Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II specifications and in-depth review

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II

Manufacturer: Nikon

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a versatile zoom lens designed for Nikon Z-mount cameras. It offers a focal length range of 24-70mm, making it suitable for various photography styles. The lens is weather-sealed to protect against splashes and dust, and it includes a reversible lens hood for added convenience during storage and transport.

Key technical features of the lens include a wide f/2.8 aperture for consistent performance in low light, as well as a magnification of 0.32x for close-up shots. The lens also supports full-time manual focus and features a silent focus motor for quiet and smooth autofocus performance. The filter size is 77mm, and it weighs 675g, providing a solid yet manageable build for photographers.

Pros
  • Weather-sealed design provides protection against splashes and dust, making it suitable for outdoor use in various conditions.
  • Includes a reversible lens hood for added convenience and protection during storage and transport.
  • Has a wide f/2.8 aperture, which maintains consistent low-light performance throughout the zoom range.
  • Features a silent focus motor built into the lens, ensuring quiet autofocus operation for video recording and discreet photography.
  • Offers a minimum focus distance of 0.24 meters, allowing for close-up shots with detailed subject rendering.
Cons
  • Does not include built-in optical image stabilization, which may limit performance in handheld low-light situations.
  • The lens weight of 675g might be considered heavy for some photographers, especially during extended handheld use.
  • Smallest aperture at maximum focal length is f/2.8, which may not provide as much depth of field control as lenses with a smaller minimum aperture.
Who is this for?

This lens is ideal for photographers who need a versatile all-in-one solution for various shooting conditions. With its weather-sealed design and reversible lens hood, it’s well-suited for outdoor and nature photography, where protection against the elements is essential. The wide f/2.8 aperture is perfect for low-light scenarios and allows for creative depth of field control, making it a good choice for portrait and event photographers looking for sharp images with smooth background blur.

Who is this NOT for?

This lens may not be the best choice for users who require built-in optical image stabilization for handheld low-light shots, as it lacks this feature. Additionally, the weight of 675g could be cumbersome for those seeking a lightweight lens for long periods of handheld use or travel. Lastly, those looking for a lens with a much smaller minimum aperture for extreme depth of field control may find this lens’s f/22 aperture at minimum focal length limiting for certain landscape or macro applications.

General info:

lens type Zoom, Telephoto, Standard
lens mount Nikon Z
release date August 2025
is weather-sealed (splashproof)
Has a metal mount
weight 675 g
Includes lens hood
Lens hood is reversible
filter size 77 mm

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a versatile lens with several important features. It has a weather-sealed design for protection against splashes and dust, making it suitable for challenging environments. The lens has a metal mount for enhanced durability and comes with a reversible lens hood for added convenience. Weighing 675g, it offers a balanced build for comfortable handling, and it has a 77mm filter size to accommodate a variety of filters.

Optics:

maximum focal length 70 mm
minimum focal length 24 mm
has built-in optical image stabilization
maximum angle of view 84°
minimum angle of view 34.2°
magnification 0.32x
optical zoom 2.9x

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II offers a 2.9x optical zoom, with a focal length range from 24mm to 70mm, making it versatile for various types of photography. It provides a maximum angle of view of 84° and a minimum angle of view of 34.2°. Although the lens does not feature built-in optical image stabilization, it still offers a 0.32x magnification for close-up shots.

Aperture:

wide aperture (main camera) 2.8f
widest aperture at maximum focal length 2.8f
aperture blades 11
Has rounded aperture blades
smallest aperture at maximum focal length 2.8f
smallest aperture at minimum focal length 22f

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II features a wide f/2.8 aperture, maintaining this value across both the minimum and maximum focal lengths. With 11 aperture blades and rounded aperture blades, it ensures smooth and aesthetically pleasing out-of-focus areas. At its smallest aperture, the lens offers a f/22 at the minimum focal length and f/2.8 at the maximum focal length for consistent depth of field control.

Focus:

Can focus to infinity
Has focus motor
Has full-time manual focus
has a silent focus motor built into the lens
minimum focus distance 0.24 m

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is designed with a focus motor for quick and accurate focusing, and it includes a silent focus motor built into the lens for noise-free operation. It also offers full-time manual focus for precise control. With a minimum focus distance of 0.24 meters, this lens can capture close-up subjects while still being able to focus to infinity for wide-angle shots.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a robust and versatile zoom lens, well-suited for both professional and enthusiast photographers. Its weather-sealed design and wide f/2.8 aperture make it an excellent choice for shooting in diverse conditions and low-light environments. While it lacks built-in optical image stabilization and may be a bit heavy for some users, its overall performance and features, including a silent focus motor and close minimum focusing distance, make it a reliable tool for a wide range of photography styles. For those needing a durable, all-around lens with solid image quality, the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a strong contender.