Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
The constant f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom mechanism, a first for its class, maintain the lens's center of gravity for stable gimbal use while its Nano Crystal Coat and ED elements suppress flare and ghosting. Its optical formula delivers sharpness and pleasing bokeh in a weather-sealed, 900g body that is smaller and lighter than typical 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. This lens is best for landscape photographers and video shooters who need a durable, stabilized workhorse zoom with silent, fast autofocus.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
With optical quality in the 90th percentile, this is one of the sharpest standard zooms we've seen. The constant f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom make it a standout for video and low-light work. Just be ready for average autofocus and a build that doesn't feel as premium as the price suggests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top-tier optical sharpness in the 90th percentile 97th
- Smooth bokeh that outperforms most zooms 91st
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent exposure 91st
- Internal zoom design keeps the lens balanced 81st
- Effective stabilization for handheld shooting
Cons
- Build quality lags behind at the 38th percentile
- Autofocus speed is just average
- Macro capability is mediocre at 1/3.7 magnification
- Price varies wildly across vendors
- 900g weight feels heavy for travel
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q2 202683/100
Buyers praise the lens for its speed, sharpness, and light weight, with one calling it amazing for portraits and events.
- Lens is fast, sharp, and light; worth the price.
- Excellent for portrait, event, and wedding photography.
- Q1 202691/100
Buyers praise the lens for exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and lighter internal-zoom build. Many call it a worthy upgrade from the previous version.
- Sharpness and image quality rival prime lenses across the zoom range.
- Lighter weight and internal zoom improve handling and weather resistance.
- Fast, precise autofocus suitable for professional work.
- One review says lens has clinical perfection but lacks rendering character.
- Q4 202588/100
Buyers praised the lens for its exceptional sharpness, color rendering, and low-light performance, ideal for events and indoor sports. Some noted high cost and one packaging complaint.
- Image quality is excellent with sharp details, pleasing colors, and micro-contrast.
- Internal focus and zoom design improve handling and allow easier polarizer use.
- Outstanding low-light and autofocus performance for events and indoor sports.
- Shipping packaging insufficient for a $2800 lens, risking damage during transit.
- Q3 202590/100
Buyers in Q3 2025 praised the lens as exceptionally sharp with superior contrast and color rendering. One noted it improves noticeably over the f4 version.
- Exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color rendering across apertures.
- Superior to the f/4 S zoom in image quality.
- Excellent for portraits with blurred backgrounds and landscaping.
- Weighs less than previous F-mount f/2.8 zooms, manageable on travel.
- Q2 2024100/100
Buyers in Q2 2024 praised the lens for excellent image quality, premium build, and silent autofocus, noting its weight but considering it a worthy trade-off.
- Image quality is sharp and professional-grade, justifying the price.
- Build quality is top notch, described as a 'beast' and durable.
- Lens is heavy but balances well with Z8/Z6ii, considered worth the weight.
- Autofocus is quick, silent, and works smoothly.
- Q3 2023100/100
Buyers in Q3 2023 praised the lens as exceptionally sharp, fast, and high-quality, with strong recommendations.
- Sharpness praised as standout feature, even in low light.
- Fast glass performance especially valued.
- Excellent upgrade from kit lens or earlier models.
- Quality and value noted when buying near-new.
- Q1 202375/100
Buyers praised the lens for its sharpness and fast autofocus, but one requested a 2x converter and another reviewer gave a 0★ rating that contradicted their positive comments.
- Sharp lens with fast autofocus, great for low-light concert photography at ISO 2500.
- One reviewer gave 0★ despite positive text, suggesting a data or rating error.
- Buyer hopes for a 2x converter to extend the lens's reach instead of buying medium telephotos.
- Smooth zoom mechanism; a user found no stickiness unlike some other reviews mentioned.
- Q3 2022100/100
All four reviewers praise the lens as sharp, fast, quiet, and the gold standard in its range. Highly recommended for pros and enthusiasts.
