Nikon has launched the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, a redesigned commonplace zoom that retains a relentless size whereas zooming, cuts weight, and debuts the model’s Silky Swift VCM autofocus in a zoom lens. It’s obtainable to preorder for $2,796.95 with an estimated ship date of September 17.
A cornerstone software for stills and video, this second‑technology 24‑70mm targets professionals who want constant dealing with on gimbals, improved sealing, and quicker AF with out giving up optical high quality. Nikon says it’s the world’s first 24‑70mm f/2.8 with an inner zoom design, a change that stabilizes stability throughout operation and improves sturdiness. The unique NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 was already fairly a well-liked lens.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Picture credit score: Nikon
What’s new in Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
The lens maintains a relentless total size when zooming and focusing, due to an inner zoom and inner focus building. Nikon cites a 16% weight discount in comparison with the earlier mannequin, all the way down to 675g (23.8 oz), and a shorter most extension footprint than the sooner lens when absolutely zoomed. The interior format additionally contributes to upgraded mud and moisture resistance and reduces middle‑of‑gravity shift by 30%, which advantages gimbal work.
Autofocus and video options
Making its zoom‑lens debut, the Silky Swift VCM drive makes use of magnets fairly than gears for increased preliminary speeds and smoother movement. Nikon claims as much as 5× quicker AF than the earlier 24‑70mm f/2.8, as much as 40% shorter scan instances, 60% higher focus‑monitoring whereas zooming, and roughly 50% decrease perceived working noise. Focus respiratory is vastly lowered, and full‑time handbook override is on the market. (Nikon features a medical‑gadget warning as a result of using magnets.)
The insides of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Picture credit score: Nikon
Optical design and coatings
The revised optical method drops three parts but is designed to enhance decision and flare resistance. It now makes use of 14 parts in 10 teams, together with two additional‑low dispersion and three aspherical parts. An 11‑blade rounded diaphragm goals for smoother bokeh, with Nikon noting improved aspherical ingredient fabrication for extra pure defocus transitions. Coating updates embrace Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat to suppress flare and ghosting from each diagonal and vertical incident gentle.
Shut-up versatility. Picture credit score: Nikon
Shut‑focus versatility
Minimal focus distance is 24cm/9.4in at 24mm and 33cm/12.9in at 70mm, delivering as much as 0.32× magnification on the lengthy finish. A spotlight‑limiter change lets customers constrain the vary to 33.5cm (1.1 ft) to infinity or use the complete 24cm/9.4in to infinity span.
Picture credit score: Nikon
Dealing with and controls
Alongside devoted zoom and focus rings, a customizable management ring can regulate aperture, publicity compensation, or ISO, with a {hardware} click on on/off change to decide on tactile or easy rotations. Two L‑Fn buttons sit on the highest and left of the barrel for fast perform entry. The lens accepts smaller 77mm entrance filters and ships with the HB‑117 hood that features a filter‑adjustment window for variable ND or polarizers. Climate sealing is described as superior.
Picture credit score: Nikon
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II – specs at a look
- Mount and protection: Nikon Z, full‑body
- Aperture: f/2.8 to f/22, 11 rounded blades
- Optical design: 14 parts in 10 teams, 2 ED, 3 aspherical
- Filter thread: 77mm
- Dimension and weight: 84x142mm (3.3×5.6in), 675g (1.5lb)
- Included: entrance and rear caps, HB‑117 hood, CL‑C2 gentle case, 1‑yr guarantee
Worth and availability
The NIKKOR Z 24‑70mm f/2.8 S II lists at $2,796.95 and is on the market to preorder, with B&H exhibiting an estimated ship date of mid-September.
The interior‑zoom redesign, quicker and quieter AF, and smaller 77mm filter thread counsel Nikon centered on on a regular basis usability for each stills and movement. For extra data, go to the Nikon web site.
Is that this the Z‑mount mid‑vary zoom you may have been ready for, or do you favor the unique’s really feel and stability? Tell us within the feedback.
