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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 SNikonNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2021September 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–120 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Macro lens–No
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups; internal focusing14 elements in 10 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 elementMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailConstant f/4 maximum aperture; minimum f/22–
DiaphragmNine rounded blades11 rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 84°–20°20′; DX 61°–13°20′FX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNikon Z mount, FX/full-frame image circle
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.39×0.32×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two synchronised stepping motors; automatic and manual focusingMulti-focusing system with Silky Swift Voice Coil Motors
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.35 m from the focal plane at all zoom positionsMinimum focus from focal plane 0.24 m at 24/28 mm, 0.27 m at 35 mm, 0.30 m at 50 mm and 0.33 m at 70 mm
Magnification detailMaximum 0.39× at 120 mm, according to Nikon's Canadian announcementMaximum 0.21× at 24 mm or 0.32× at 70 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyNo in-lens VR according to Photography Blog; stabilisation depends on the attached camera body
Video featuresClickless control ring, quiet focusing and reduced focus shift and breathingFocus-breathing suppression; internal zoom keeps the centre of gravity steady on gimbals
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter84 mm84 mm
Length118 mm142 mm
Weight630 g675 g
ControlsZoom, manual focus and customisable control rings; L-Fn button and AF/manual switchClick on/off control ring, two assignable L-fn buttons and focus-limit switch that restricts minimum focus to 0.33 m throughout the zoom range
Zoom designExtending zoom barrel with internal focusingInternal zoom maintains the lens length
Filter detail77 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch–
Weather resistanceDust and drip resistance, not guaranteed in all situations; fluorine front coating repels dirtDust- and drip-resistant construction; not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter × 118 mm from mount flangeApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter by 142 mm from camera mount flange to lens end
Weight detailApproximately 630 gMaker approximately 675 g
Lens hoodHB-102 includedHB-117 with window for rotating filters
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-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-117 hood and CL-C2 case
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 unconfirmedAnnounced 22 August 2025; Nikon US specified mid-September availability. Main keeps the confirmed month without inventing a UK retail day

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