Looking for lens advice

[Camera Fun]

Been basically happy with the 24-70 f4 except for always wanting more focal length. Having an f2.8 option would be nice but f4 version is acceptable. Also, based on what I'm really shooting (objects, people, events, etc.) at this time, it's really best for me have just one lens instead of two lenses. So here is where I stand now.
Tamron 35-150 f2.8; Good range & good reviews BUT heavy so I don't see it as a good walk around lens.
Nikon 70-180 f2.8; Good upper range & acceptable weight BUT would mean the need for 2 lenses.
Nikon 24-120 f4; Ideal range & acceptable weight BUT has mixed reviews (some say it's great, some say it's just 'good').
All this has basically taken me back to the 24-120 f4 but some of the reviews cause doubts. So what are 24-120 f4 users thoughts at this time on its image quality? Thanks.

 

[Clovishound]

Ken Rockwell rates it very high. Here is a link to his comparison of Nikon's full frame midrange zooms in the Z flavor.

Midrange zoom comparison

 

[BF Hammer]

Of these I only have the 24-70mm f/4. Generally speaking, image quality is a compromise as you increase the zoom range on a lens. I remember watching a video by Thomas Heaton when he switched back to Nikon with a Z7II. He sampled the Z24-70 f/4, Z24-120 f/4 and Z24-200. No surprise, he preferred the 24-70. But the 24-120mm was nearly as good in his opinion.

I did get a F-mount 24-120mm f/4 as a kit with my D750. No significant complaints with it but it is kind of chunky in the hand. The lens stores fairly compact as it is short at minimum zoom.

When I have unlimited funds in a parallel universe, I would have a 2nd Z camera, a 24-70mm f/2.8 s-line, and the 24-120mm f/4 as a 2nd option. But in this world I am very good with my 24-70mm f/4 and an F-mount 70-200mm f/2.8G VR which I picked up used just weeks before buying my Z5. It will eventually be exchanged for a Z version, it's a low financial priority.

 

[Patrick M]

I traded my z24-70 f4 for the z24-120 f4 and it’s a terrific “upgrade”. Similar IQ, very good, but that extra reach makes it my go to.
the z24-120 is larger, but that’s to be expected, and I like that it has the button, and the focus ring at the front. In fact in the menu you can switch the focus with the control ring.

images from Nikon UK

 

[SkvLTD]

Been basically happy with the 24-70 f4 except for always wanting more focal length.

200-500, or Z glass in those ranges is the answer. That said, you want an ultrawide zoom or prime, and a monster telephoto and no matter how many excuses you try to make, you will come down to this solution (sometimes after having wasted lots of money with trial and error along the way).

Once you want LONG or WIDE, there is no such thing as too much.

 

[Blue439]

For many decades, I have used only the best glass Nikon had to offer. In the recent years, I have used the F-mount “Holy Trinity” and a full complement of G primes as well. Also some Zeiss primes and one Sigma Art. Since the advent of mirrorless, and because of an evolution in my photography, I decided that, where zooms are concerned, ƒ/4 would be sufficient (I have a lineup of ƒ/1.8 primes), and because Nikon introduced this “S” line of lenses, I thought I would stick to that.

First, I went with a 24-70 ƒ/4 which was fine. When the 24-120 was released, I initially distrusted it as it sounded like the beginning of a walk down the “one lens does it all” avenue I never wanted to walk —I was too attached to having the best image quality possible (to give you an idea, I never wanted the F-mount 24-120...). However, I subsequently read very encouraging reviews about the Z-mount 24-120 by people I trust (Thom Hogan would be one), and because it is an S lens, I decided to give it a try, while I retained the 24-70.

From the moment I had it and tested it, I never looked back —it is that good. I sold the 24-70, and I take the 24-120 whenever I am traveling or when I just happen to be out with my camera with no particular photographic purpose in mind. It has become my go-to lens, and once again, I am very demanding in terms of IQ, IO know what top IQ means in practice, and I have been used to some of the best lenses available. The 24-120 is definitely part of those.

Considering the “symptoms” you are describing, I recommend you buy one unreservedly. You will enjoy it. The only downside is that, of course, it is a little heavier and bulkier than the 24-70, but optics being still largely an analog thing, there is no way around it, and the 24-120 remains very easily manageable in that respect, in my opinion.