Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
Announced February 12, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR serves as a highly versatile, compact travel companion that delivers sharp results across its wide zoom range. While the variable aperture limits low-light performance and bokeh potential, the lens remains an impressively lightweight and capable all-in-one choice for many photographers.
Weighted from 23 reviewer scores
Pros
- Durable build quality with weather sealing
- Excellent sharpness and image quality for a superzoom
- Compact, lightweight, and highly portable design
- Effective vibration reduction and stabilization
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance
Cons
- Narrow variable aperture limits low-light use and background separation
- Softness and distortion in the corners
- Lack of dedicated physical switches for AF/MF and VR
- Susceptibility to flare and sunstar quality issues
- Telescoping barrel design concerns
- Launch price $899.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 24-200mm f/4-6.3
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 4.5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 50 cm (0.28x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 570g (1 lb 4.1 oz) · 76.5 x 114 mm (3.01 x 4.49 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 23 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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What’s not to like? First and foremost it’s the lowly focal ratio which is only f6.3 from 80mm focal length onward.
- OpticalLimits 5/10
If you use a Z camera with a moderate megapixel count, there isn't too much to worry about. If you expect super high-quality results at higher pixel densities, you may wish to look into Nikon's S-class lenses, though.
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Nikon’s other Z-series lenses have been so remarkable in their image quality so far that it may seem like a waste to buy a superzoom instead.
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For the convenience and versatility it gives you – especially if it takes the place of two, three or more other lenses – it could be considered well worth the money.
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[T]his is a sharper than average super zoom lens. You're still getting those typical super zoom lens compromises [...] but for a Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR optic it's doing a fairly good job and it's a nice zoom range.
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[...] I really like that Nikon has a wide range of options for all types of photographers & videographers. If you’re looking for a name-brand super-zoom lens, Nikon’s trio of choices are collectively the best, most versatile.
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While not a Nikon S lens, it has almost all the good traits of the S lenses. This 24–200mm has all of Nikon’s top coatings, plus two ED glass elements, two aspherical elements, and one additional aspherical/ED element.
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This lens gets more praise than I think it deserves. It's a quite good lens, but not a great lens, and one with a bit of weakness at both ends when wide open (more chromatic aberration at the wide end, less sharpness at the telephoto end).
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens is a highly viable and useful all purpose travel zoom, with excellent performance.
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If you're looking for a highly versatile travel or everyday lens, then you will likely be prepared to make some compromises.
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This superzoom lens doesn’t go overly large in telephoto reach but there’s plenty of wide-angle scope.
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The Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR is built well, covers a wide range of angles, and nets sharp photos.
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[I]t's a really, really useful lens for a lot of photographers because of that usable range, and [...] this is going to be a go-to all-in-one lens for a lot of photographers, and they're not going to be disappointed by the picture quality of it.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
While the Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR isn’t particularly fast at longer focal lengths, it’s an impressive lens for its type.
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As a super zoom lens, I think the image quality is really quite decent. The only thing that I don't really like is the quality of the sunstars, which really doesn't look pretty at all.
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Final, we use this lens a lot, and I just really truly enjoyed the experience all winter.
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So very first reaction, very stabilized, stabilization is ridiculous, very smooth action. I'm liking this a lot already and the fact that it is full frame is very, very cool.
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What was fantastic was the ability to use this Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens because this is super light. I am going to have to use really light gear all the time at the moment with my back, and it is so good to be able to just carry this lens.
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The Z 24-200mm VR is small, light and inexpensive, and makes AWESOME photos. It's not the old days of the 1990s when we needed big f/2.8 zooms to get great shots; today, my 24-200mm is all I need for just about anything in any light.
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I have this lens for two weeks now, and if you're looking for a good all-rounder, this is as good as it gets.
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I was really blown away with the sharpness out of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR though.
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With such a lightweight design and useful zoom range the Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR proved to be far more capable than I thought it would be.
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This is absolutely a must-have for landscape photographers. If you're going to be picking up a telephoto lens, this is the one to get.
