Nikon NIKKOR Z 24- vs Sony SEL2470GM E-Mount Camera Lens: FE 24-

Overview of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S and Sony SEL2470GM

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is priced at $1,096.95, while the Sony SEL2470GM is significantly higher at $1,798.00, making the Nikon about 39% cheaper. Both lenses serve different photography needs, with the Nikon offering a constant f/4 aperture, and the Sony providing a wider f/2.8 aperture. This article will delve into their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which lens is better suited for your photography style.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of both the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S and the Sony SEL2470GM is impressive, but they cater to different preferences. The Nikon lens is designed for robust weather-sealing, making it ideal for outdoor photography. It is compact and travel-friendly, which is perfect for photographers on the go. Conversely, the Sony lens features a dust and moisture-resistant design, ensuring it can withstand challenging shooting conditions.

Both lenses include dedicated focusing rings; however, the Nikon’s custom control ring allows users to adjust aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation directly on the lens, enhancing its usability. The ergonomic design of both lenses makes them comfortable to handle, but the added versatility of the Nikon's control ring could be a deciding factor for some photographers.

Focal Length and Aperture

The focal lengths of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S and the Sony SEL2470GM cater to various photographic needs. The Nikon lens offers a focal range of 24-120mm, providing versatility from wide-angle to telephoto shots. This makes it suitable for landscapes, portraits, and everything in between. In contrast, the Sony lens has a slightly narrower focal range of 24-70mm but compensates with a faster maximum aperture of f/2.8, which is ideal for low-light settings and achieving a shallow depth of field.

This difference in aperture allows the Sony to excel in creative photography, especially in portraiture, where background blur is essential. On the other hand, the Nikon’s constant f/4 aperture across its zoom range offers consistent exposure, making it a reliable choice for video and still photography alike.

Autofocus Performance

When it comes to autofocus performance, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S employs two high-speed, ultra-quiet STM stepping motors. This technology ensures fast and accurate focusing, even at close distances of just 1.15 feet. This feature is particularly valuable for macro and detail-oriented photography.

The Sony SEL2470GM uses a Direct Drive Super Sonic wave Motor (DDSSM), which also provides quick and precise autofocus capabilities. The lens is designed for instant switching between auto and manual focus, allowing photographers to adapt to various shooting scenarios seamlessly. Both lenses excel in autofocus performance, but the Nikon may have a slight edge in close-focusing scenarios due to its shorter minimum focus distance.

Image Quality and Optical Performance

Image quality is a crucial factor when selecting a lens, and both the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S and the Sony SEL2470GM deliver outstanding results. The Nikon lens features premium S-Line optics, ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal color bleeding or focus breathing. It excels in providing superior resolution and clarity, making it suitable for high-resolution imaging.

The Sony lens is equally impressive, incorporating ED and Super ED glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration while maximizing resolution and bokeh quality. The nine-blade circular aperture enhances the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas, providing beautiful background blur. While both lenses produce excellent image quality, the choice may depend on specific photographic needs, such as the importance of background bokeh versus overall sharpness.

Versatility and Usability

The versatility of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S makes it an excellent all-in-one solution for photographers who prefer a single lens for various situations. Its extended zoom range allows for easy composition across different subjects, from landscapes to portraits. The custom control ring and dedicated manual focus ring further enhance its usability, allowing for a tailored shooting experience.

In contrast, the Sony SEL2470GM, while slightly less versatile in focal length, offers superior low-light performance and stunning image quality, making it more suited for portrait and event photography. The lens's compact design and quick autofocus system make it user-friendly, particularly for videographers and those needing fast adjustments during shoots.

Price Comparison

Price is a significant consideration when choosing between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S and the Sony SEL2470GM. The Nikon lens retails for $1,096.95, while the Sony lens is priced at $1,798.00. This difference of $701.05 means the Nikon is about 39% cheaper, making it a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features and performance.

For photographers who are just starting or those who require a versatile lens without breaking the bank, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S presents great value. However, for those who prioritize ultra-fast aperture and specific optical qualities despite the higher price, the Sony SEL2470GM may justify the investment.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S and the Sony SEL2470GM ultimately depends on your specific photography needs and budget. If you are looking for a versatile, all-in-one lens that offers good image quality at a more affordable price, the Nikon is an excellent choice. However, if your focus is on low-light performance, enhanced bokeh, and superior optical quality, the Sony lens can provide those benefits, albeit at a significantly higher price.

In summary, both lenses have their strengths and are designed for different uses. Consider your photography style, budget, and the specific features that matter most to you before making a decision.