compelling option for photographers seeking a versatile zoom lens.
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens is a popular choice for photographers looking for a versatile lens that can handle a variety of subjects. Its wide zoom range makes it ideal for landscapes, portraits, and even wildlife photography. However, for those seeking a more hands-on experience, film photography offers a unique charm.
If you’re looking to delve into the world of film, consider practicing with practice test film rolls , which are perfect for honing your skills and understanding film characteristics before committing to expensive rolls. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens will be a fantastic tool for capturing stunning film photographs.
Conclusion
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S lens is a compelling option for photographers seeking a versatile and high-performing zoom lens. Its impressive image quality, particularly in the center of the frame, coupled with its robust build and weather sealing, makes it a reliable companion for various shooting scenarios.
Key Takeaways
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S lens delivers a compelling blend of performance and versatility, making it a solid choice for photographers who demand quality and convenience.
- Image Quality: The lens produces sharp, detailed images across the entire zoom range, with excellent color rendition and minimal distortion. The performance in the center of the frame is particularly impressive, delivering exceptional sharpness and clarity. However, some softness may be observed in the corners at wider apertures, especially at the longer focal lengths.
- Autofocus and Performance: The lens boasts a fast and accurate autofocus system, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. Its smooth and silent operation further enhances its usability in various shooting scenarios.
- Build and Design: The lens is well-built and features a robust design with weather sealing, making it resistant to the elements. Its compact size and relatively lightweight design make it easy to carry and use for extended periods.
- Value: The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S lens offers a compelling value proposition for photographers seeking a high-quality, versatile zoom lens. Its performance and features justify its price point, making it a worthwhile investment for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Closing Notes
In conclusion, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens stands as a testament to Nikon’s commitment to delivering high-quality optics. Its versatility, sharpness, and overall performance make it a compelling choice for photographers seeking a single lens to cover a wide range of subjects.
While it may not be the absolute sharpest lens in its class, its strengths in image quality, autofocus, and build quality outweigh its minor shortcomings. The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens is a solid investment for photographers who prioritize practicality and versatility without compromising on image quality.