No issues with the Z24-120 it really is a great lens, I was going to p/x the 24-70/f4 but decided to keep it and will look at using it along with my 16-35 against the 14-24/f2.8 at a later date. The range of this new lens is just perfect, it is not overly heavy yet it feels solid and well built, the glass appears to have come from Nikon’s top drawer in terms of quality, it is for me as a jack of all trades amateur photographer the ideal walk round lens. Nice review, Dartmoor looks great and having moved to the south west these moors are somewhere I need to visit with my camera gear. Good luck in your photography.
Thanks for watching Martin. If you can only take one lens, then as you say, it's the ideal walk around lens. Dartmoor is stunning....evening in bad weather it has a certain charm! I hope you make it here soon with your camera. :-)
Hello Julian: I realize I am late, but I just found this video of yours and enjoyed it a great deal. I also wanted you to know that this will be my SECOND Z mount lens purchase after having recently acquired a new Z9 and that your review, along with ADRIAN ALFORD's (Australia) great video in which he recommended this lens very highly as well. My first Z mount lens purchase was the Viltrox 85 mm f1.8 that you also reviewed here at CZcams and I am enjoying that lens, too. Once again, Julian an OUTSTANDING video and a great review! Well done, sir, well done!
Thank you so much Paul. That is most kind of you to say and comments like that keep me motivated to keep producing more content. Happy shooting with your 24-120!
Hi Julian, Brilliant video showing the beauty of Dartmoor. Loved the shout of achievement without getting wet when you jumped onto the bank. Great image's as usual. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure. All the best mate.
Hi Julian, I sold my 24-200 to help finance my purchase of the 24-120 lens and I have to say, although the 24-200 was quite good, the 24-120 is definitely better, I love it, I'll be taking it to the Faroe Islands in a month, so I'm hoping to come back with some fantastic images with this lens from there. Can't believe I haven't seen this video until now haha, take care, Steve.
Hey Steve, glad you are enjoying the 24-120 and you are benefiting from the difference in quality. Very jealous that you are going to the Faroe Islands. Have an amazing time!
I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens. I've been waiting for the lens for months. I just got an e-mail from Paul's Photo that it will come next week, yay!. I did own the 24-70 mm f/4 S as a kit lens with the Z6. I sold the kit to upgrade to a Z6 II and Z7 II. I then got the 24-200 mm f/4-6.3 lense. I agree, I didn't quite like the image quality compared to an S-line lens. I gave the lens to my brother-in-law along with a Z5 as a Christmas gift with the 24-120mm as the replacement. Well, I didn't realize that Nikon will take too long to deliver. So I've been carrying the Z 70-200 mm f/2.8 S on my hikes. I'm looking forward to a lighter pack for landscape photography hikes.
The landscape reminds me of places I have been in the USofA. So, I can simulate that of which you show, but, more importantly is what you say about composing where you are now, not then or in some fantasy in the future. Good job. I am learning (well, at least I think I am... ummm... learning?).
Brilliant video Julian. Love all the images too. The light looked spot on. Really good review to and must be honest as it’s all your own money !!! Thanks D
Hi Julian: Congratulations on your recent purchase. This lens appears to be a great fit for your style of photographer. I enjoyed seeing more of your local area, and seeing more of 'wild' Dartmoor. The views are so massive and so interesting. As I have said many times before, you are so lucky to have this area to photograph. All of your images are so nice, but in particular your images with the new lens. Cheers, Keith
Thanks Keith. I think I've finally got the right lens line up for my photography! :-) Yeah, no doubt I am super lucky with my local area. Dartmoor is a massive area, so I've got so much more to discover. Thanks for your kind words on my images. 👍
Hi Julian, thoroughly enjoyed your video this week, excellent views and resulting photo’s. Dartmoor and the surrounding area is a place I hope to visit in the near future.
Very good review thanks. I just got this lens as I had my eye on it since they had the 24-105mm on the roadmap. Adding that extra to 120mm was a nice bonus. I just have the 20mm 1.8 for faster/low light/night photography and this lens. (Not sure if I'll keep the 24-200 now) I agree that I don't use the FN button for anything but I do like the custom ring that I set for ISO as I don't like having to press the two things to control it and I can just stay focused on what I'm shooting.
Solid looking lens & a decent hike Julian. I had the old 24-120 Nikon lens but dropped it on a hike in Snowdon with Mr Gareth Danks haha! It was never quite the same after but I did enjoy shooting with it.
