Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S delivers optical quality in the 85th percentile in a compact, weather-sealed 500g body. Sharpness is the standout, but the f/4 aperture and lack of stabilization hold it back indoors. At used prices around $500, it's one of the best value standard zooms for the Z system.

Sharpness is where this lens earns its keep. The aspherical ED element and three aspherical elements work together to keep chromatic aberrations in check, and in our testing, corner-to-corner clarity is impressive even wide open at f/4. You'll see the most detail between 24mm and 50mm, with a slight softening at 70mm that's still well above average for a standard zoom. The stepping motor AF is quick and nearly silent for stills, though it sits in the 54th percentile overall, which is solid but not class-leading. For video work, focus pulls are smooth with minimal breathing. The minimum focus distance of 300mm gives you a 1:3.33 magnification ratio, landing in the 70th percentile for macro capability. It won't replace a dedicated macro lens, but you can get surprisingly close to flowers and details. The lack of stabilization is a miss, sitting at the 37th percentile, but most modern Z bodies have IBIS to pick up the slack.

Against the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD, the Nikon gives up a stop of light and stabilization but fights back with better optical quality and a more compact build. The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN is the more direct threat, offering that extra stop in a similarly small package, though you lose the 24mm wide end. The Panasonic Leica 12-35mm f/2.8 is a Micro Four Thirds lens, so it's not a direct comparison, but it shows what constant f/2.8 gets you in a small zoom. The Nikon's real advantage is that it's a native Z-mount lens with weather sealing and coatings tuned specifically for Nikon's sensors. You're trading speed for sharpness and portability, and for outdoor shooters, that's often the right call.

Pricing on this lens is all over the map, ranging from $439 to an absurd $21,501 across vendors. The low end is typically a used or international version, and at that price, the value proposition is outstanding. Even at the more common $600-800 range for a clean used copy, you're getting optical performance that punches well above its weight. The f/4 aperture is the trade-off for the compact size and lower price compared to the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, which costs several times more. If you find one around $500, grab it. That's a steal for glass this sharp.

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lands in the 85th percentile for optical quality in our database, which puts it firmly in "one of the best on the market" territory for sharpness. You're getting 14 elements in 11 groups, including an aspherical ED element and three standard asphericals, all wrapped in a weather-sealed body that weighs just 500g. It's the lens Nikon should have included with every Z body, and for a while, they basically did as a kit option. The constant f/4 aperture keeps exposures consistent across the zoom range, and the Nano Crystal Coatings do a solid job fighting flare when you're shooting into the light. But that f/4 max aperture is also the lens's biggest asterisk. It's fine outdoors, but step inside and you'll be cranking the ISO on your Z body faster than you'd like. The 7-blade diaphragm doesn't do the bokeh any favors either, landing in the 64th percentile, which is about average for a zoom like this.

If you shoot a lot of indoor events, weddings, or anything that demands subject separation, the f/4 aperture and 64th-percentile bokeh will frustrate you. The 7-blade diaphragm produces busy backgrounds, and you'll be fighting for light more often than you'd like. Wildlife and sports shooters should also look elsewhere, the lens scored just 63.5 out of 100 in that category, and the 70mm long end isn't nearly enough reach. Grab a fast prime or the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S if speed matters more than portability.

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is the lens you keep on your camera when you don't know what you'll encounter. It's sharp enough for landscapes, wide enough for interiors, and long enough for casual portraits. The f/4 aperture is the obvious compromise, and if you shoot events or indoor candids regularly, you'll feel that limitation quickly. But for travel, hiking, and general-purpose photography, the combination of 85th-percentile optics in a 500g weather-sealed body is hard to beat. Buy it used, save a bundle, and put the leftover cash toward a fast prime for when the lights go down.