Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm zoom lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a versatile zoom lens designed for Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless Z-series cameras. It is part of Nikon’s S-line of lenses, which represents the highest standards in optical performance, build quality, and innovation. This lens is an ideal choice for photographers who value flexibility, sharpness, and portability. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the features, performance, and practical applications of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm zoom lens.

Design and Construction

Physical Attributes

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm lens measures approximately 88.5mm in diameter and 124.5mm in length, making it relatively compact and lightweight compared to its DSLR counterparts. Weighing in at just 500 grams, it is easy to carry around and handle, even during extended shooting sessions. The lens barrel is made of high-quality plastic, which keeps the weight down while maintaining durability.

Weather Sealing

The lens features extensive weather sealing, which protects it from dust, moisture, and other environmental hazards. This makes it suitable for use in a variety of conditions, whether you’re shooting in the rain, snow, or sandy deserts. The weather sealing adds to the lens’s overall reliability and longevity.

Mount and Filter Thread

The Z 24-70mm is designed exclusively for Nikon Z-mount cameras, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. The filter thread size is 72mm, which is a common size for filters, making it easy to find and attach polarizers, neutral density filters, and UV protectors.

Focus and Zoom Rings

The focus ring is large and smooth, providing precise control over manual focusing. The zoom ring is similarly well-damped, allowing for fluid transitions between focal lengths. Both rings are textured for improved grip and ease of use.

Optical Performance

Sharpness and Clarity

The optical performance of the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens is outstanding. It delivers exceptionally sharp images across the entire zoom range, even at the maximum aperture of f/4. Corner-to-corner sharpness is maintained, with minimal softness at the edges. This level of clarity is achieved through the use of specialized lens elements, including aspherical and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass.

Chromatic Aberration Control

Chromatic aberrations, which appear as color fringing around high-contrast edges, are well-controlled in this lens. The use of ED glass elements helps to minimize these distortions, resulting in cleaner, more accurate colors.

Vignetting and Distortion

Vignetting, or darkening of the corners, is minimal and can be easily corrected in post-processing. Barrel distortion at the widest angle (24mm) is also well-controlled, although some slight pincushion distortion may be noticeable at the telephoto end (70mm). These characteristics are typical of zoom lenses in this category and do not significantly impact image quality.

Bokeh Quality

The bokeh produced by the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm lens is smooth and pleasing. The nine-blade diaphragm creates round, natural-looking out-of-focus highlights, adding a professional touch to portraits and other selective focus shots. Although the maximum aperture is limited to f/4, the lens still manages to produce attractive background blur when shooting at longer focal lengths.

Autofocus Performance

Speed and Accuracy

The autofocus system of the Z 24-70mm lens is fast, quiet, and accurate. It utilizes a stepping motor (STM) for smooth and nearly silent operation, making it ideal for both photo and video applications. The lens quickly locks onto subjects, even in low-light conditions, thanks to the advanced autofocus algorithms in Nikon Z-cameras.

Manual Focus Override

Manual focus override is available at all times, allowing photographers to fine-tune focus without having to switch modes. This feature is particularly useful for macro photography and other situations where precise focus control is essential.

Eye and Face Detection

When paired with compatible Nikon Z-series cameras, the Z 24-70mm benefits from advanced subject recognition technologies, including eye and face detection. These features help keep human subjects in sharp focus, even when they are moving or partially obscured.

Image Stabilization

Built-In VR (Vibration Reduction)

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens does not feature built-in vibration reduction (VR). Instead, it relies on the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system found in many Nikon Z-mount cameras. When used with a camera that has IBIS, the combination provides up to 5 stops of stabilization, which is sufficient for handheld shooting in most situations.

Handheld Shooting

Thanks to the IBIS integration, handheld shooting with the Z 24-70mm is remarkably stable. Photographers can confidently shoot at slower shutter speeds without fear of camera shake, expanding the lens’s versatility in low light and other challenging conditions.

Versatility and Applications

General Purpose Photography

The 24-70mm focal range is considered the “golden standard” for general purpose photography. It covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to medium telephoto portraits, making the Z 24-70mm an excellent all-rounder. This lens is perfect for everyday shooting, travel, events, and documentary work.

Landscape Photography

At the 24mm end, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm excels in capturing sweeping landscapes and architectural scenes. The wide field of view allows photographers to include more of the environment, while the sharpness and clarity ensure that every detail is preserved.

Portrait Photography

Zooming in to 70mm brings subjects closer, making this lens suitable for portraiture. The moderate telephoto compression flatters facial features, and the smooth bokeh helps to isolate the subject from the background. The f/4 maximum aperture is adequate for creating pleasing background blur, especially when shooting in good lighting conditions.

Street and Documentary Photography

The discreet size and unobtrusive design of the Z 24-70mm make it ideal for street and documentary photography. Photographers can blend into the surroundings and capture candid moments without drawing too much attention. The versatile focal range allows for quick composition changes, ensuring that no moment is missed.

Video Production

The quiet and smooth autofocus, combined with the integrated IBIS, make the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm a great choice for video production. It is well-suited for run-and-gun style filmmaking, interviews, and vlogging. The consistent f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range simplifies exposure management during zoom transitions.

Comparison with Other Lenses

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S

The NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S offers a longer telephoto reach, making it more versatile for situations where you need to get closer to the subject. However, it is slightly larger and heavier than the 24-70mm, and some users report a slight drop in image quality at the longer focal lengths.

Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8

The Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is a more affordable alternative with a faster maximum aperture. It trades off some width at the wide end for a brighter f/2.8 aperture, which can be beneficial in low-light situations. However, the build quality and overall image quality may not match that of the 24-70mm f/4 S.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

Canon’s RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a direct competitor for Canon’s full-frame mirrorless system. It offers a similar focal range and maximum aperture, along with built-in image stabilization. The Canon lens is slightly heavier and larger, but it provides comparable image quality and versatility.

Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS

Sony’s FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS is another option for full-frame mirrorless users. It features built-in optical stabilization and a similar zoom range. The Sony lens is known for its excellent sharpness and weather sealing, making it a strong contender in the same category.

Conclusion

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a superb all-around zoom lens that delivers exceptional image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, and a robust build. Its compact size and lightweight design make it an ideal companion for travel, events, and everyday photography. While it may lack the faster maximum aperture of some premium lenses, its consistent f/4 performance and compatibility with IBIS-equipped cameras more than make up for it. If you’re a Nikon Z-series user looking for a versatile, high-performing zoom lens, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm is definitely worth considering.