Julian, no need to apologize on the frequency of Dartmoor.....always a pleasure to see your new explorations. Nice review. I'm currently on the Z7 (per your recommendation from the D850) with the 14-24 and 24-70 2.8s. I love the third control ring for exposure compensation as I use it frequently with the histogram. Still using my 70-200 2.8 F mount (with FTZ ii) so my kit adds one more lens but don't mind the extra load due to the fabulous Shimoda pack that I have that is identical to yours. Would like to hear a review or your thoughts on this pack, since for me, the most comfortable and efficient pack I have used, especially when hiking steep terrain with the extraordinary hip belt. Great shots and enjoyed your production as always.
Thanks David...in terms of the Shimoda bag...I like it. Lots of nice little features. Simple stuff like the mobile phone pocket are real bonus. I have found it causes me a little discomfort (during longer walks) on the side where I put the tripod though. I probably just need adjust the the straps, or I might adjust the placement of the tripod. But on the whole, very happy with it. It's well made for sure. :-)
Many thanks Julian for putting in the time and work demonstrating how valuable this lens is for the landscape photographer. I’ve had one on order since mid November and still waiting! Hoping I’ll have it soon. Your images in this video are gorgeous!
Thanks Rita, great to hear you got some value from the video. Sorry to hear you've been waiting so long. I would have thought you might have got one by now. Fingers x'd you'll get it soon. And thanks, glad you liked the images as well. :-)
Julian hi Brilliant video I mean I always enjoy your videos but really enjoyed this one I was really carried along with you on this one . Great location great photos and looks like a great lens to. Well done keep up the good work take care Trev
Thanks Trev, that is most kind of you to say!! I think with run of bad weather I was so excited to finally get out and on a big walk that it all got to me and I was super excited!! lol As always mate, thanks for watching. :-)
Thanks for watching. :-) TBH, there would be little value in creating that video as the image quality between the Z7 and Z8 isn't big enough (if there is any). However, check out my Harris & Lewis video where a lot of the photographs (and video) was created with the Z8 + 24-120 - czcams.com/video/p0mUped_dpA/video.html :-)
Hi Julian. Looks a quality piece of kit. The only issue I would have is the narrow focus ring. Not sure why Nikon keep doing that tbh. Other than that, it's a great utility lens at a very reasonable price. I still use my F-mount version for woodland photography- it's sharp as a tack and still going strong. Enjoyed your Dartmoor walk ! Thanks for sharing.
What a great day out, with some excellent pictures. Like you I love big foregrounds. I presume the two wee huts that appeared in your video are military observers huts. PS Just read your reply to an earlier comment re the huts, thanks.
Cheers Paul. I think the best thing you can do is put in an order somewhere and wait for it to come back into stock. I've heard a few people are waiting for one.
I have the 24-120 AF-D on my D810 majority of the time, it is a brilliant focal range. I have a control ring on my Panasonic LX100, I use it for aperture control.
I know this was a photo vlog, and focusing (ha!) on the lens, but all I could think about watching the video was the Hound of the Baskervilles (not Monty: 19:32)! Beautiful, but haunting country, and your video, and your photos especially, brought to life the atmosphere of that book for me! Thanks for the video.
Hi Julian. Lovely shots. You clearly have a good eye for landscapes. I live in Hertfordshire but am visiting India, where I've just picked up a Z9. And tomorrow I'll be getting a Z 24-120. By the way, how do you decide that you need 1/4 sec and f11? Presumably you experiment (?) it's just you don't mention it in the video. And another question. If you had a (human) subject in the foreground of your landscape shot, how would you alter your settings? Would you need a flash (assuming same time of day)? Sorry for so many questions.
Thanks, glad you liked the photos and congrats on your recent purchases. In general, for my landscape photographs, I set my ISO (normally 64) and my aperture (normally f/11) and then set the exposure duration to give me a correctly exposed image. If I'm capturing movement, such as seascape, I'll set my exposure duration, aperture, and then set the ISO to give me the correct exposure. As for people, well, I don't photograph people in my landscapes. Sorry, but I hope the rest was helpful.
I'm always jealous of the trail runners (I'm just a regular cyclist) because it looks fun, but they aren't carrying 20lbs of landscape/birding photography equipment! When I'm out cycling, I bring my Ricoh GR III(x). Smallest and quickest 24 megapixel camera I've ever had, it's awesome!
I used to do a lot of running, and a little bit of trail running, but I stopped in favour of focusing on cycling. I do wander about parts of Dartmoor and wish I was still running. Thanks for watching. :-)
Can't say anything about the lens as I don't own a Nikon. I'd agree that two lens is enough for most walks in the landscape, although I normally shoot primes. Best bit of the vlog was the beauty of Dartmoor, looked chilly though.
