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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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NikonNIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 SNikonNIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2021August 2020
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–120 mm24–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4–6.3
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups; internal focusingEleven elements in ten groups
Special elementsThree ED elements, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elementsTwo ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal and ARNEO coatings; fluorine-coated front element–
Aperture detailConstant f/4 maximum aperture; minimum f/22Maximum f/4 at 24 mm and f/6.3 at 50 mm; minimum f/22 at 24 mm and f/36 at 50 mm
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 84°–20°20′; DX 61°–13°20′FX 84°–47°; DX 61°–31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNikon Z mount; FX and DX cameras; DX gives the angle of view of a 36–75 mm zoom on full frame
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.39×0.17×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two synchronised stepping motors; automatic and manual focusingStepping-motor autofocus
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.35 m from the focal plane at all zoom positionsInternal focusing; minimum distance 0.35 m from focal plane at all zoom positions
Magnification detailMaximum 0.39× at 120 mm, according to Nikon's Canadian announcementMaximum reproduction ratio 0.17× at 50 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyNo optical vibration reduction, as both reviews confirm; compatible bodies can provide sensor-shift stabilisation
Video featuresClickless control ring, quiet focusing and reduced focus shift and breathingNikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet autofocus and smooth exposure adjustments through the control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter84 mm73.5 mm
Length118 mm51 mm
Weight630 g195 g
ControlsZoom, manual focus and customisable control rings; L-Fn button and AF/manual switchZoom ring and programmable focus/control ring; control ring can adjust aperture, exposure compensation or ISO. No dedicated autofocus/manual switch, as both reviews describe
Zoom designExtending zoom barrel with internal focusingButton-free retractable barrel operated by rotating the zoom ring; lens must be extended for shooting
Filter detail77 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch52 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDust and drip resistance, not guaranteed in all situations; fluorine front coating repels dirtNikon describes dust and drip resistance; no waterproof rating stated
Dimensions detailApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter × 118 mm from mount flangeApproximately 73.5 × 51 mm; 51 mm is measured from camera lens mount flange with lens retracted
Weight detailApproximately 630 gApproximately 195 g
Lens hoodHB-102 includedHB-98 hood is optional, sold separately
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-102 hood and CL-C2 case; Nikon notes that lens kits may include a different rear capLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; CL-C4 case is optional
Release detailNikon Australia states mid-December 2021 availability, while Nikon Canada only states within 2021. Nikon Japan's product page dates its local sale to 28 January 2022. December 2021 retained as sourced earlier retail month; exact first global day and UK day unconfirmedNikon Japan gives 28 August 2020 as the on-sale date; July 2020 was the announcement month

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