Why Nikon’s 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Could Replace Three Primes

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens is built as a workhorse, and the update matters. This is the kind of lens you can keep on your camera for most situations, whether that’s video, weddings, or travel. Nikon trimmed the weight, refined the build, and packed in features aimed at both still shooters and video creators.

Coming to you from Jason Morris, this detailed video puts the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens through its paces. One of the most notable updates is the move to internal zooming, which helps with gimbal balance and keeps dust out. Compared to the first version, the S II is both lighter and more compact when zoomed, which makes a difference if you’re carrying multiple bodies at long events. The focal range still covers 24mm wide angle through 70mm short telephoto, making it versatile enough to replace several primes. Morris points out how this can be an all-in-one travel setup, a behind-the-scenes lens, or even a main lens for professional assignments.

The image quality results are where the S II starts to feel like a serious upgrade. Sharpness holds across the frame at every focal length, even out to the edges. Chromatic aberration is minimal, flare is well-controlled, and Morris notes virtually no focus breathing. For video work, the lens stays close to parfocal, meaning your subject remains in focus as you zoom. Autofocus is fast, accurate, and takes full advantage of Nikon’s latest bodies, with reliable eye and face tracking even in tricky scenes. Combined with the lighter build, this makes it appealing for hybrid shooters moving between photo and video.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 24-70mm

• Aperture: f/2.8 to f/22

• Format Coverage: Full frame

• Minimum Focus Distance: 9.4" (Wide) to 1.1' (Tele)

• Magnification: 0.32x (1:3)

• Optical Design: 14 elements in 10 groups

• Aperture Blades: 11, rounded

• Focus Type: Autofocus

• Image Stabilization: None

• Filter Size: 77 mm

• Dimensions: 3.5 x 5.9" (90 x 150 mm)

• Weight: 1.5 lb (675 g)

Other updates include a clickable or de-clickable aperture ring, dual function buttons, and a smaller 77mm filter thread compared to the 82mm of the original version. The zoom ring has more resistance, which some shooters prefer for precise framing. Morris also mentions how the lighter weight—down from 805 g to 675 g—reduces fatigue during long shoots, something wedding and event shooters will notice. At $2,800, it’s priced at a premium, but Morris frames it as a professional investment. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Morris.