@@jbairdexp I bought the Z7 from MPB without a lens. Because I own a Z50, I already had a 50mm 1.8 Z lens to snap on the Z7. I have the pancake lens for the Z50, the Nikon 50-250mm Z DX lens, plus the 18-140MM Z Dx lens. I do have the FTZ adapter, because since 2014 I owned a D7100 with a number of DX lenses that I used on the Z50. Most of those were sold with the exception on a Tokina ATX-i 11-16mm f/2.8 that I've kept for extra wide shots, and night photography. The good news is that my son has a great collection of vintage Nikon full frame glass because his grandparents gave him their camera gear. His grandmother did public relations work, so he is well equipped along with a few lenses he has for his D7100. I'm currently planning an outing using his vintage Nikkor 20mm full frame lens. You made a good point about considering what reach would I be using the most. Of course my budget will have to be considered. Do I spend $800 or $1600? Fun!
@@jonstout7635 Awesome. Sounds like you already have a fine collection of Z lenses. Never ask me how you should spend...I can't even stick to my own budgets! :-)
I traded in my Z 24-200 for the 24-120 as well. My thinking on this exactly aligned with yours so my kit is the 14-30 and this lens, along with the 20 1.8 prime since I plan to try some more astro in the future. I set my lens button to playback the last image so I can check the shot in the EVF without shifting my grip on the lens. Cheers!
Great video! I just set the L-Fn button on my 24-120mm lens to subject tracking and have left the third ring off because I think it's very likely to make mistakes while holding the camera. Congratulations.
Really interesting video Julian. I too have the 24-70 f4 and 24-200 and would consider trading but never turn in the 14-30. I am intrigued by this 24-120 f4 S line though as you’ve sold me on the idea of 2 into 1 with what looks like top quality. On the topic of VR, since the Z7 has IBIS, I assume we don’t have to concern ourselves with VR on the lens too? If it were an issue and shooting handheld, it just means upping the shutter speed and perhaps the ISO.
Thanks Terry, glad you found the video interesting. I'm not much of a handheld shooter so I rarely concern myself with VR anyway, but your approach of increasing the shutter speed and/or ISO is perfectly valid. I have no issues pushing the ISO on my Z 7. :-)
What are your thoughts on this lens after a couple years? Still feel its the one to go for or have you found yourself wanting more reach? Looking to buy this or the 24-200, cheers
Thank you Karen. The water bottle holder is part of the bag. It has a mobile phone holder on the other strap. The bag is the Shimoda Design Explore V2 30 - shimodadesigns.com/explore-v2/
I've said it before, but lovely images as always. I'd love this lens. Like you, this with the 14-30mm would probably be all I'd need for landscape work. I don't know Dartmoor, so are the huts at 10.00 and 18.00 bothies were you can sleep out?
Thanks Billy, I appreciate that. The huts belong to the military and can't be used by the public. There are 3 military zones on Dartmoor that they use for live firing and military exercises. The huts, I expect given their locations, are there to allow those exercises to be supervised. Obviously, the zones aren't always "live" so you can still wander around them like you saw me do in the video. Would be nice if you could stay in them though! :-)
Thanks for the reply. I didn’t put 2 and 2 together. You did say at the beginning that it was a military zone. I hoped they might be bothies or something you could rent from the BMC
Excellent video sir! I too, use a Nikon Z7 for landscape and product photography, and am strongly considering this 24-120 f/4 S lens. I see that you achieve foreground and background sharpness at f/11. Do you focus at the hyerfocal distance, or approximately 1/3 into the image? Thank you.
Thank you, glad you liked it. I do sometimes focus stack (but this is rare), generally speaking I just focus around 1/3 into the image. I'll use focus peaking sometimes to give me extra confidence. :-)
Very useful as I am thinking of changing too this lens for my Z6. You didn't talk about the fact that the 24-200 doesn't have VR. Any comments on this please Julian?
Thanks Richard, glad you found it useful. 👍 I think you've made a typo though...the 24-200 does have VR, but the 24-120 doesn't. I mention it here - czcams.com/video/YkJrkQfdo1Q/video.html and here czcams.com/video/YkJrkQfdo1Q/video.html 👍👍
I traded in my 24-70 f4 yesterday for this 24-120 f4. I only got $220 for my old lens. I was disappointed in the trade in value. I should have kept it. These lenses are a dime a dozen now, driving the market down. I hope I made the right decision!
Hey Jay, when it comes to used value for kit I consider anything I get to be a bonus. Common lenses like the 24-70 f/4 just don't hold there value as much due to the sheer number of them. Remember this is a lens that was shipped in many Z6 and Z7 kits. You obviously bought the 24-120mm because you wanted the extra reach, so the trade in value of your previous lens doesn't degrade the requirement for your new lens.
