Nikon simply introduced a successor to their flagship 24-70mm f/2.8 midrange zoom, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Amongst different enhancements, the brand new lens is considerably lighter than the earlier model, and it now zooms internally! Nevertheless, it’s additionally pricier at $2800. Right here’s what you want to know.
Specs Comparability
Earlier than anything, let’s check out how the 2 variations of this lens evaluate:
| Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II | |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture Vary | f/2.8-22 | f/2.8-22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9, rounded | 11, rounded |
| Filter Dimension | 82mm | 77mm |
| Lens Parts | 17 in 15 teams | 14 in 10 teams |
| Particular Parts | 4 aspherical, 2 ED glass | 3 aspherical, 2 ED glass |
| ARNEO Coating | Sure | Sure |
| Nano Crystal Coating | Sure | No |
| Meso Amorphous Coating | No | Sure |
| Digital Diaphragm | Sure | Sure |
| Vibration Discount | No | No |
| Inside Focusing | Sure | Sure |
| Inside Zooming | No | Sure |
| Management Rings | Zoom, focus, customized | Zoom, focus, customized (clickable + de-clickable) |
| Perform Button | One | One (duplicated on prime and aspect) |
| Focus Motor | Twin stepping motors | Silky Swift VCM |
| Minimal Focus Distance (70mm) | 0.38 m (1.3 ft) | 0.33 m (1.1 ft) |
| Most Magnification | 0.22× | 0.32× |
| Dimensions (Size × Diameter) | 126 × 89 mm | 142 × 84 mm |
| Weight | 805 g (1.77 kilos) | 675 g (1.49 kilos) |
| MSRP | $2399 | $2799 |
| Lowest Sale Seen | $1996.95 (test present worth) | $2796.95 (test worth and pre-order) |
It’s already a very attention-grabbing comparability, and the specs alone don’t inform the total story. Let’s dive just a little deeper into what’s new with Model II.
Optical Modifications
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a very redesigned lens with totally different optics from its predecessor. The brand new lens design is much more streamlined: 14 components in 10 teams, slightly than 17 components in 15 teams. Might this be an indication that Nikon has compromised on optical high quality as a way to make a lighter lens? Maybe, however observe that Nikon says the brand new design “brings enhancements to picture high quality,” so we’ll have to attend and see. The official MTF charts look promising and do present some enhancements, particularly on the telephoto finish, however that is only a theoretical efficiency at f/2.8 and doesn’t present the total image – for that, we’ll must do some detailed lab and subject assessments as soon as our copy arrives:
Not less than one space of optics is unquestionably an enchancment, although: shut focus distance. The primary technology Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has a so-so most magnification of 0.22×, whereas Model II reaches as much as a formidable 0.32×. This isn’t true macro pictures territory, however it’s fairly good – and a greater match with the 24-70mm f/4 S and the 24-120mm f/4 S (which attain 0.30× and 0.39× respectively).
Bokeh hounds could be excited to see the 11-blade rounded aperture within the new 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Mixed with the extra streamlined optical design, I feel there’s an excellent likelihood of smoother backgrounds on the brand new lens. However bokeh is about extra than simply the variety of lens components and aperture blades, so we’ll have to attend till the 24-70mm f/2.8 S II ships to say something concrete.
Individually, videographers can be happy to listen to that Nikon says this lens has “a design that suppresses focus respiration.” This wasn’t actually a priority with the earlier model, however you by no means know what may occur when a lens’s optics get redesigned. And because of the inner zoom (extra on that in a second), the brand new lens ought to steadiness higher on a video gimbal or different stabilization platform.
Lastly, Nikon swapped the Nano Crystal Coating for his or her extra superior Meso Amorphous Coating. This could enhance flare and distinction efficiency in backlit conditions, particularly contemplating the decrease variety of lens components and teams. The unique Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has good flare efficiency as-is, however there’s all the time room for enhancements.
Bodily Modifications
Though I’m within the new optics on the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, I’d say that probably the most notable modifications truly contain the design and dealing with as an alternative. Large change #1: Nikon trimmed down the burden of the lens considerably. Large change #2: The lens now focuses internally.
Concerning level #1, Nikon’s unique Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S was already one of many lighter 24-70mm f/2.8 zooms available on the market at 805 grams (1.77 kilos). However now it’s the lightest 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom available on the market at 675 grams (1.49 kilos), and solely the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is even shut:
| Lens | Dimension | Weight | Parts | Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | 89x113mm | 805g | 17/15 | $1,899 |
| Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM | 89x126mm | 900g | 21/15 | $2,299 |
| Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED | 83x133mm | 900g | 15/11 | $1,799 |
| Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR | 88x155mm | 1070g | 20/16 | $2,399 |
| Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | 89x126mm | 805g | 18/13 | $2,399 |
| Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II | 84x142mm | 675g | 14/10 | $2,799 |
| Panasonic Lumix S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8 | 91x140mm | 935g | 18/16 | $2,199 |
| Pentax HD 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR | 89x110mm | 787g | 17/12 | $1,299 |
| Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Artwork | 88x108mm | 1020g | 19/14 | $1,299 |
| Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM | 88x136mm | 886g | 18/13 | $2,199 |
| Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II | 88x120mm | 695g | 20/15 | $2,448 |
| Sony T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II | 83x111mm | 974g | 17/13 | $2,099 |
| Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 | 88x109mm | 899g | 17/12 | $1,199 |
| Tokina AT-X 24-70mm f/2.8 PRO FX | 90x108mm | 1010g | 17/12 | $1,199 |
In the meantime, concerning level #2, that is the primary mirrorless 24-70mm f/2.8 to zoom internally! A severely spectacular achievement, significantly when contemplating the light-weight design. An inside zoom is particularly welcome in opposed climate, and it’s no coincidence that the homeowners of 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses are sometimes professionals who work in very demanding environments. I feel this enchancment can be very welcome. (That stated, it does imply that this lens measures just a little longer in size than some options, because it doesn’t retract on the wider focal lengths.)
