Lens ReviewMorten ByskovJanuary 13, 2025Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S review, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S sample images, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S image quality, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs. 24-70mm f/2.8, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs. 24-120mm f/4 S, Nikon 24-70mm review, Nikkor 24-70mm f4 reviewComment

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S Review

Nikon Nikkor 24-70mm f/4 S and Nikon Z6 III — The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S mounted on the Nikon Z6 III

Spending a Day with Nikon’s Kit Zoom Lens, the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S. A Review With Sample Images on the Nikon Z6 III

Nikon’s Fairweather Zoom

When I purchased a Nikon Z6 III at the end of 2024, I could have included the Nikkor 24-70mm f/4 S as a kit. Kit zoom lenses used to get flack, but those days are mostly gone. We are not talking about a bundle with a cheap lens, especially for an S-Line lens such as the 24-70mm f/4, which retails for $996.95.

When buying the Nikkor 24-70mm f/4 S and Z6 III, the added cost is $600.00. After spending a day with the 24-70mm, I began to understand why it may have been a good idea to go with the bundle, but I am already jumping to conclusions in my opening paragraph, and there is more to the story.

Instead, Let’s see what the Z 24-70mm f/4 S can do on a sunny January day in Vancouver and why it may be a lens you should consider.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S and Nikon Z6 III — The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S with the hood mounted on the Nikon Z6 III

Introduction

Released in 2018, the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S was the first zoom lens for the Nikon Z system. Although it may be getting a bit dated, it is still an essential and staple lens in the lineup, mainly due to its standard zoom focal length and the fact that it is often bundled with new camera purchases.

There are other good options in this focal length range. Nikon offers a Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S version for $2,396.95, a Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 for $996.95, and, last but not least, a Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S for $1,096.95.

I have yet to try the 24-70mm f/2.8 S version, but I plan to do so soon. I reviewed the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S in the fall and will discuss the pros and cons of this lens below.

Cargo ships anchored on English Bay in Vancouver, January. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S and Nikon Z6 III. — Jericho Beach, Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S @ f/11, 60mm

Specs, Build Quality, and Handling

The retractable design is the first thing you will notice on the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S. At its smallest size, you must turn the zoom to the marked dot (please see the two feature photos above). If left in this position, you will get a warning to turn the zoom ring for it to work.

The first time I tried this a few years ago, I found it annoying, but truth be told, you quickly get used to it. However, it can slow you down, and the devil’s advocate would say you may lose a shot or two fiddling with the lens.

The lens in its 24mm and 70mm positions is shown below.

The Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S zoom protruding at the 24mm and 70mm settings

Once past the retractable design, the zoom ring is smooth, and you will appreciate the compact nature of the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S with dimensions of 3.05 x 3.48" or 77.5 x 88.5 mm (max. extended 5.44" / 138.2 mm), and manageable weight of 1.1 lb or 500 g.

At no point did I feel bogged down, carrying the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S and the Z6 III around my neck, and that is probably its most significant selling point.

The Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S has 14 elements in 11 groups, including an aspherical extra-low dispersion element and three aspherical elements. The minimum focusing distance is 11.81" or 30 cm and be prepared for the 72mm filter size.

My test lens for this review was a rental. Although it had seen better days cosmetically, there was no indication of any problems, such as a wobble in the mount or a loose zoom ring. This is a testament to its excellent build quality.

A couple walks hand-in-hand along the beach at Spanish Banks in Vancouver on a clear January day. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S and Nikon Z6 III. — Jericho Beach, Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S @ f/8, 70mm

In Action

I enjoyed having a standard zoom lens on this sunny day in Vancouver for what I describe as general travel photography. You are on a travel site, so what a great fit :)

The stepping motor autofocus system is silent and fast enough for my use. I did not stress test for any significant tracking for the images seen in this review.

Please see the zoom range below, from 24mm to 70mm.

Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S @ 24mm

Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S @ 28mm

Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S @ 35mm

Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S @ 50mm

False Creek, Vancouver @ 70mm

Image Quality

I expected a similar optical performance to the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S. In my review, I stated that it is admirable across the zoom range and only slightly trails behind prime lenses. The two lenses are close in optical performance, perhaps with the Z 24-120mm f/4 S having a slight edge.

The colors from both lenses are stunning, but I lacked a bit of sharpness on the 24-70mm, especially on the long end.

Depending on your monitor size, the sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide. Please click to view larger images or pinch-zoom on your mobile phone.

Vancouver West End view from Kitsilano. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S and Nikon Z6 III. — West End, Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S @ f/8, 47mm

Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs Z 24-120mm f/4 S

If I were to pay full price for either of these two lenses, I would opt for the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S. I enjoyed the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, but several times during my outing, I wanted to get just that little bit closer to my topics. This was especially true in the wide open spaces along Jericho Beach.

The price upgrade for the Z 24-120mm f/4 is only $100.00. This proposition gets clouded if we factor in the price you pay for the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S if bundled with a new camera ($600.00).

The $600.00 price tag for the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S and $1,096.95 for the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S more accurately represents the value I see in these two lenses.

I have a full review of the 24-120mm f/4 here:

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S - Review

Fisherman's Wharf in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S and Nikon Z6 III. — Fisherman’s Wharf, Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S @ f/11, 45mm

Conclusion

The Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S is an excellent compact standard zoom lens for your Nikon Z camera. It would be a fine travel companion, especially if you could pair it with a faster prime, such as a Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 or Z 50mm f/1.8 S, for times when the lights are low, or you want photos with a more shallow depth of field.

It is nice that the 24-70mm f/4 has a constant f-stop, but f/4 is sometimes limiting in the above-mentioned low-light scenarios. However, you can still get decent bokeh when shooting at closer distances.

Sideview of the Nikon Z6 III and Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2/8. — Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S and lens hood on the Nikon Z6 III

The value is excellent when purchased in a bundle as it significantly reduces the price. As mentioned, it gets trickier if you are buying the lens separately, and in this scenario, the increased focal length of the Nikkor S 24-120mm f/4 S is hard to ignore.

In my case, I often gravitate toward prime lenses for my setup and sometimes rent a zoom lens if I need one for a gig. However, renting is not always practical or affordable if you need a lens for an extended period.

Despite my prime lens fixation, having a zoom lens is sometimes relaxing, and quite often, I find that I come home with photos I otherwise wouldn’t have captured.

Pros

Affordability when bundled
Great build quality
Silent autofocus
Constant f-stop

Cons

Retractable design

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S - B&H Photo

Nikon Z6 III - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.