I am thinking about doing the same. Selling my 24-70 f4 & 70-300 f mount & FTZ adapter to buy the 24-120. You have spurred me into that decision now. How long did you wait on pre order may I ask?
Hey Nicky, I ordered mine the day Wex announced pre-orders (28/10) and I got it on 24/12. As I ordered very early I probably got in on the first shipment. Not sure how long it will take now. I know of at least one photographer still waiting (not sure when they ordered), but I know another photographer that got his today! I'm not sure I've been helpful! lol
No, I wouldn't say that you need to replace your 24-200 with the 24-120. The 24-200 is a great lens and ideal for landscape photography. I got the 24-120 for two reasons. First when I had my 24-200, I still had my 24-70 f/4, so I decided to consolidate with the 24-120 when that came out. Plus I found I wasn't using the long end of the 24-200 as much as I thought I would - at the time I just needed something longer than 70. For landscapes the 24-200 is a great choice. I'd only look at the 24-120 if you need the fixed f/4 aperture (not really a problem for landscapes) or that you need some of the features that an s-line lens gives you. Hope that makes sense!
Thanks for the great video. I’m thinking about this lens for the Nikon z system and wondering if you had considered the slightly improved sharpness of the 24-70mm 2.8 to make it a contender? And maybe taking along an additional 70-200 or other telephoto lens. I’m just wondering how much sharpness you compromise going with 24-120 vs 24-70
Hi Ben, thanks glad you liked the video. As I said in the video, I don't have access to lenses I don't own so it's difficult for me to make direct comparisons. Also, I don't have a need for f/2.8 lens for my landscape work so for me they aren't worth the extra money & weight. However, speaking from my experience of Z lenses, any differences within the S-line lenses is slim, if noticeable at all. If you really want to see the small details in the differences in sharpness with the Nikon lens line up, Ricci Talks (czcams.com/users/RicciTalks) does some excellent work in this area, including test chart shooting and side by side comparisons. He hasn't reviewed the 24-120 yet though, but I'm sure he will. :-)
No, it's not a focal length I use that often so I don't have any images at that focal length. Given my experience with Nikkor Z lenses though I've got reason to think it will perform any less well at 120 than it does at 120. However, as always, it's all down to your own requirements and what you consider acceptable. :-)
You can see what other kit I have for my Nikon Z system in this handy playlist - czcams.com/play/PLJU6FMi6Tvo-KpVXfLc8t8i86HfBo1S8t.html
No issues with the Z24-120 it really is a great lens, I was going to p/x the 24-70/f4 but decided to keep it and will look at using it along with my 16-35 against the 14-24/f2.8 at a later date. The range of this new lens is just perfect, it is not overly heavy yet it feels solid and well built, the glass appears to have come from Nikon’s top drawer in terms of quality, it is for me as a jack of all trades amateur photographer the ideal walk round lens. Nice review, Dartmoor looks great and having moved to the south west these moors are somewhere I need to visit with my camera gear. Good luck in your photography.
Thanks for watching Martin. If you can only take one lens, then as you say, it's the ideal walk around lens. Dartmoor is stunning....evening in bad weather it has a certain charm! I hope you make it here soon with your camera. :-)
Hello Julian: I realize I am late, but I just found this video of yours and enjoyed it a great deal. I also wanted you to know that this will be my SECOND Z mount lens purchase after having recently acquired a new Z9 and that your review, along with ADRIAN ALFORD's (Australia) great video in which he recommended this lens very highly as well. My first Z mount lens purchase was the Viltrox 85 mm f1.8 that you also reviewed here at CZcams and I am enjoying that lens, too.
Once again, Julian an OUTSTANDING video and a great review! Well done, sir, well done!
Thank you so much Paul. That is most kind of you to say and comments like that keep me motivated to keep producing more content. Happy shooting with your 24-120!
Hi Julian,
Brilliant video showing the beauty of Dartmoor.
Loved the shout of achievement without getting wet when you jumped onto the bank.
Great image's as usual.
Looking forward to seeing your next adventure.
All the best mate.
Thanks Tim....what you didn't see was how many failed takes I did at that jump....lol, just joking...I made it first time!
Hi Julian, I sold my 24-200 to help finance my purchase of the 24-120 lens and I have to say, although the 24-200 was quite good, the 24-120 is definitely better, I love it, I'll be taking it to the Faroe Islands in a month, so I'm hoping to come back with some fantastic images with this lens from there. Can't believe I haven't seen this video until now haha, take care, Steve.
Hey Steve, glad you are enjoying the 24-120 and you are benefiting from the difference in quality. Very jealous that you are going to the Faroe Islands. Have an amazing time!
