Last night, armed with my Nikon Z9 and the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens, I was fully prepared to capture every essential shot with little need to swap lenses. This versatile setup delivered exceptional results, meeting the varied demands of the event without missing a beat.
Why the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens Shines for Events
With its dynamic zoom range, the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens allowed me to seamlessly cover everything from intimate close-ups to broader shots that captured the energy of the gathering. This range hits a sweet spot for event work: 24mm lets you pull in more context with a wide-angle perspective, while 120mm lets you zoom in close for detailed or candid moments—perfect for portraits and storytelling shots. This range in a single lens meant I was equipped for most situations, whether catching someone’s genuine smile across the room or framing a large group.
I also packed my NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S lens, expecting to need a wider view for some shots. However, I only found myself switching to it once, and even then, I could have easily achieved the shot with the 24-120mm. That slight flexibility toward the wider end might be excellent for specific venues or super-tight spaces, but for most event photography, the 24-120mm simply does it all.
Illuminating the Scene: Flashpoint XPlor 600 HSS TTL for Groups
For the group photos, I used my Flashpoint XPlor 600 HSS TTL studio strobes to ensure every shot had consistent lighting. I set up two powerful flashes, which didn’t disappoint. Combining the Z9’s fast, reliable performance with the XPlor 600’s High-Speed Sync (HSS) capability meant I could freeze action even in lower light, capturing everyone sharply with balanced lighting across the frame. The result was crisp, professional-looking group shots where each subject was evenly lit, with no distracting shadows or hot spots.
Keeping It Simple While Moving: Godox V860IIN and MagMod Gear
When moving through the event for more candid and spontaneous shots, I switched to the Godox V860IIN, a compact and reliable flash that’s easy to handle for handheld shooting. I paired it with the MagMod Sphere to soften the light, providing a natural, flattering glow without harsh edges. Additionally, I used the MagMod Pro Correction Gel 1/4 CTO, a game-changer for avoiding the overly warm background tones that can sometimes appear in dim lighting. The gel brought my light’s color temperature closer to natural, ensuring the room lighting and my flash worked harmoniously without turning the background orange.
Why the Nikon Z9 & NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens Combo Delivers
The versatility of the Nikon Z9 paired with the 24-120mm f/4 lens allows me to be agile. Here’s why this combination is so effective:
- Zoom Range: The 24-120mm focal length covers the primary ranges for event photography. It’s wide enough for medium-wide shots and long enough to capture intimate details, allowing me to work efficiently without constantly switching lenses.
- Consistent f/4 Aperture: The constant aperture means I don’t have to worry about exposure shifts while zooming, allowing me to focus on the shot rather than adjusting settings. And with the Z9’s low-light capabilities, f/4 was plenty for most situations.
- Reliable Autofocus: The Z9’s autofocus is fast and dependable, so I could trust it to lock on accurately, even when shooting in challenging lighting or with quick-moving subjects.
- Battery Life and Handling: Both the Z9 and the 24-120mm lens have impressive battery life, making them ideal for long events. With a solid, ergonomic build, this setup feels balanced and doesn’t wear me out, which is key for all-night shooting.
Wrapping Up
Last night, the 24-120mm flexibility and the dependable lighting gear proved I had everything I needed. The setup covered every angle, group, and moment without missing a beat. Whether you’re just starting in event photography or looking to refine your kit, consider the Nikon Z9 and the 24-120mm f/4 lens—the ultimate combination to capture an event seamlessly, with the quality and precision every client expects.