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Nikon

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S

Nikon Z Mount

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S — 24–120mm f/4 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.

$1,099

Launch price

Released Oct 2021

vs

Sony

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

Sony E Mount

Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.

$1,999

Launch price

Released Mar 2021

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is 7 months newer.

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Wins

4categories

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S

TravelLandscape

Wins

3categories

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

PortraitSports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S wins 2 categories·FE 50mm F1.2 GM wins 3 categories
  • BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
  • BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
  • ANIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.17 ×)
  • BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Length (108 mm vs 138 mm)
  • ANIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S has lower Diameter (70 mm vs 87 mm)

Key specs at a glance

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 SFE 50mm F1.2 GM
Focal Length24-120 mm50 mm
Max Aperturef/4f/1.2
MountNikon ZSony E
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight630 g778 g
Min Focus38 cm40 cm
Filter Size67 mm72 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseNIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 SFE 50mm F1.2 GM
Portrait
5.5Fair
9.0Excellent
Sports & Action
5.5Fair
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
5.0Fair
4.5Fair
Landscape
6.0Good
3.0Limited
Travel
6.5Good
2.0Limited
Wildlife
3.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
2.0Limited
0.0Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S

  • Special elements

    Adds Aspherical

  • Diameter

    70 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better

  • Weight

    630 g vs 778 g — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.25 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better

  • Min focus distance

    38 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM

  • Special elements

    Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)

  • Max aperture (Wide)

    f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Tele)

    f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better

  • Custom function button

    Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it

  • Length

    108 mm vs 138 mm — lower is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Weather sealing

Both support weather sealing

Control ring

Both support control ring

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S

Pros

  • Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
  • Native Nikon Z mount compatibility

Cons

  • No optical stabilization — relies on body IBIS
  • Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

Pros

  • Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
  • Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
  • Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
  • Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens

Cons

  • Expensive investment for a single focal length
  • Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
  • Some visible vignetting wide open

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.

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Full specifications

= category winner

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Focal length (Min)
24 mm
50 mm
Focal length (Max)
120 mm
50 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/4
f/1.2+3.5 stops wider
Max aperture (Tele)
f/4
f/1.2+3.5 stops wider
Elements
20
14
Groups
15
10
Special elements
Aspherical
3 XA (extreme aspherical)
NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Min focus distance
38 cm−2 cm less
40 cm
Max magnification
0.25 ×+47%
0.17 ×
Autofocus motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
XD Linear Motors
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Weight
630 g−148 g less
778 g
Length
138 mm
108 mm−30 mm less
Diameter
70 mm−17 mm less
87 mm
Filter thread size
67 mm
72 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
9
11
NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Lens mount
Nikon Z
Sony E
Format coverage
Full Frame
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.