I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens. I've been waiting for the lens for months. I just got an e-mail from Paul's Photo that it will come next week, yay!. I did own the 24-70 mm f/4 S as a kit lens with the Z6. I sold the kit to upgrade to a Z6 II and Z7 II. I then got the 24-200 mm f/4-6.3 lense. I agree, I didn't quite like the image quality compared to an S-line lens. I gave the lens to my brother-in-law along with a Z5 as a Christmas gift with the 24-120mm as the replacement. Well, I didn't realize that Nikon will take too long to deliver. So I've been carrying the Z 70-200 mm f/2.8 S on my hikes. I'm looking forward to a lighter pack for landscape photography hikes.
Hey George, well you brother-in-law is a very lucky person! Hope your 24-120 arrives next week. :-)
The landscape reminds me of places I have been in the USofA. So, I can simulate that of which you show, but, more importantly is what you say about composing where you are now, not then or in some fantasy in the future. Good job. I am learning (well, at least I think I am... ummm... learning?).
Thanks for watching Gerard. :-)
Brilliant video Julian. Love all the images too. The light looked spot on. Really good review to and must be honest as it’s all your own money !!!
Thanks D
Thanks Dave, glad you liked it. I try and not spend my own money on rubbish!
Great video Julian, I've been looking at this lens for hiking trips, so thanks for the info! 🙂
Cheers Simon. It's a cracking lens for sure. :-)
Hi Julian: Congratulations on your recent purchase. This lens appears to be a great fit for your style of photographer. I enjoyed seeing more of your local area, and seeing more of 'wild' Dartmoor. The views are so massive and so interesting. As I have said many times before, you are so lucky to have this area to photograph. All of your images are so nice, but in particular your images with the new lens. Cheers, Keith
Thanks Keith. I think I've finally got the right lens line up for my photography! :-) Yeah, no doubt I am super lucky with my local area. Dartmoor is a massive area, so I've got so much more to discover. Thanks for your kind words on my images. 👍
Hi Julian, thoroughly enjoyed your video this week, excellent views and resulting photo’s. Dartmoor and the surrounding area is a place I hope to visit in the near future.
Thanks John, it's always good to hear that my videos inspire people to visit Dartmoor! I hope you make here soon. :-)
Thanks for your review. It helped me decide on my equipment upgrade to the Nikon Zf with the 24-120mm f/4 S.
Thank you for watching....glad you found the video helpful! :-)
Very good review thanks. I just got this lens as I had my eye on it since they had the 24-105mm on the roadmap. Adding that extra to 120mm was a nice bonus. I just have the 20mm 1.8 for faster/low light/night photography and this lens. (Not sure if I'll keep the 24-200 now) I agree that I don't use the FN button for anything but I do like the custom ring that I set for ISO as I don't like having to press the two things to control it and I can just stay focused on what I'm shooting.
Thanks Gerry and I agree that using the custom ring for ISO is great when you need to change it quickly. :-)
Solid looking lens & a decent hike Julian. I had the old 24-120 Nikon lens but dropped it on a hike in Snowdon with Mr Gareth Danks haha! It was never quite the same after but I did enjoy shooting with it.
Cheers mate. It's a useful focal length...shame you dropped you....he's very distracting is Gareth! lol
Yeah Shimoda! Love this lens too.
It's great isn't it. :-)
Julian, no need to apologize on the frequency of Dartmoor.....always a pleasure to see your new explorations. Nice review. I'm currently on the Z7 (per your recommendation from the D850) with the 14-24 and 24-70 2.8s. I love the third control ring for exposure compensation as I use it frequently with the histogram. Still using my 70-200 2.8 F mount (with FTZ ii) so my kit adds one more lens but don't mind the extra load due to the fabulous Shimoda pack that I have that is identical to yours. Would like to hear a review or your thoughts on this pack, since for me, the most comfortable and efficient pack I have used, especially when hiking steep terrain with the extraordinary hip belt. Great shots and enjoyed your production as always.
Thanks David...in terms of the Shimoda bag...I like it. Lots of nice little features. Simple stuff like the mobile phone pocket are real bonus. I have found it causes me a little discomfort (during longer walks) on the side where I put the tripod though. I probably just need adjust the the straps, or I might adjust the placement of the tripod. But on the whole, very happy with it. It's well made for sure. :-)
Lot's of enthusiasm in this video!!! Would seem you're pretty happy with this lens, that and Dartmoor 😀 - Great video buddy.
Forgot to mention - I have no use for the Function button either but the control ring works great for exposure compensation especially for Wildlife.
It's hard not to be excited when you get conditions like that. Especially when you've had weeks of rubbish weather!!
Someone has just suggested setting the l-fn button for image playback so you don't have to take your hands of the lens. Might be handy?
