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Choose a longer one-lens range or f/2.8 across the shared zoom range

The 24-120mm f/4 S reaches 120mm and has the lower listed lens-only mass; the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S keeps f/2.8 as its maximum aperture across 24–70mm. Pick by whether extra reach or that aperture range better fits your shooting and filter setup. Nikon specifications do not establish an optical-quality or autofocus winner.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-02

Source checked 2026-10-02 12:22 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Would you rather extend one-lens framing to 120mm at f/4, or keep an f/2.8 maximum aperture through 70mm? How do the lens-only carry specifications and your 77mm or 82mm filters fit the decision?

The 24-120mm provides 50mm more telephoto reach than the 24-70mm while listing f/4; the original 24-70mm lists f/2.8 across its shorter range. The 24-120mm also has a lower listed mass and smaller listed dimensions, while filter diameters differ.

Quick verdict

Choose NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (Nikon USA model 20105) if

  • You want one zoom to reach 120mm without changing lenses and f/4 is acceptable for your exposure plan.
  • Your existing screw-in filters are 77mm, or the listed 630g lens mass and dimensions better match your carry setup.
View NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (Nikon USA model 20105) on AmazonPaid link

Choose NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (original model 20089) if

  • You want the f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout 24–70mm and do not need this zoom to reach beyond 70mm.
  • Your existing screw-in filters are 82mm and fit the listed diameter for this lens.
View NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (original model 20089) on AmazonPaid link
When to skip: You need both the 70–120mm range and an f/2.8 maximum aperture in one lens; neither of these models provides both. Your camera body does not use the Nikon Z mount; these are Nikon Z-mount lenses.
When the recommendation changes
  • If you regularly photograph moving subjects or dim scenes, decide whether f/2.8 is necessary for your exposure plan; this comparison does not measure either lens's real-world results.
  • If filter reuse is important, check the diameter stamped on your existing screw-in filters: Nikon lists 77mm for A and 82mm for B.
  • Check the camera-body-plus-lens combination against your own bag. Nikon's dimensions here describe the lens, not a complete kit or guaranteed compartment fit.
  • If you need longer than 120mm, or need f/2.8 while reaching beyond 70mm, consider a different lens configuration.

The differences that matter

Standard Zoom Aperture And Exposure Workflow

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (Nikon USA model 20105)

Nikon USA model 20105 covers 24–120mm with a constant maximum aperture of f/4 on FX format. The 70–120mm portion extends beyond the other lens's listed range.[1, 2]

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (original model 20089)

Nikon USA model 20089, the original NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S, covers 24–70mm with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 on FX format.[3, 4]

What this changes: Choose between maintaining f/2.8 as the maximum aperture across the shared 24–70mm range and carrying one zoom that reaches 120mm at f/4. The published aperture and range do not establish sharpness, autofocus, bokeh or low-light test results.[1, 2, 3, 4]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Focal Range And Carry Setup

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (Nikon USA model 20105)

Nikon lists the 24–120mm f/4 S at approx. 84 × 118mm and 630g, with a 77mm screw-in filter interface.[1, 2]

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (original model 20089)

Nikon lists the original 24–70mm f/2.8 S at approx. 89 × 126mm and 805g, with an 82mm screw-in filter interface.[3, 4]

What this changes: The listed lens-only dimensions and mass, plus the 77mm versus 82mm filter diameter, help check a bag and existing screw-in filter setup. They do not guarantee fit in a particular camera bag or establish subjective handling; confirm the diameter of filters already owned.[1, 2, 3, 4]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

One zoom that reaches from 24mm through 120mm

Best fit: NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (Nikon USA model 20105)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Nikon lists A at 24–120mm and B at 24–70mm; choose A when the 70–120mm portion avoids changing lenses for your intended framing.

View NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (Nikon USA model 20105) on AmazonPaid link

Keep f/2.8 as the maximum aperture over 24–70mm

Best fit: NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (original model 20089)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Nikon lists maximum apertures of f/2.8 for B and f/4 for A. This is a specification-based exposure choice, not an image-quality result.

View NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (original model 20089) on AmazonPaid link

Match an existing 77mm screw-in filter

Best fit: NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (Nikon USA model 20105)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Nikon lists a 77mm filter diameter for A and 82mm for B. Verify the marking on the filter and any adapter before purchase.

View NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (Nikon USA model 20105) on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Compare the live offers at checkout. A higher offer would need to fit the buyer's priorities for longer reach, maximum aperture, lens-only carry specifications and filter compatibility; these sources do not establish value or lifetime cost.

Price history is unavailable here, so this comparison cannot identify a usual price or say whether now is a better time to buy.

Limitations

  • This is a specifications-based comparison, not a hands-on test. It does not establish sharpness, distortion, flare, bokeh, autofocus, stabilization or image-quality differences.
  • Nikon's listed dimensions and weight are for each lens alone; camera body, hood, caps, filters and bag geometry change packed kit size and mass.
  • The Nikon USA route /20089 is for the original NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. It is not the newer 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.
  • Prices and package contents can change. Check the exact Nikon model and included accessories at checkout.

Questions shoppers ask

Is the 24-120mm f/4 S a replacement for an f/2.8 lens in low light?

It has a smaller maximum aperture than the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S, while reaching farther. Whether f/4 fits a particular shutter-speed and ISO plan depends on the scene and camera settings; these specifications are not a low-light test.

Can I reuse my 77mm filter on the 24-70mm f/2.8 S?

Nikon lists a 77mm screw-in filter diameter for the 24-120mm and 82mm for the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S. Check the filter marking and the lens diameter before relying on direct fit.

Is the 24-70mm f/2.8 S II the same lens as this comparison's model?

No. The product covered here is Nikon USA model 20089, the original NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. Confirm the model number when comparing listings.

Methodology and sources

The exact Nikon USA model pages and Nikon global model pages were checked. The recommendation follows their published focal ranges, maximum apertures, lens-only dimensions, mass and filter diameters. No optical, autofocus or real-world handling winner was measured. AI assistance helped organize the research and draft this comparison; product claims were checked against the cited Nikon documentation.

A language model assisted with organizing Nikon's published specifications and drafting this comparison. Pickoryx did not conduct hands-on testing.

View 4 sources
  1. 1.Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S | Standard Zoom LensNikon Imaging USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-02 12:22 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Exact Nikon USA model route /20105; Overview and Tech Specs sections. Focal length/aperture/format; dimensions and weight; filter size/type.: Nikon USA identifies model 20105 as the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S and lists 24–120mm, maximum aperture f/4, FX format, approx. 84 × 118mm dimensions, 630g weight, and 77mm screw-in filters. Lens specifications only; no measured performance claim.
  2. 2.NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S | Z mount LensesNikon Corporation · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-02 12:22 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Exact-model page title and Specifications section, lines 47 and 82–94 in the opened page.: Nikon's exact-model global page confirms the 24–120mm range, constant f/4 maximum aperture, 77mm filter diameter, approx. 84 × 118mm dimensions and 630g weight.
  3. 3.Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens | Standard Zoom LensNikon Imaging USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-02 12:22 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Exact Nikon USA model route /20089; title, Overview and Tech Specs sections, including focal range, aperture, FX format, dimensions, weight and filter interface.: Nikon USA route /20089 identifies the original NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (not the later S II). It lists 24–70mm, maximum aperture f/2.8, FX format, approx. 89 × 126mm dimensions, 805g weight and 82mm screw-in filters.
  4. 4.NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | Z mount LensesNikon Corporation · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-02 12:22 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Exact-model page title and Specifications section, lines 47 and 82–94 in the opened page.: Nikon's exact-model global page confirms the original 24–70mm f/2.8 S, 82mm filter size, approx. 89 × 126mm dimensions and 805g weight. It is not the 24–70mm f/2.8 S II.

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