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

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

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NikonNIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 SNikonNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2021September 2018
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–120 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups; internal focusingFourteen elements in eleven groups
Special elementsThree ED elements, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal and ARNEO coatings; fluorine-coated front elementNano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailConstant f/4 maximum aperture; minimum f/22Constant f/4 maximum; f/22 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragm
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesSeven 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 mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.3 m
Maximum magnification0.39×–
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two synchronised stepping motors; automatic and manual focusingNikon describes smooth, quiet focusing with floating lens elements for close-distance focus
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.35 m from the focal plane at all zoom positionsInternal focusing; minimum 0.3 m from focal plane at all zoom positions; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notes
Magnification detailMaximum 0.39× at 120 mm, according to Nikon's Canadian announcement–
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyUses compatible cameras' in-body VR; Nikon's UK page quotes up to five stops for its original camera system, not lens optical VR
Video featuresClickless control ring, quiet focusing and reduced focus shift and breathingQuiet operation, compensation for focus breathing and smooth exposure control according to Nikon's launch announcement
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter84 mm77.5 mm
Length118 mm88.5 mm
Weight630 g500 g
ControlsZoom, manual focus and customisable control rings; L-Fn button and AF/manual switchZoom ring, programmable focus/control ring and A/M switch; no focus-distance scale. Control ring can adjust exposure compensation in AF
Zoom designExtending zoom barrel with internal focusingRetractable barrel, extended by turning the zoom ring without a separate release button; must extend to a shooting focal length before use
Filter detail77 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch72 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDust and drip resistance, not guaranteed in all situations; fluorine front coating repels dirtNikon states sealing of the lens including moving parts for dust and drip resistance; not a waterproof guarantee
Dimensions detailApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter × 118 mm from mount flangeApproximately 77.5 mm maximum diameter × 88.5 mm from the lens mount flange when retracted
Weight detailApproximately 630 gApproximately 500 g
Lens hoodHB-102 includedHB-85 included
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-72B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-85 hood and CL-C1 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 unconfirmedNikon USA's August 2018 announcement gives September 27 availability. This is the retractable f/4 model, distinct from the later f/2.8 zoom

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