Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens Summary

With a host of upgrades inside and out, the next-generation Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens is the very first Mark II Z mount lens to be released by Nikon. This is the staple professional standard zoom for many photographers, and hybrid creators in particular will be excited by the new model, which is lighter, sharper, better balanced and updated for video content.

The Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II features an evolved S-Line optical design that reduces the size and weight of the lens while also enhancing image quality. It includes an internal zoom mechanism, making it the world’s first professional f/2.8 standard zoom for full-frame Z mount cameras that maintains balance when zooming. This is one of several features of this Nikon lens that improves operability for video, alongside virtually zero focus breathing, Nikon’s first lens with a de-clickable aperture ring, a closer minimum focusing distance, and an upgraded AF system.

Nikon has significantly improved the AF system, with this being their first zoom to feature the cutting-edge Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (SSVCM). This reduces scan time by 40% at the telephoto end, is 50% quieter and offers 60% quicker focus tracking when zooming. Overall focus performance is up to 5x quicker than its predecessor, and the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II also introduces a new 11-blade circular aperture design for beautifully rounded bokeh and smooth defocus areas.

Several custom lens coatings are utilised to reduce flare and ghosting, maintaining image quality for a professional lens that is well suited to enthusiast and professional creators who want to capture a wide spectrum of subjects, from portraits to landscapes and almost everything in between.

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Key Features

• The world’s first internal zoom f/2.8 standard zoom lens
• World’s lightest lens in this class (675g)
• New optical design with superb image quality
• 11-blade rounded aperture
• The first Nikon zoom to feature a Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (SSVCM)
• Multi-focusing system with peak performance that is 5x faster and all round improved
• Custom lens coatings reduce flare and ghosting
• Ideal for video with no shift in weight and a gimbal-friendly design
• Virtually zero focus breathing and Nikon’s first de-clickable aperture ring
• Customisable L-Fn buttons
• 77mm filter ring and a lens hood with filter window
• Weather sealed design and a fluorine coating

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens in More Detail

Evolved Professional Standard Zoom Lens

The 24-70mm focal length is essential for many stills photographers and video creators thanks to its versatile zoom range, especially combined with a fast f/2.8 aperture. Nikon has upped the ante with the Mark II version, which adds the world’s first internal zoom for this class, next-generation autofocus and upgraded S-Line optics. This is a significant update inside and out that is lighter, sharper, better balanced and more suitable for video, extending its appeal from enthusiasts to professional photographers and filmmakers.

World’s First Internal Zoom 24-70mm f/2.8 for stills and video content

Nikon has broken the mould by developing the world’s first internal zoom mechanism for a professional lens of this type. At 675g it is also the lightest lens in this class, with a barrel that does not extend when zooming, allowing you to shoot more confidently with better balance for both stills photography and video recording, whether handheld or gimbal mounted.

When shooting with a gimbal stabiliser, the lens remains completely balanced at all focal lengths without shifting the centre of gravity. This means you won’t need to rebalance or lose time adjusting settings while in the flow.

Similarly, filmmaking accessories such as a matte box or square filter system can be mounted and locked in place with no need to reposition them during a shoot. Even with heavier video accessories attached, the balance stays consistent, avoiding the typical front-heavy design. Other video-focused features include virtually eliminated focus breathing, ensuring smooth focus pulls without changes to the field of view.

Next-generation S-Line Optical Excellence

Nikon’s S-Line optics are their premium range, and the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II has been updated with the latest optical system to not only improve sharpness but also reduce the overall weight of the lens. The revised design uses fewer elements while incorporating dual-sided aspherical elements and ED glass for all-round superb image quality.

Nikon’s advanced anti-reflection coatings have also been applied to control flare and ghosting, including Arneo Coat and Meso-amorphous Coat, both reserved for premium lenses in the range.

Nikon’s Best AF System to Date

The AF system has been completely overhauled to deliver up to 5x faster performance, with a 40% reduction in scan time at the telephoto end, 50% quieter operation, and 60% quicker focus tracking when zooming.

This is the first zoom in the lineup to feature Nikon’s Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (SSVCM), previously seen in the premium Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S and Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lenses, providing fast and accurate autofocus.

The multi-focusing system uses several groups of elements moving in precise sync to maintain peak optical performance. Close focusing has also been improved, with a minimum focus distance of 0.24 m at 24mm and 0.33 m at 70mm, achieving a maximum magnification ratio of 0.21x (wide) and 0.32x (tele). While not a true macro, this gives ample scope to get closer to subjects and fill the frame with beautifully sharp details.

New Rounded 11-Blade Aperture

A newly developed 11-blade aperture unit produces beautifully rounded bokeh and smooth defocus areas, while the optical design ensures point light sources remain sharp, clear, and well defined. This enables characterful results with attractive bokeh, comparable to what is typically seen from fast prime lenses.

Professional Build and Control

This lens caters to a wide range of workflows with AF/MF operation and a focus limiter switch offering two ranges: 0.24m–infinity (full) and 0.33m–infinity (limit). A 77mm filter thread allows lens filters to be attached, and the included lens hood features a filter window for adjustments without needing to remove the hood.

A Fluorine coat on the front element repels water and oil for easier maintenance, while extensive weather sealing protects against dust and moisture. Nikon has also reduced the number of exposed components, further improving durability in harsh outdoor environments.

What’s in the box

• Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens
• Lens Hood HB-117
• Lens Cap LC-77B
• Rear Cap LF-N1
• Lens Case CL-C2

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens Specifications