One other change, although a a lot smaller one, is the removing of the EL show that was discovered on the earlier model of this lens. Nikon has steadily deserted using these shows on their lenses – most likely for value causes, but additionally as a result of most photographers didn’t appear to care about them an excessive amount of (although I’m certain there are exceptions).
Curiously, Nikon has added a brand new swap to this lens not discovered on another Z glass: a clicking swap for the management ring. I actually desire clicked controls once I’m adjusting aperture or publicity, and that may make this ring much more helpful for me. I truly disabled the management ring on the unique 24-70mm f/2.8 as a result of I often bumped it with out realizing, however that shouldn’t be a difficulty when it’s clicked. (Word that this lens individually has devoted zoom and focus rings, so the management ring is most definitely going for use for issues like publicity compensation or aperture.)
Lastly, there’s a brand new window on prime of the lens hood that may be opened for simple entry to rotating filters, similar to polarizers and variable ND filters. This can be a good contact that we’re beginning to see on extra lenses as of late, and I’m glad that Nikon has gotten in on the pattern with this lens.
Autofocus Enhancements
That is Nikon’s first zoom to characteristic their magnetic Silky Swift VCM focus motor – beforehand discovered solely on the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 lenses – and Nikon is making some massive claims about its efficiency. They are saying the brand new lens achieves “the quickest autofocusing in Nikon historical past,” roughly 5x quicker than that of the unique 24-70mm f/2.8 S.
Apparently, any variations may very well be particularly noticeable whereas zooming; Nikon says that “AF monitoring efficiency throughout zooming has been enhanced by roughly 60%.” I’m undecided how I’d put that declare to the take a look at exactly, however for occasion photographers and others who may take fast-paced images whereas zooming, it needs to be a welcome enchancment.
That stated, the prevailing Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S isn’t any slouch in autofocus velocity; it’s already one among Nikon’s quickest focusing lenses. I’m to check the 2 variations of this lens side-by-side on some totally different cameras (the Z8 and the unique Z6, a minimum of) to see if any enhancements are related in real-world conditions.
Preliminary Ideas
After I noticed rumors of this lens, my first thought was that it was approach too early for a Model II of an already nice 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom. I didn’t even attempt to embrace any gen-2 lenses in my article final week – Which Lenses Does Nikon Z Nonetheless Want? – as a result of Nikon’s first technology of mirrorless lenses has been nice thus far. Plus, there are nonetheless sufficient gaps left in Nikon’s mirrorless lens lineup that I’d slightly they spend their sources elsewhere.
I nonetheless consider that’s true on the whole, however after seeing this announcement, I feel I perceive why Nikon wished to hurry this lens to the entrance of the road. Some crew of engineers will need to have been very happy to determine a 24-70mm f/2.8 design that’s meaningfully lighter than nearly every thing else available on the market and zooms internally.
Frankly, it’s so spectacular that I’m going to order some skepticism for Nikon’s claims of “enhancements to picture high quality.” Has Nikon actually managed to unravel the 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom to such an extent – lighter, inside zoom, and higher picture high quality? It will be fairly unimaginable, and a minimum of to me, it could justify the early Model II we’re seeing in the present day.
That stated, irrespective of how the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II performs, the steep beginning worth of $2800 signifies that there’ll all the time be a marketplace for the earlier technology Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. At $2100 with the present sale, that lens doesn’t hit the pockets fairly as exhausting, and it’s a implausible lens. However I admit that it falls a hair in need of the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S and Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S – the 2 finest zoom lenses we’ve ever examined – so possibly Nikon’s new announcement is meant to vary that and set a brand new normal for the 24-70mm f/2.8 world.
Regardless, I can’t wait to place it to the take a look at in our lab. Our copy is already on order, and I’ll take a look at it within the lab the day it arrives. Preserve an eye fixed out on our Member Web page for these early outcomes, adopted by a complete evaluation right here as quickly as I’ve examined it within the subject!
