Nikon has announced its new NIKKOR Z 24-70MM F/2.8 S II, which is a follow-up to the original NIKKOR Z 24-70MM F/2.8 S that was announced way back in early 2019.
This second generation of the acclaimed NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S brings enhancements to image quality, speed and handling, further improving upon a lens that was already a popular choice for all types of imaging professionals.
Key features
- The multi-focusing system, incorporating Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) technology for the first time in a zoom lens, achieves the fastest autofocusing in Nikon history, delivering extremely precise and quiet AF for both still image and video recording.
- A compact design with the lightest weight (approx. 675g) in its class and a 77mm filter attachment size makes it easy to carry and reduces fatigue when shooting handheld.
- The first lens in its category to feature an internal zoom mechanism that prevents dust and debris from entering the lens during zooming, providing superior dust- and drip-resistant performance. Even when zooming, it maintains its balance for flexible use of a variety of video accessories.
- A newly developed 11-blade diaphragm enables very circular bokeh.
- Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus breathing.
- Equipped with a control ring clicking switch, allowing the tactile “click” of control ring operation to be turned on or off as needed.
- The lens supports a minimum focus distance of 0.24 m at the wide-angle end and 0.33 m at the telephoto end, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.21× at the wide-angle end and 0.32× at the telephoto end, allowing users to get closer to their subjects for dynamic expression.
- Includes Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikon history, and ARNEO Coat for effective suppression of ghosting and flare, resulting in clear images.
- The lens hood features a filter adjustment window, enabling users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters without removing the lens hood.
The lens features an internal zoom mechanism, and it’s also fairly lightweight, tipping the scales at just 675g /1.49 lbs. According to Nikon, the internal zoom mechanism increases zooming stability. The lens also provides dust- and drip-resistant performance.
It is the first zoom lens to adopt what Nikon is calling ‘Silky Swift’ VCM (SSVCM) motors for the AF drive, which are claimed to achieve the fastest autofocusing in Nikon history. The AF is stated to be extremely precise and very quiet. The autofocus is approximately 5x faster than that of the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and AF tracking performance during zooming has been enhanced by approximately 60%.
The optical design of the lens includes 14 lens elements in 10 groups, and it has 11 aperture blades.
The minimum focusing distance is as follows (measured from the focal plane):
- 24mm zoom position: 0.24 m (0.79 ft)
- 28mm zoom position: 0.24 m (0.79 ft)
- 35mm zoom position: 0.27 m (0.89 ft)
- 50mm zoom position: 0.3 m (0.99 ft)
- 70mm zoom position: 0.33 m (1.09 ft)
The lens hood features a filter adjustment window, enabling users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters without removing the lens hood.
Pricing & Availability
The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens will be available in mid-September for $2,799.95 USD.
