Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

£949/$897 An epic superzoom for Z-mount cameras

It’s only natural to compare this Z-mount superzoom for mirrorless cameras with the Nikon 28-300mm for DSLRS, also on test. The Z 24-200mm naturally gives you a greater maximum viewing angle, but loses out for telephoto reach.

Build quality is very good, featuring plentiful weather-seals and a fluorine coating on the front element. Premium glass includes two ED elements, one aspherical ED element, and two further aspherical elements. Top-quality ARNEO Coat is applied to minimize ghosting and flare. Performance of the 4.5-stop optical VR system is enhanced when used with the in-body stabilization of FX Z-mount cameras, and is even more essential when mounted on the Z 50 or Z fc, where it gives a useful effective zoom range of 36-300mm.

Performance

Along with fast and virtually silent AF, the new Z-mount lens delivers simply the best image quality of any lens in this test group. Sharpness remains impressive throughout the zoom range – no mean feat for a superzoom.

N-photo verdict

It’s compact and lightweight, but that doesn’t stop the Z 24-200mm from being a great performer. Sharpness It’s the pick of the crop for sharpness, with relatively minor drop-off at the long end of the zoom range. Fringing There’s only negligible colour fringing at 24mm and even less at mid to long zoom settings. Distortion Like many recent lenses for mirrorless cameras, auto correction for distortion can’t be switched off.