Pre-Order Data
You’ll be able to pre-order this lens at B&H utilizing the next hyperlink. Will probably be out there in mid September:
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Official Pattern Photographs
Press Launch
NIKON ANNOUNCES THE NIKKOR Z 24-70MM F/2.8 S II LENS DELIVERING THE FASTEST AF AND LIGHTEST WEIGHT IN ITS CLASS
Engineered for Reliability and Agility, This Subsequent-Technology Zoom Lens Units a New Benchmark for Efficiency within the NIKKOR Z Lineup
MELVILLE, NY (August 22, 2025) – Nikon Inc. has introduced the discharge of the brand new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, a normal zoom lens that’s appropriate with full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This second technology of the acclaimed NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S brings enhancements to picture high quality, velocity and dealing with, additional enhancing upon a lens that was already a preferred alternative for all sorts of imaging professionals.
As a part of the S-Line*1 of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a normal zoom lens with a continuing most aperture of f/2.8, masking the versatile focal size vary from wide-angle 24mm to medium-telephoto 70mm for full-frame/FX format cameras. It encompasses a first in its class*2 inside zoom mechanism, and it’s additionally the lightest in its class*2, weighing approx. 675g (1.49 lbs.). Moreover, the inner zoom mechanism will increase zooming stability in addition to dust- and drip-resistant efficiency.
It’s the first zoom lens to undertake Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)*3 motors for the AF drive, attaining the quickest*4 autofocusing in Nikon historical past with extraordinarily exact and quiet AF management. Autofocus is roughly 5x quicker than that of the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and AF monitoring efficiency throughout zooming has been enhanced by roughly 60%, making it even simpler to seize decisive moments with fast-moving topics similar to athletes in motion.
As a new-generation f/2.8 normal zoom lens that mixes excellent picture high quality and superior agility, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the lens for these looking for excessive ranges of efficiency in each nonetheless picture and video recording, even when capturing in quite a lot of circumstances or harsh environments.
Main options
- The multi-focusing system*4, incorporating Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) expertise for the primary time in a zoom lens, achieves the quickest autofocusing in Nikon historical past, delivering extraordinarily exact and quiet AF for each nonetheless picture and video recording.
- A compact design with the lightest weight (approx. 675g) in its class*5 and a 77mm filter attachment measurement makes it simple to hold and reduces fatigue when capturing handheld.
- The primary lens in its class*5 to characteristic an inside zoom mechanism that forestalls mud and particles from getting into the lens throughout zooming, offering superior dust- and drip-resistant efficiency*6. Even when zooming, it maintains its steadiness for versatile use of quite a lot of video equipment.
- A newly developed 11-blade diaphragm allows very round bokeh.
- Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus respiration.
- Outfitted with a management ring clicking swap, permitting the tactile “click on” of management ring operation to be turned on or off as wanted.
- The lens helps a minimal focus distance of 0.24 m on the wide-angle finish and 0.33 m on the telephoto finish, with a most copy ratio of 0.21× on the wide-angle finish and 0.32× on the telephoto finish, permitting customers to get nearer to their topics for dynamic expression.
- Contains Meso Amorphous Coat, which presents the most effective anti-reflection efficiency in Nikon historical past, and ARNEO Coat for efficient suppression of ghosting and flare, leading to clear pictures.
- The lens hood encompasses a filter adjustment window, enabling customers to regulate round polarizing and variable ND filters with out eradicating the lens hood.
Worth and Availability
The brand new Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens can be out there in mid-September for a instructed retail worth of $2,799.95*. For extra details about the most recent Nikon merchandise, together with the huge assortment of NIKKOR Z lenses and all the line of Z sequence cameras, please go to nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc. is a world chief in digital imaging, precision optics and applied sciences for photograph and video seize; globally acknowledged for setting new requirements in product design and efficiency for an award-winning array of apparatus that permits visible storytelling and content material creation. Nikon Inc. distributes client {and professional} Z Sequence mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, an unlimited array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system equipment, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software program merchandise. For extra info, dial (800) NIKON-US or go to www.nikonusa.com, which hyperlinks all ranges of photographers and visible storytellers to the Internet’s most complete studying and sharing communities. Join with Nikon on Fb, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.
# # #
1 The S-Line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that exhibit excellent optical efficiency, adhering to a excessive normal of design rules and high quality management.
2 Amongst interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras with a focal-length vary from 24mm on the wide-angle finish to 70mm on the telephoto finish, and a continuing most aperture of f/2.8, out there as of August 22, 2025. Assertion based mostly on Nikon analysis.
3 An AF drive actuator that mixes a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) and a information mechanism developed by Nikon. The VCM is a motor during which a coil reciprocates in a powerful magnetic subject created by a strong magnet.
4 A number of AF drive models work collectively to regulate the place of a number of focus lens teams with nice precision for superior picture formation efficiency no matter capturing distance.
5 Amongst interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras with a focal size vary from 24mm on the wide-angle finish to 70mm on the telephoto finish, and a continuing most aperture of f/2.8, out there as of August 22, 2025. Assertion based mostly on Nikon analysis.
6 Thorough dust- and drip-resistance shouldn’t be assured in all conditions or underneath all circumstances.
*SRP (Instructed Retail Worth) listed solely as a suggestion. Precise costs are set by sellers and are topic to vary at any time.