@@jbairdexp l-fn button has limited options, I'm sure Nikon could allow even more options via a software update.
@@GingerPhotographer They could, but they probably won't....they don't have a great track record for that kind of thing.
Many thanks Julian for putting in the time and work demonstrating how valuable this lens is for the landscape photographer. I’ve had one on order since mid November and still waiting! Hoping I’ll have it soon. Your images in this video are gorgeous!
Thanks Rita, great to hear you got some value from the video. Sorry to hear you've been waiting so long. I would have thought you might have got one by now. Fingers x'd you'll get it soon. And thanks, glad you liked the images as well. :-)
Hi Rita, did you finally get your 24-120?
Julian hi Brilliant video I mean I always enjoy your videos but really enjoyed this one I was really carried along with you on this one . Great location great photos and looks like a great lens to. Well done keep up the good work take care Trev
Thanks Trev, that is most kind of you to say!! I think with run of bad weather I was so excited to finally get out and on a big walk that it all got to me and I was super excited!! lol As always mate, thanks for watching. :-)
I'm going to wait a few years, until I get this badazz lens! Just got a used wide lens so I gotta wait and save up. Such an incredible lensz
That's the good thing about lenses...they don't get replaced that often. It will still be a great lens in a few years time when you get one. :-)
Would be cool if you will create new video with z8 + this lens
There is so few samples photos/videos with this lens
Thanks for watching. :-) TBH, there would be little value in creating that video as the image quality between the Z7 and Z8 isn't big enough (if there is any). However, check out my Harris & Lewis video where a lot of the photographs (and video) was created with the Z8 + 24-120 - czcams.com/video/p0mUped_dpA/video.html :-)
Hi Julian. Looks a quality piece of kit. The only issue I would have is the narrow focus ring. Not sure why Nikon keep doing that tbh. Other than that, it's a great utility lens at a very reasonable price. I still use my F-mount version for woodland photography- it's sharp as a tack and still going strong. Enjoyed your Dartmoor walk ! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Tim. I wish I could also remap the focus ring....I don't use it on any of my Nikon lenses. But I do appreciate others do! :-)
What a great day out, with some excellent pictures. Like you I love big foregrounds. I presume the two wee huts that appeared in your video are military observers huts. PS Just read your reply to an earlier comment re the huts, thanks.
Cheers Keith....if there's one place to photograph big foregrounds it's Dartmoor!! :-)
Really useful evaluation - thanks Julian. I've just switched to the Z system and wanted to buy the 24-120mm but couldn't get one for love nor money.
Cheers Paul. I think the best thing you can do is put in an order somewhere and wait for it to come back into stock. I've heard a few people are waiting for one.
By “a few people” do you mean all people not living in China?
I have the 24-120 AF-D on my D810 majority of the time, it is a brilliant focal range. I have a control ring on my Panasonic LX100, I use it for aperture control.
Seems to be a popular focal range reading the comments. Thanks for watching mate. :-)
@@jbairdexp photojournalists call it the Streetsweeper, leaves you ready for almost anything
I know this was a photo vlog, and focusing (ha!) on the lens, but all I could think about watching the video was the Hound of the Baskervilles (not Monty: 19:32)! Beautiful, but haunting country, and your video, and your photos especially, brought to life the atmosphere of that book for me! Thanks for the video.
Thanks Jon....maybe I'll do a video from Hound Tor next! :-)
@@jbairdexp Ha! that would be cool!
@@jonglass It is on my list....I'll be sure to make it happen :-)
Hi Julian. Lovely shots. You clearly have a good eye for landscapes. I live in Hertfordshire but am visiting India, where I've just picked up a Z9. And tomorrow I'll be getting a Z 24-120. By the way, how do you decide that you need 1/4 sec and f11? Presumably you experiment (?) it's just you don't mention it in the video. And another question. If you had a (human) subject in the foreground of your landscape shot, how would you alter your settings? Would you need a flash (assuming same time of day)? Sorry for so many questions.
Thanks, glad you liked the photos and congrats on your recent purchases. In general, for my landscape photographs, I set my ISO (normally 64) and my aperture (normally f/11) and then set the exposure duration to give me a correctly exposed image. If I'm capturing movement, such as seascape, I'll set my exposure duration, aperture, and then set the ISO to give me the correct exposure. As for people, well, I don't photograph people in my landscapes. Sorry, but I hope the rest was helpful.
@@jbairdexp Sure was thanks Julian
I'm always jealous of the trail runners (I'm just a regular cyclist) because it looks fun, but they aren't carrying 20lbs of landscape/birding photography equipment!
