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 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF 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 Z 24-120mm F4 S is the longer of the two lenses at 118mm. The Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR with a length of 94mm, is 24mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S also has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR's 77mm 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 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR weighs 575g, 8% (55g) lighter than the Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S's weight of 630g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
24-120mm but while Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S has the fastest aperture of
F4, the Nikon 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR's widest aperture value is
F3.5 - F5.6.
