First test
PRICE: £1099
NIKON.CO.UK
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S This latest standard zoom has the potential to be the one lens for almost every photo opportunity
“THERE’SALSOA CONTROL RING. THIS ISTHE KNURLED RINGCLOSESTTO THE CAMERABODY, AND ISAS SMOOTH
NIKON HAS TWO 24-70mm lenses in its range: an f/2.8 and f/4, both S-spec optics. Plus, a 24-200mm f/4-6.3 – a non-S lens. There’s the non-S Z 28-75mm f/2.8 on its way, too. Now, there’s even more choice out there, with the Z 24-120mm f/4 S. This has the credentials to be the ideal walkaround lens for many photographers. It’s compact for its range, although does grow by 6cm as you zoom from 24mm out to 120mm. Overall handling is very good. The broad, 3cm-wide zoom barrel has a smooth, but precise action – and the range is covered in a one-quarter rotation. This makes it quick to adjust compositions; although it is a non- parfocal design ( focus is not constant during zooming), so focus needs checking when you zoom in. The MF barrel is narrower at 1cm, but it’s great to use. Of all the camera brands, Nikon may have the best manual focus implementation, with great responsiveness and ‘feel’ – almost like a proper manual lens. Being an S lens means there are extra features available to enhance handling further. On the Z 7II, the L-Fn button can be set to 22 features,
SPECS › Price £1099
› In the box Lens, back and front caps, bayonet-fit lens hood, case › Format Full-frame › Compatibility Nikon Z › Construction 16 elements in 13 groups › Special lens elements Three ED, one aspherical ED, three aspherical › Coatings Nano Crystal and Arneo coats, and a fluorine-coated front › Aperture range F/4-22 › Diaphragm Nine blades › Magnification 0.39x › Autofocus Yes, silent AF, two AF drive units, manual, internal focusing › Minimum focus 35cm at all zoom positions › Weather sealed Yes › Image stabiliser No › Dimensions (dxl) 84x118mm › Weight 630g › Contact nikon.co.uk lens element › Filter 77mm
ASALLOTHER FUNCTIONS”
or none. I had it on focus magnifier, so you get 100% blow-up of the scene to closely check focusing. There’s also a control ring. This is the knurled ring closest to the camera body, and is as smooth as all other functions. It can set aperture, ISO and exposure compensation (or none) selectable from the camera. I had it at compensation, which meant I could tinker with exposure while my eye was at the EVF. I didn’t have to adjust the grip at all, leaving me to concentrate on the shot. I really liked this lens for its user-friendly nature, but also its
TAKE CONTROL The L-Fn button can be programmed via the camera body – and to a whole variety of different functions – so it's extremely useful, with it being so large and accessible
STEADY ON The Z 24-120mm f/4 S doesn’t feature Nikon’s shake-defeating Vibration Reduction system, but that’s no problem when the lens is on an IBIS- equipped camera body. Here, in tandem with the Nikon Z 7II, sharpness was still top-drawer with an exposure of 1/8sec at f/11 and ISO 100 – as you can see on the enlargement above
PURE SHORES Versatility is the keyword of Nikon’s Z 24-120mm f/4 S, which suits scenic, people and street work. This tranquil scene was captured with the lens at 120mm using a Nikon Z 7II, an exposure of 1/500sec at f/8 and ISO 200
Issue 96 | Photography News 57
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