- Prepare to elevate your photography and videography with the revolutionary Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, a lens that redefines professional standards for the Nikon Z system. This remarkable piece of engineering is not just an upgrade; it’s a leap forward, offering unparalleled performance and versatility for creators who demand the absolute best.
- Internal zoom: This groundbreaking design enhances zooming stability and offers superior dust- and drip-resistant performance, making it ideal for demanding shooting conditions and seamless integration with gimbals and matte boxes, as the center of gravity remains constant regardless of zoom position.
- Faster, Quieter, Smoother Autofocus: Experience a dramatic improvement with autofocus that is 5x faster and 50% quieter than its predecessor, ensuring your video recordings are free from distracting operational sounds.
- Smooth Focus Transitions: Achieve cinematic results with focus breathing suppressed to less than half the amount of the previous generation, coupled with jitter-free subject tracking during push-in shots.
- Beautiful bokeh: The constant f/2.8 aperture, combined with 11 rounded diaphragm blades, creates exquisite, soft, and round bokeh with natural-looking gradations.
- The innovative internal zoom mechanism is a game-changer for stability and weather sealing, making it a workhorse for professional videographers and photographers in any environment.
- The substantial increase in autofocus speed and reduction in operational noise are critical for capturing fleeting moments and for professional video production where audio quality is paramount.
- The suppression of focus breathing and the smooth focus transitions ensure that your video footage looks polished and professional, even during complex camera movements.
- The ability to produce stunning bokeh, thanks to the f/2.8 aperture and 11-blade diaphragm, adds a professional touch to portraits and allows subjects to truly stand out.
- The constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range provides consistent exposure and excellent low-light performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II | The World’s First Internal Zoom f/2.8 Full-Frame 24-70mm Zoom Lens | Nikon USA Model
What We Like
Performance Analysis
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II delivers exceptional optical performance across its entire zoom range. The lens is engineered for sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy, minimizing aberrations and distortions. The internal zoom design is a significant advancement, contributing to enhanced durability and a more balanced feel, especially when used with stabilizing equipment. The autofocus system is remarkably fast and silent, which is crucial for hybrid shooters who move between stills and video. The reduction in focus breathing ensures that focus pulls are smooth and imperceptible, a vital feature for cinematic storytelling. Furthermore, the quality of the bokeh produced is simply stunning, adding a creamy background blur that isolates subjects beautifully. This lens truly embodies the pinnacle of Nikon’s optical engineering for their Z system.
Best For
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II | The World’s First Internal Zoom f/2.8 Full-Frame 24-70mm Zoom Lens | Nikon USA Model is best suited for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who require a versatile, high-performance zoom lens for a wide array of applications, including event photography, weddings, portraiture, landscape, travel, and particularly for videography due to its superior autofocus and focus breathing suppression capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for creators looking to produce polished, professional content.
Buying Guide
Key Features to Look For
When considering a lens like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, prioritize the following key features: an internal zoom mechanism for stability and dust/drip resistance, a fast and quiet autofocus system for seamless shooting and video recording, and excellent control over focus breathing for smooth focus transitions. The presence of a constant f/2.8 aperture and a high number of diaphragm blades (like the 11 rounded blades here) are crucial for achieving beautiful bokeh and superior low-light performance.
Important Materials
While specific material breakdowns are not provided in the Amazon data, professional lenses like this typically incorporate high-quality optical glass elements, durable metal alloys for the lens barrel and mount, and advanced coatings to minimize reflections and maximize light transmission. The build quality is generally robust to withstand demanding professional use.
Essential Factors to Consider
Size and weight are always important, especially for long shooting days or travel, though professional zooms often balance this with their capabilities. Compatibility is paramount; ensure this lens is designed for your specific Nikon Z-mount camera body. Consider your primary use: if video is a significant component of your work, the features like suppressed focus breathing and quiet AF are non-negotiable. For stills, the sharpness and bokeh quality will be key.
Budget Planning
Professional-grade lenses like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II represent a significant investment. Their price point reflects the advanced optics, robust construction, and professional-grade performance they offer. When budgeting, consider the long-term value and the impact this lens can have on your creative output and potential income. It’s an investment in your craft.
When to Buy
The best time to buy is often when you have a specific project or need that this lens will fulfill. Keep an eye out for potential sales or promotions from authorized retailers, though high-demand professional gear like this rarely sees deep discounts outside of major holiday events. Purchasing from a reputable dealer like Amazon ensures authenticity and access to customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “internal zoom” mean for this lens?
An internal zoom mechanism means that the physical length of the lens does not change when you zoom. This significantly improves stability, especially on gimbals, and enhances its dust- and drip-resistant performance because fewer air and dust particles can enter the lens. The center of gravity also remains consistent, which is crucial for balanced camera setups.
How much faster and quieter is the autofocus compared to the previous model?
The autofocus on the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is reportedly 5x faster and 50% quieter than the current model. This makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects with stills and for ensuring that operational sounds do not interfere with video recordings.
What is “focus breathing” and why is it important for video?
Focus breathing is the slight change in focal length (and thus field of view) that occurs when you adjust focus. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II has suppressed this to less than half the amount of the previous generation. For video, this means that when you rack focus from one subject to another, the image doesn’t zoom in or out, resulting in smooth, professional-looking focus transitions.
How does the f/2.8 aperture and diaphragm contribute to bokeh?
The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, which is essential for creating a blurred background (bokeh). The lens features 11 rounded diaphragm blades, which work in conjunction with the f/2.8 aperture to produce soft, round, and aesthetically pleasing bokeh with natural gradations, helping your subject stand out from the background.
Is this lens compatible with all Nikon Z cameras?
As a Nikon Z-mount lens, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is designed for Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless Z series cameras. It’s recommended to check the specific compatibility with your camera model on Nikon’s official website or the product’s specifications to ensure full functionality.
What is the benefit of the lens remaining the same size when zooming?
When the lens length doesn’t change during zooming, it maintains a constant center of gravity. This is highly beneficial for gimbal users and those employing matte boxes, as it simplifies balancing and adjustments. It also contributes to the lens’s improved weather sealing by reducing internal air movement.
Final Thoughts
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II | The World’s First Internal Zoom f/2.8 Full-Frame 24-70mm Zoom Lens | Nikon USA Model is a truly exceptional lens that sets a new benchmark for professional zoom optics. Its innovative internal zoom design, coupled with its dramatically improved autofocus performance, superior focus breathing suppression, and stunning bokeh capabilities, makes it an indispensable tool for any serious photographer or videographer. While it represents a significant investment, the unparalleled versatility, image quality, and robust build justify its position as a top-tier lens for the Nikon Z system. For creators who demand the very best, this lens is a highly recommended purchase.
