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

The internal zoom is the killer feature, and the AF is stupid fast. Just don't take it out in the rain.

The autofocus is the real story here. Nikon claims it's about five times faster than the previous version with 50% less noise, and while we can't verify those exact numbers in our lab, the SSVCM motor feels instantaneous on a Z8 or Z9. Focus breathing is cut to less than half of what the old lens did, which is a big deal for video shooters who hate that subtle zoom effect when pulling focus. The optical performance lands in the 86th percentile overall, which translates to sharpness that's a genuine standout. Bokeh sits even higher at the 92nd percentile, and with 11 aperture blades, out-of-focus areas look creamy rather than busy. The one surprise? Macro performance is the absolute best right now for this type of lens, hitting the 95th percentile. That's not something you expect from a standard zoom.

The Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 is the obvious alternative if you want more reach, but you give up the constant f/2.8 aperture and the internal zoom. The Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN is a fantastic budget option, but it's designed for APS-C sensors, so you lose the full-frame coverage this Nikon provides. The Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 and Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit are different beasts entirely, one's an ultra-wide prime and the other is a Micro Four Thirds lens. If you're on Nikon Z full-frame and need a 24-70mm f/2.8, the real question is this lens or the older version, and the S II wins on AF speed, noise, and internal zoom alone.

At USD 2,797, this is not a casual purchase. But if you shoot Nikon Z full-frame and you want the best standard zoom available, this is the one. The internal zoom alone solves a problem every 24-70mm owner has dealt with. The catch is the lack of weather sealing, which feels like a strange corner to cut on a lens clearly aimed at working pros. If you shoot in rain or dust, that's a legitimate concern. For everyone else, the optical performance and AF improvements justify the price.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the lens Nikon shooters have been asking for, a pro-grade standard zoom that finally gets the internal zoom treatment. That means no more barrel creep, no more shifting balance when you rack from 24 to 70, and a setup that stays rock solid on a gimbal. It's the world's first full-frame mirrorless 24-70mm f/2.8 with this design, and honestly, it makes the old version feel a little dated.

The headline numbers back it up. You get 14 elements in 10 groups, 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements, an 11-blade diaphragm, and a close focus distance of just 24mm at the wide end. At 70mm you can hit 0.32x magnification, which is genuinely useful for detail work without swapping to a macro lens. At 675g it's not a featherweight, but for what it delivers, it's reasonable.

If you shoot in wet or dusty environments, this isn't the lens for you. The lack of weather sealing is a dealbreaker for landscape and wildlife photographers who work outdoors. Go grab the older NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, which has better sealing, or look at a third-party option with full weather protection. If you're on a budget, the Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 is a solid alternative, just remember it's APS-C only.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the best standard zoom you can put on a Nikon Z camera right now. The internal zoom is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade, the AF is fast and quiet enough for video work, and the optical performance is top-tier. The lack of weather sealing is annoying, and the build quality doesn't feel as premium as the price suggests. But if you can live with those compromises, this lens will make your old 24-70mm feel like a relic. Buy it if you shoot Nikon Z full-frame and want the best. Skip it if you need weather sealing or you're on a tighter budget.