The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S and the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 120mm. The Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S with a length of 118mm, is 2mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR's 83mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S weighs 630g, which means it is 200g (24%) lighter than the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR which has a weight of 830g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S and the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon Zf, Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z30 for the Nikon Z Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S has a focal range of 24-120mm and
5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
36 - 180mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR has a focal range of 18-300mm and 16.7X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 27-450mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.