Professional work often comes down to speed and flexibility. A fast standard zoom like a 24-70mm f/2.8 is one of the most useful tools you can keep in your kit, and Nikon’s update to their flagship model brings a mix of subtle improvements and some genuinely new features worth paying attention to.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this in-depth video reviews the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens. Frost notes right away that Nikon has made this version the lightest pro-level zoom of its type at only 675 g. Shaving weight might not sound like much on paper, but anyone who has carried a camera all day at a wedding knows what a difference that makes. Nikon also designed it as the first 24-70mm f/2.8 with an internal zoom. That might seem minor, but it makes weather-sealing stronger and keeps dust out. For video shooters using a gimbal, it also means better balance since the lens doesn’t extend as you zoom. Autofocus has also been updated to feel faster, more confident, and quieter than the original.
One of the standout features here is the customizable control ring, which can be set to turn smoothly or with clicks. Smooth turns give video shooters the option to adjust aperture mid-shot without stepping, while clicks help still shooters avoid accidental adjustments. Frost also highlights how well Nikon has handled focus breathing, which is greatly reduced compared to the previous generation. These updates show Nikon pushing to appeal not just to still shooters but also to filmmakers who want a reliable workhorse zoom.
Key Specs
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Focal Length: 24 to 70mm
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Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
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Minimum Aperture: f/22
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Lens Mount: Nikon Z
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Format Coverage: Full frame
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Minimum Focus Distance: 9.4 in (wide) to 1.1 ft (tele)
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Magnification: 0.32x, 1:3 macro ratio
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Optical Design: 14 elements in 10 groups
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Aperture Blades: 11 rounded
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Autofocus: Yes
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Image Stabilization: No
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Filter Size: 77 mm
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Dimensions: 3.5 x 5.9 in
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Weight: 1.5 lb / 675 g
When it comes to image quality, Frost finds performance excellent across the zoom range, though not necessarily sharper than the first version. Wide open at f/2.8, sharpness is already strong in the center and improves slightly when stopped down. Corners are softer but clean up quickly around f/4 to f/5.6. Against bright light, the new model performs noticeably better, with less flare and stronger contrast. Close-up shots, however, show some haze at f/2.8 that clears up when stopped down to f/4, which is weaker than the original in that specific area. Out-of-focus rendering is smoother than before, producing backgrounds that look consistently pleasing.
The build choices make it clear Nikon designed this for professionals who need durability. You get solid weather-sealing, customizable buttons, a responsive manual focus ring, and a lockable hood. The downside is the absence of image stabilization, something you might expect at this price point. Nikon relies on in-body stabilization from its cameras, but if you’re working with a body that lacks it, this could be limiting. The price also remains steep at $2,800, which keeps it firmly in the professional tier. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
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