Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S if…
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 120mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is 24-120mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 28-400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is $1,099, $200 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is 630g (1.39 lb) vs 725g (1.60 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 120mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is 24-120mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 28-400mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-120mm | 28-400mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 20.2° | 75° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 35 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.39x | 0.33x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,099 | $1,299 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 84mm | 84mm |
| Length | 118mm | 121.5mm |
| Weight | 630g (1.39 lb) | 725g (1.60 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