- Exceptional sharpness and detail, even into the corners.
- Fast, quiet autofocus; excellent performance in real-world use.
- Versatile for pros and enthusiasts; highly recommended for all uses.
- Larger than kit zoom, but payoff in image quality is worth it; lacks gold ring.
- Q2 202275/100
Buyers praised the lens as sharp, versatile for weddings, sports, and landscapes. One non-verified review seemed misplaced or contradictory, but overall sentiment was very positive.
- Sharp image quality praised across multiple reviews.
- Versatility for weddings, sports, and landscapes highlighted.
- One non-verified review had low star rating despite positive text, unclear issue.
- Described as a go-to lens for everyday and professional use.
- Q1 202290/100
Most buyers praise sharpness, build quality, and handling of the lens, but one reports receiving a broken refurbished unit and another finds the control ring accidentally changes settings.
- Sharpness and image quality are consistently praised, calling it the best 24-70mm f/2.8.
- Build quality and handling are solid; feels good in the hand and balances well on Z cameras.
- One buyer received a broken refurbished lens and warns about inspecting immediately after purchase.
- Control ring near the lens mount can accidentally change settings; some find it annoying but adjustable.
- Q4 202188/100
Reviewers highly praise the lens for sharpness, autofocus speed, and weight, calling it a game-changer for professional photography.
- Sharpness and image quality are exceptional, with 3D-like clarity edge-to-edge.
- Fast, accurate autofocus and lighter design are major improvements over older lenses.
- Bundle items include cheap accessories, good for beginners but not experienced users.
- Versatile 24-70mm range replaces multiple primes, ideal for professional work.
- Q3 202170/100
Reviewers praise the lens for sharpness, speed, and build quality. One buyer reports focusing inconsistencies compared to a 14-24mm lens.
- Excellent sharpness and image quality in varied lighting.
- Lightweight, comfortable, silent and quick autofocus.
- Versatile lens replacing multiple primes for wedding work.
- One verified review reports focusing inconsistencies compared to another lens.
- Q2 202193/100
Buyers praise the lens' optical quality, color rendition, and build. Many call it their go-to zoom, though some note the high price and bundled accessories are unwanted.
- Exceptional optical quality, sharpness, and color rendition
- Silent, fast autofocus and solid build
- Versatile zoom range, ideal walk-around lens
- Expensive, but considered worth the cost; bundled accessories unused
- Q4 202082/100
Buyers praise the lens for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and low-light performance. A single complaint about a price drop and a shipping delay appear.
- Sharpness and image quality are repeatedly praised as excellent.
- Fast autofocus and great low-light capabilities are highlighted.
- Bokeh and overall lens quality receive strong approval.
- One buyer complains about a price drop after purchase.
- Q3 202095/100
Customers in Q3 2020 praised the lens for exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and superior low-light performance. It's seen as a significant upgrade from the f/4 version, though expensive.
- Superb sharpness and optical quality across the zoom range, with minimal aberrations.
- Fast and accurate autofocus, especially beneficial for video and moving subjects.
- Noticeable improvement in low-light and bokeh compared to the kit f/4 lens.
- Premium pricing is justified by performance, but noted as a significant investment.
- Q1 2020100/100
Buyers praised this F/2.8 24-70mm lens as a versatile, high-quality upgrade over the F/4 version, with a dedicated focus ring and customizable control ring.
- Higher image quality and build over the F/4 version.
- Dedicated focus ring is a must-have improvement.
- Customizable control ring useful for exposure and aperture.
- Fast, good quality, works perfectly with Z7.
- Q4 201995/100
Buyers rave about this lens's sharpness, build quality, and versatility, calling it a prime-like zoom ideal for travel and professional use.
- Exceptional sharpness and contrast at all focal lengths, rivaling prime lenses.
- Lighter and more compact than F-mount predecessors, improving portability.
- Manual focus ring is difficult to use in low light, requiring awkward override.
- Versatile for weddings, landscapes, portraits, and video; a one-lens solution.
