Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a zoom (24-120mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a 105mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-120mm zoom covers what the fixed 105mm can't reframe.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 105mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is 24-120mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 105mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S reaches 1x magnification vs 0.39x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a zoom (24-120mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a 105mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-120mm zoom covers what the fixed 105mm can't reframe.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 105mm prime over a zoom. 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 MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-120mm | 105mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 20.2° | 23° – 23° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 35 cm | 29 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.39x | 1x |
| 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 | $1,099 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 84mm | 85mm |
| Length | 118mm | 140mm |
| Weight | 630g (1.39 lb) | 630g (1.39 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
