Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
Combining an aspherical extra-low dispersion element with Nano Crystal coatings, this lens delivers sharp, high-contrast images while resisting flare and ghosting. Its constant f/4 aperture and retractable design keep the build remarkably compact and lightweight at just 500g, without sacrificing full weather sealing. This is the ideal walkaround zoom for Z-mount landscape and travel photographers who prioritize optical quality in a portable package.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong optical (85th percentile) 85th
- Strong versatility (80th percentile) 80th
- Strong build (72nd percentile) 72nd
- Strong macro (71st percentile) 71st
Cons
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q2 202667/100
Two positive reviews praise sharpness and value; one neutral review confirms it as a perfect versatile lens.
- Lens is sharp and great value for price.
- Perfect versatility for a Z5II camera.
- Overall 85% five-star rating, but one neutral review lacks detail.
- Q1 2020100/100
Buyers praised the lens for its sharpness, compactness, and build quality, noting it rivals the f/2.8 version. The locking mechanism was a minor annoyance.
- Excellent image quality and sharpness, even in low light.
- Compact and well-built, ideal for travel and everyday use.
- Locking mechanism is a minor annoyance, especially for quick shots.
- Great value as a kit lens, performing well across various photography types.
- Q4 201996/100
This period praised the 24-70mm f/4 as an outstanding kit lens with exceptional sharpness, compact size, and surprising low-light performance, often preferred over the f/2.8 version.
- Exceptional sharpness and optics, often surpassing expectations for a kit lens.
- Compact, lightweight design praised as ideal for travel and everyday use.
- Low-light autofocus struggles in dim conditions, considered a limitation.
- Reports of dust entering lens via telescoping mechanism, requiring warranty repair.
- Q3 201996/100
Buyers in Q3 2019 praised the lens as exceptionally sharp, compact, and versatile, often calling it far superior to typical kit lenses. A few noted minor issues like a lens hood lock problem and desire for longer reach.
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality, often exceeding expectations for a kit lens.
- Compact, lightweight design ideal for travel and everyday use.
- Versatile focal length and good low-light performance with IBIS.
- Lens hood lock issue on some copies; desire for longer zoom range (e.g., 24-120mm).
Based on 123 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 |
| Focal Length Max | 70 |
| Elements | 14 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/4 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 72 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 300 |
| Max Magnification | 1:3.33 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 | Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM | Sony FE SEL2070G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 17-70mm | 16-28mm | 12-60mm | 28-70mm | 20-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/22 | f/4 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Canon RF | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | true | true | false |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 500 | 544 | 450 | 320 | 495 | 488 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | RXD | Stepping AF Motor | linear motor | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S | 53.7 | 65.6 | 72.1 | 70.9 | 84.7 | 67.1 | 44.2 | 80 | 62.2 | 37.8 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.7 | 87.4 | 69.6 | 85.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 63.3 | 89.3 | 85.1 | 83.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Compare | 87.4 | 87.4 | 75.9 | 77.8 | 97.2 | 84.6 | 75.5 | 68 | 62.7 | 37.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98.1 | 87.4 | 84.6 | 51.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 44.2 | 93.1 | 67.8 | 83.4 |
| Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Compare | 87.4 | 24.1 | 72.6 | 80 | 86.2 | 21 | 98.1 | 76.9 | 89.3 | 98.6 |
| Sony FE SEL2070G Compare | 53.7 | 78.4 | 73.2 | 52.5 | 91 | 67.1 | 63.3 | 84.4 | 92.6 | 37.8 |
Price
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
