Versatile Nikon Z 24-120 f4 S Lens: Wide-Ranging, Jack-of-All-Trades Optic for Z Series Cameras
Muckin' 'bout my Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens adventures today! So, grab a cold one and settle in, because I'm gonna regale ya with some damn fine tales of this badass optic.
First, let me give ya a quick shout-out to ol' Galen Rowell and his gem of a book, "Mountain Light" published way back in '82. The fella was all about adventure photography, not just gear. But a section of his book talks 'bout the necessity of the 24mm and 75-150mm focal lengths - his bread-and-butter, as it were.
While times have changed, and photography trends favor the extremes now (especially ultra-wides), this lens finds the sweet spot for me: four considerations - focal length range, maximum aperture, image quality, and bulk. It ain't perfect, but it's as good as it gets, as far as I know, in all four departments.
I reckon a zoom lens is like a set of primes, and this one's no exception. I say decide how you wanna render your subject, then pick the focal length (24 / 35 / 50 / 85 / 120) accordingly, and move that bad boy around instead of zooming to get the composition you desire. Sure, you can still zoom in and out to fine-tune it, but that approach can sometimes lead to sloppy compositions.
Now, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 don't have no vibration reduction, but it plays nice with the camera's in-body image stabilization. Ya might need to raise that ISO a bit sometimes, but it's a fair trade-off for the freedom it affords, especially in those sketchy weather conditions.
The bokeh ain't quite up there with the faster, brighter lenses, so I wouldn't rely on this puppy for my portrait work. But it holds its own for reportage photography, all thanks to its fast and precise autofocus.
Lastly, the image quality is plenty sharp and delivers for any ol' landscape photography ya can throw at it.
This lens ain't perfect, but I've never had issues with it in them cold conditions, even down to -37°C last March at the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic! (Ain't that the same in Fahrenheit, representing -35°F?) Unlike some of my other gear, it feels like it's built to last through thick and thin.
One thing that's cool about this lens is that it uses a 77mm filter size, which Nikon's 100-400mm and their 70-200 f/2.8 Z also use. If ya wanna carry an ultra-wide, you'll find that the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 will pair nicely with the 24-120mm f/4. Same goes for the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8. But the other Nikon ultra-wides got different sizes (though ya could possibly use a step-up ring with the Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 and its 67mm filters).
So there ya have it. A damn good all-arounder for any photographer out there, in my humble opinion. Ya might wanna pair it with the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens for nature photography, like I do, and find that it covers a versatile and hard-to-beat range for such purposes.
Basically, this lens lets you take a crack at landscapes, reportage, travel, and even some wildlife photography, all with just the one lens. Now ain't that sweet as pie and just as American as apple pie?
Be sure to leave your thoughts and questions on it below - I'd love to hear 'em. Peace out!
This Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 lens is a versatile option for adventure photography, comparable to a set of primes with various focal lengths (24 / 35 / 50 / 85 / 120). Its focal length range and maximum aperture offer a sweet spot, along with excellent image quality and reasonable bulk. Composition, rather than zooming, should guide your choice of focal length.
The lens lacks vibration reduction, but benefits from the camera's in-body image stabilization, allowing for flexibility even in poor weather conditions. However, the bokeh is not optimal for portrait work, but it performs well for reportage photography thanks to its fast and precise autofocus.
For landscape photography, the image quality is more than adequate. In cold conditions down to -37°C, the lens has proven to be robust and reliable. Its 77mm filter size makes it compatible with other Nikon lenses, such as the Nikon Z 100-400mm and the Viltrox AF 16mm, making ultrawide pairs an option.
With this lens, one can shoot landscapes, reportage, travel, and even some wildlife photography without the need for multiple lens changes. Pairing it with the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 for nature and wildlife photography extends its versatility even further.
Considering all these points, I find the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 to be a highly practical lens for photographers, offering a versatile range for various genres like landscape, reportage, travel, and wildlife photography. Feel free to share your thoughts and questions about it below. Peace out!
This lens provides a simple and convenient approach to gear, aligning with the philosophy of legendary adventure photographer Galen Rowell. Its performance in less ideal weather conditions also adds to its allure, making it an appealing addition to any photographer's gear arsenal.
Dynamic range and filters can also play essential roles in achieving desired results when shooting under challenging light conditions. Dynamic range allows for capturing greater tonal values in a single exposure, while filters can enhance or correct color balance, contrast, or add special effects. Tripods and other gadgets may prove useful for maintaining stability and ease of use.
The world of technology continues to evolve, and Sony, Canon, and Nikon all play significant roles in pushing the boundaries of photographic possibilities. Each of these brands offers a diverse range of lenses, cameras, and accessories that cater to various photographic styles and needs. Embracing new technologies can bring fresh opportunities and creative possibilities to one's photography journey.