When I'm out cycling, I bring my Ricoh GR III(x). Smallest and quickest 24 megapixel camera I've ever had, it's awesome!
I used to do a lot of running, and a little bit of trail running, but I stopped in favour of focusing on cycling. I do wander about parts of Dartmoor and wish I was still running. Thanks for watching. :-)
Can't say anything about the lens as I don't own a Nikon. I'd agree that two lens is enough for most walks in the landscape, although I normally shoot primes. Best bit of the vlog was the beauty of Dartmoor, looked chilly though.
Thanks for watching Iain....glad you enjoyed the Dartmoor bit...it's why I try and include more things than just chatting about a bit of gear. :-)
Solid points made in considering my next lens.
Thanks Jon. What lenses did you get with your Z7, or are you using the FTZ with some older F mount lenses?
@@jbairdexp I bought the Z7 from MPB without a lens. Because I own a Z50, I already had a 50mm 1.8 Z lens to snap on the Z7. I have the pancake lens for the Z50, the Nikon 50-250mm Z DX lens, plus the 18-140MM Z Dx lens. I do have the FTZ adapter, because since 2014 I owned a D7100 with a number of DX lenses that I used on the Z50. Most of those were sold with the exception on a Tokina ATX-i 11-16mm f/2.8 that I've kept for extra wide shots, and night photography. The good news is that my son has a great collection of vintage Nikon full frame glass because his grandparents gave him their camera gear. His grandmother did public relations work, so he is well equipped along with a few lenses he has for his D7100. I'm currently planning an outing using his vintage Nikkor 20mm full frame lens. You made a good point about considering what reach would I be using the most. Of course my budget will have to be considered. Do I spend $800 or $1600? Fun!
@@jonstout7635 Awesome. Sounds like you already have a fine collection of Z lenses. Never ask me how you should spend...I can't even stick to my own budgets! :-)
I traded in my Z 24-200 for the 24-120 as well. My thinking on this exactly aligned with yours so my kit is the 14-30 and this lens, along with the 20 1.8 prime since I plan to try some more astro in the future. I set my lens button to playback the last image so I can check the shot in the EVF without shifting my grip on the lens. Cheers!
Thanks for watching Chris. I liked your suggestion for the L-fn button. I'll give that a try! :-)
Great video! I just set the L-Fn button on my 24-120mm lens to subject tracking and have left the third ring off because I think it's very likely to make mistakes while holding the camera. Congratulations.
Thanks for watching Eloy, and thanks for letting me know how you set up your lens. 👍
Really interesting video Julian. I too have the 24-70 f4 and 24-200 and would consider trading but never turn in the 14-30. I am intrigued by this 24-120 f4 S line though as you’ve sold me on the idea of 2 into 1 with what looks like top quality. On the topic of VR, since the Z7 has IBIS, I assume we don’t have to concern ourselves with VR on the lens too? If it were an issue and shooting handheld, it just means upping the shutter speed and perhaps the ISO.
Thanks Terry, glad you found the video interesting. I'm not much of a handheld shooter so I rarely concern myself with VR anyway, but your approach of increasing the shutter speed and/or ISO is perfectly valid. I have no issues pushing the ISO on my Z 7. :-)
What are your thoughts on this lens after a couple years? Still feel its the one to go for or have you found yourself wanting more reach? Looking to buy this or the 24-200, cheers
Hi, still loving this lens. For my style of photography I don't feel restricted by the 120mm end. It's all down to personal preference though.
Beautiful shots! May I ask your water bottle holder is that a separate item or part of your backpack? Do you have a link to it? 👍
Thank you Karen. The water bottle holder is part of the bag. It has a mobile phone holder on the other strap. The bag is the Shimoda Design Explore V2 30 - shimodadesigns.com/explore-v2/
great lens! its on my want to buy list 😎
Ah the ever expanding buy list! 😄
@@jbairdexp haha yeah, theres always a great lens to buy 🙃
Great review. Is there a reason that you don't use a lens hood while doing landscape photography.
Thanks Lynell. I've never really used a lens hood. Probably because I use filters more often than not. :-)
I've said it before, but lovely images as always. I'd love this lens. Like you, this with the 14-30mm would probably be all I'd need for landscape work. I don't know Dartmoor, so are the huts at 10.00 and 18.00 bothies were you can sleep out?
Thanks Billy, I appreciate that. The huts belong to the military and can't be used by the public. There are 3 military zones on Dartmoor that they use for live firing and military exercises. The huts, I expect given their locations, are there to allow those exercises to be supervised. Obviously, the zones aren't always "live" so you can still wander around them like you saw me do in the video. Would be nice if you could stay in them though! :-)
Thanks for the reply. I didn’t put 2 and 2 together. You did say at the beginning that it was a military zone. I hoped they might be bothies or something you could rent from the BMC
Excellent video sir! I too, use a Nikon Z7 for landscape and product photography, and am strongly considering this 24-120 f/4 S lens. I see that you achieve foreground and background sharpness at f/11. Do you focus at the hyerfocal distance, or approximately 1/3 into the image? Thank you.
