Constant aperture zoom lenses keep the same maximum aperture across the entire zoom range, delivering consistent exposure, depth of field, and performance as you move from wide to telephoto. The five lenses featured here span Nikon Z and Sony E mounts, covering a range from wide to telephoto. They are suitable for landscapes, portraits, video, and travel, offering reliable autofocus, sharpness, and solid build quality. Use the table below to compare core specs at a glance, then explore each product for detailed information.
| Product | Brand | Focal Range | Max Aperture | Mount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S | Nikon | 24-120mm | f/4 | Nikon Z |
| Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II | Sony | 70-200mm | f/2.8 | Sony E |
| Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | Sony | 16-35mm | f/4 | Sony E |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S | Nikon | 14-30mm | f/4 | Nikon Z |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | Nikon | 24-70mm | f/2.8 | Nikon Z |
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a versatile standard zoom that maintains a consistent maximum aperture across its range, making it a strong all‑around option for Nikon Z mirrorless bodies. It covers wide to short telephoto, ideal for travel and event work. It supports FX and DX formats within the Z system, with a close focusing distance of 1.15 ft at any zoom position, including 120mm. Autofocus is split between two high‑speed, ultra‑quiet STM stepping motors, delivering edge‑to‑edge sharpness with minimal color bleeding and almost no focus breathing.
- Constant maximum aperture of f/4 across the zoom range
- Close focus to 1.15 ft at all focal lengths
- Two STM motors for fast, quiet AF
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is a professional telephoto zoom that maintains a bright f/2.8 aperture across the entire range. Its optical design includes two aspherical elements and one XA (extreme aspherical) element for high resolution throughout the image area. It uses two ED and two Super ED elements to minimize chromatic aberration, with Nano AR II coating to reduce flare and ghosting. For extra reach, 1.4x and 2x teleconverters are available separately. The lens employs XD Linear Motors for fast AF and improved tracking, making it well suited for stills and video in dynamic settings.
- Constant f/2.8 aperture across zoom range
- Advanced optics minimize aberrations and flare
- XD Linear Motors for fast, precise AF
- Optional 1.4x and 2x teleconverters
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G
The Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is a compact full-frame wide-angle zoom with a constant f/4 aperture and a power zoom system. It uses four XD Linear Motors for smooth, silent zoom control and features an internal zoom mechanism that keeps length constant during focusing and zooming. This design minimizes angle‑of‑view shifts during operation and is well suited for video, gimbal work, and solo shooting. The power zoom system enables ultra-slow zooms and remote control, while maintaining quiet focus and iris operation for near‑silent recording.
- Constant f/4 wide-angle zoom
- Power zoom driven by four XD motors
- Internal zoom and focus for compact handling
- Quiet operation suitable for video
Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S
The NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a premium, compact ultra-wide zoom with a fixed f/4 aperture. Its retractable design collapses for safe, minimal packing, making it a strong partner for travel and landscape work with Nikon Z cameras. The lens remains lightweight yet capable of delivering sharp detail across the wide end, enabling dramatic perspective and expansive scenes without compromising performance.
- Fixed maximum aperture of f/4 across 14-30mm
- Retractable design for compact storage
- Compact, travel-friendly ultra-wide option
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a professional mid-range zoom that pairs well with compact Z-series bodies. With a constant f/2.8 aperture, exposure remains stable across the entire zoom range, supporting reliable portraiture and event work. The lens incorporates a Multi-Focusing System with two AF drive units synchronized for fast, accurate autofocus, enhancing performance in both stills and video contexts.
- Constant f/2.8 across the range
- Multi-Focusing System for fast AF
- Compact, versatile mid-range zoom
Buying Guide
Key Considerations
Use-Case Scenarios
All-around travel and documentary work benefit from a versatile standard zoom with a constant aperture, like the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S, which covers wide to short telephoto ranges with reliable performance in varied light. For portraits or sports, the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM offers a bright, constant aperture and fast autofocus, while the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 S delivers a similar mid-range option with a wider aperture for shallow depth of field. Landscape shooters may prefer ultra-wide options such as the Nikon 14-30mm f/4 S, or the Sony 16-35mm f/4 G for expansive scenes with minimal distortion. The Sony 16-35mm is also well-suited for video thanks to its quiet operation and internal zoom design.
Practical Tips
- Match lens choice to your camera system for full AF performance and compatibility with features like in-camera stabilization and focus tracking.
- Test near- and far-focus performance at different zoom settings to understand how sharpness changes across the range.
- Consider future needs: a fast telephoto can be a game changer for events or wildlife, while a compact ultra-wide is ideal for travel.