Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S vs 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S

Pick the 24-120mm F4 S if

• You need ⅓ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/4 vs f/4.5)
• You want the lighter lens to carry: 805 g lighter (630 g vs 1435 g)
• You want a wider view: 24mm vs 100mm at the wide end
• You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.35 m vs 0.75 m
• You want a compact lens: 118 mm vs 222 mm long
• Our notes say it suits: Travel, general use, video

Pick the 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S if

• You need more reach: 400mm vs 120mm at the long end
• You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the 24-120mm F4 S does not
• Our notes say it suits: Wildlife, sports, airshows

Our notes

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S

A versatile standard zoom for Nikon Z full-frame cameras with a constant f/4 aperture and a longer range than the 24-70mm f/4.

Pros

• Constant f/4
• Long 24-120mm range
• Weather-sealed
• Sharp

Cons

• Larger than the 24-70 f/4 (630 g)
• Relies on in-camera corrections

Our notes

Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S

The Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S is a telephoto zoom for Nikon Z full-frame cameras with vibration reduction and weather sealing, popular for wildlife and sports.

Pros

• Long 400mm reach
• Vibration reduction
• Weather-sealed
• Teleconverter compatible

Cons

• Variable aperture
• Heavy (1.44 kg)