Thank you, glad you liked it. I do sometimes focus stack (but this is rare), generally speaking I just focus around 1/3 into the image. I'll use focus peaking sometimes to give me extra confidence. :-)
@@jbairdexp Thanks for the informative reply sir!
Very useful as I am thinking of changing too this lens for my Z6. You didn't talk about the fact that the 24-200 doesn't have VR. Any comments on this please Julian?
Thanks Richard, glad you found it useful. 👍 I think you've made a typo though...the 24-200 does have VR, but the 24-120 doesn't. I mention it here - czcams.com/video/YkJrkQfdo1Q/video.html and here czcams.com/video/YkJrkQfdo1Q/video.html 👍👍
I traded in my 24-70 f4 yesterday for this 24-120 f4. I only got $220 for my old lens. I was disappointed in the trade in value. I should have kept it. These lenses are a dime a dozen now, driving the market down. I hope I made the right decision!
Hey Jay, when it comes to used value for kit I consider anything I get to be a bonus. Common lenses like the 24-70 f/4 just don't hold there value as much due to the sheer number of them. Remember this is a lens that was shipped in many Z6 and Z7 kits. You obviously bought the 24-120mm because you wanted the extra reach, so the trade in value of your previous lens doesn't degrade the requirement for your new lens.
@@jbairdexp thanks for the encouragement. I've never had selling remorse before! Usually buyers remorse!
I am thinking about doing the same. Selling my 24-70 f4 & 70-300 f mount & FTZ adapter to buy the 24-120. You have spurred me into that decision now. How long did you wait on pre order may I ask?
Hey Nicky, I ordered mine the day Wex announced pre-orders (28/10) and I got it on 24/12. As I ordered very early I probably got in on the first shipment. Not sure how long it will take now. I know of at least one photographer still waiting (not sure when they ordered), but I know another photographer that got his today! I'm not sure I've been helpful! lol
Lens function button I use to playback vs. having to push the button on the rear
Good shout Steve...I think someone else suggested that as well :-)
I watched your both 24-200 Z len and 24-120 Z len. I just bought 24-200. I do landscaping as a hobby. Do you recommend replacing it with 24-120?
No, I wouldn't say that you need to replace your 24-200 with the 24-120. The 24-200 is a great lens and ideal for landscape photography. I got the 24-120 for two reasons. First when I had my 24-200, I still had my 24-70 f/4, so I decided to consolidate with the 24-120 when that came out. Plus I found I wasn't using the long end of the 24-200 as much as I thought I would - at the time I just needed something longer than 70. For landscapes the 24-200 is a great choice. I'd only look at the 24-120 if you need the fixed f/4 aperture (not really a problem for landscapes) or that you need some of the features that an s-line lens gives you. Hope that makes sense!
@@jbairdexp Thank you, Julian for your quick response. Much appreciated.
I kind of want this lens but already have the 24-200 so it seems a bit overkill.
I agree that having both would probably be overkill. Thanks for watching. :-)
fascinating landscape - not a tree
It's a varied landscape. You're right, not a tree to bee seen in those parts, but Dartmoor also has some amazing ancient woodlands as well. :-)
Thanks for the great video. I’m thinking about this lens for the Nikon z system and wondering if you had considered the slightly improved sharpness of the 24-70mm 2.8 to make it a contender? And maybe taking along an additional 70-200 or other telephoto lens. I’m just wondering how much sharpness you compromise going with 24-120 vs 24-70
Hi Ben, thanks glad you liked the video. As I said in the video, I don't have access to lenses I don't own so it's difficult for me to make direct comparisons. Also, I don't have a need for f/2.8 lens for my landscape work so for me they aren't worth the extra money & weight. However, speaking from my experience of Z lenses, any differences within the S-line lenses is slim, if noticeable at all. If you really want to see the small details in the differences in sharpness with the Nikon lens line up, Ricci Talks (czcams.com/users/RicciTalks) does some excellent work in this area, including test chart shooting and side by side comparisons. He hasn't reviewed the 24-120 yet though, but I'm sure he will. :-)
No pictures with 120 mm
No, it's not a focal length I use that often so I don't have any images at that focal length. Given my experience with Nikkor Z lenses though I've got reason to think it will perform any less well at 120 than it does at 120. However, as always, it's all down to your own requirements and what you consider acceptable. :-)
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