Nikon’s standard zoom has undergone a major transformation. The new Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens is more than just a successor; it is lighter, faster and smarter, and at 675 grams, it is even the lightest 24-70mm f/2.8 lens in its class.
What immediately stands out is the internal zoom. With many zoom lenses, the barrel extends as you zoom in, but this Nikon always stays just as compact. That offers several advantages: the balance remains the same, you do not have to adjust your grip and everything stays neatly balanced on a gimbal.
It also means fewer moving parts on the outside and therefore better protection against dust, dirt and rain.
A great deal has changed inside as well. Nikon has equipped this lens with the new Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (SSVCM). It is a mouthful, but the result is clear: autofocus is five times faster, fifty percent quieter and tracks subjects more smoothly than ever. For video creators this is good news, because focus breathing – the distracting “shifting” of your framing while focusing – has also been greatly reduced.
The optical construction has been completely redesigned. Fewer elements, but greater impact. Thanks to Nikon’s S-Line optics, complemented by Meso Amorphous and ARNEO coatings, flare and ghosting are effectively suppressed. The aperture with eleven rounded blades also produces soft, round bokeh, ideal for portraits or creative close-ups.
And speaking of close-ups: you can get closer than ever, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.24 meters at 24mm and 0.33 meters at 70mm.
The control ring can be used with or without click feedback, depending on your preference. A focus-limit switch helps in situations where you want to focus quickly and consistently, while the new HB-117 lens hood has a clever opening that lets you operate filters without removing the hood.
Availability and Price
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is available at a suggested retail price of €2,899.
