My name is Mike Mezeul II, and I’m an extreme nature and landscape photographer based in Dallas, Texas. As you might imagine, this work takes me all over the world so I have to choose what I pack carefully. The NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens is my “must-have” lens, mounted to one of my camera bodies, at all times.
For nearly 23 years, I have spent most of my career documenting severe weather, including supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes. Over the last eight years, I’ve also begun to document active volcanoes across the globe. When not documenting storms or volcanoes, I spend the rest of my time photographing landscapes and teaching photography workshops. So why the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm out of all options? Well, let’s discuss the three major features of this lens that keep me coming back to it.
Why I love The Nikkor Z 24-120mm Lens
Believe it or not, the Nikkor 24-120mm lens is technically the “kit” lens that comes with the Nikon Z8. Don’t let that fool you; this lens is a versatile workhorse.
Versatility
Many think landscapes, volcanoes, and storms are shot exclusively with wide-angle lenses. They present a wide range of composition options. Thus, the most attractive feature of this lens is its versatile focal range. With my work, I enjoy creating sets of moments that help tell a story. So, not just one shot at one focal length, but two or three shots that get tighter or wider views of the same scene. Having the ability to move quickly and efficiently from 24mm to, say, 50mm and then 120mm with just one lens, is so nice. For example, while documenting the 2023 eruption of the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, I was able to quickly switch from shooting a 35mm shot of the lava as it erupted in front of me then zooming in tighter to the details of the burning moss at my feet within seconds.
Weight & Size
Many locations I travel to require hiking to get to the spot I want to photograph. When I’m hiking, the weight of my bag is so important. Not only for comfort but also because the heavier my bag, the more energy I spend hiking. Wearing me down affects my creativity in the long run. I don’t operate too well when I’m tired; thus, every pound counts. The NIKKOR Z 24-120mm is a perfect fit for anyone looking to travel light. Weighing in at just 22.2oz, this lens adds minimal weight to my pack. Also, its size is fantastic as well. Measuring 3.4″x4.7″, it barely takes up any space in my pack, allowing for more room for other camera gear or trekking gear I need to carry.
Sharpness and Auto-Focus
Sharpness is key with any of my lenses. I mean, no one likes to capture an epic moment and then get it on the computer only to realize the image is soft. Nikon did a great job with this lens; it is tack sharp from edge to edge, even at low apertures. The other impressive feature of this lens is how quickly it obtains that sharp focus, even in low light. I’ve had this lens under some pretty dark, stormy skies, and it handles the autofocus challenges like a champ. The combination of sharpness and quick auto-focus gives me the confidence I need. I often face situations where my mental focus is spread between many things, not just photography.
Aperture
Lastly, having an f/4 aperture available throughout the 24-120mm focal range is ideal. I use a low aperture in various ways. For example, the 120mm focal length at f/4 is excellent if I encounter any wildlife in my landscapes. Or if I want to do a candid environmental portrait on a volcano and have a nice bokeh behind them. At 24mm, the f/4 aperture is excellent for shooting low-light night sky scenes like the northern lights. I used to want a 24-70mm f/2.8, but the more I have used the 24-120mm lens, the more I realize that I don’t need the f/2.8 aperture for what I do.
Durability of the Nikkor Z 24-120mm Lens
With so many lenses available for photographers to choose from, my go-to lens is one that I can keep on my camera, create diverse images with, and trust in its image and build quality. I have had my gear drenched, and I mean I drenched, in the rain while shooting storms, and NIKKOR lenses have always been fantastic regarding their weather sealing. That’s the icing on the cake for me with this lens. I can use, abuse, and pack it up, and it’s ready to go again the next day.
Conclusion
The NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 lens is 100% a lens I suggest every Nikon shooter have in their bag. Whether your subject is landscapes, wildlife, or portraits, this lens can be used in almost every subject.