- Q3 2019100/100
Buyers are thrilled with the image quality, fast and silent autofocus, and solid build of this lens, though they note the high cost and focus-by-wire implementation.
- Excellent sharpness, consistent performance across all focal lengths, and beautiful bokeh.
- Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus with responsive focus-by-wire.
- Solid, premium build that feels worth the high price.
- Price is a barrier; some miss a gold ring detail to differentiate it from f/4 version.
Based on 229 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Optically, this lens is a monster. With 15 elements in 11 groups, including 3 aspherical and 3 ED elements, it delivers sharpness that puts it among the best on the market. The Nano Crystal Coat does its job, keeping ghosting and flare to a minimum even when shooting into the light. Bokeh is smooth and pleasing, ranking in the 86th percentile, which is impressive for a zoom. The 9-blade diaphragm helps render out-of-focus areas with a natural look that's usually reserved for primes.
Stabilization is strong, sitting well above average, and the constant f/2.8 aperture gives you consistent exposure across the zoom range. The internal zoom is a real-world win for video shooters, keeping the center of gravity steady. Macro performance is just okay, around average, with a minimum focus distance of 366mm and a 1/3.7 magnification. It won't replace a dedicated macro lens, but it's fine for close-up details. The AF-S motor is quiet but not blazing fast, which explains that 55th percentile ranking. It's reliable, just not class-leading.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 |
| Focal Length Max | 70 |
| Elements | 15 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| ED Elements | 3 |
| Coating | Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coatings |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 kg / 2.0 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 380 |
| Max Magnification | 1:3.7 |
vs Competition
Stacked against the competition, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II holds its own optically but shows some cracks elsewhere. The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM is a direct rival with similar light-gathering and likely better build, though we haven't tested it head-to-head. The Tamron 18-300mm offers way more reach and versatility for travel, but you sacrifice the constant f/2.8 and some sharpness. The Sigma 16-300mm is another superzoom that's more practical for casual shooters, but it can't touch the Nikon's bokeh or low-light performance. If you prioritize image quality above all else, the Nikon is the clear winner here. If you need range or a lighter kit, look elsewhere.
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 XF | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 28-300mm | 18-50mm | 12-35mm | 9mm | 18-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 900 | 590 | 290 | 306 | 175 | 326 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | VXD linear motor | stepping motor | Autofocus | STM | Linear motor |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | wide-angle | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II | 54.1 | 24.3 | 45.2 | 63.6 | 90.7 | 21.3 | 91 | 80.7 | 96.6 | 35 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 97.7 | 80.7 | 64.1 | 84 | 96.6 | 68.8 | 91 | 97.9 | 52.3 | 80.3 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 85.4 | 84.3 | 85.4 | 90 | 81.7 | 86.2 | 80.8 | 78.7 | 90.8 | 35 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 54.1 | 84.3 | 84.6 | 49.1 | 86 | 86.2 | 91 | 80.7 | 86.4 | 96.7 |
| Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 XF Compare | 85.4 | 84.3 | 87.2 | 89.4 | 84.6 | 86.2 | 45.4 | 33.6 | 86.4 | 80.3 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 97.7 | 78.2 | 71.8 | 38.5 | 78 | 80 | 45.4 | 95.9 | 90.8 | 80.3 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Pricing for this lens is a rollercoaster, with a spread from $580 all the way up to $144,444 across vendors. That's not a typo. If you can find it at the lower end, the price-to-performance ratio is outstanding, especially given that optical quality. But at the higher end, you're paying a premium that doesn't match the build quality or autofocus speed. Shop around, and don't be afraid to check lesser-known retailers for a deal. The sweet spot seems to be well under $2,000, where this lens becomes a no-brainer for Nikon shooters.
B&H Photo 2 offers From CA$2,326
Price History
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Overview
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lands in the 90th percentile for optical quality in our database, which is about as good as it gets for a standard zoom. Sharpness is thrilling, and the constant f/2.8 aperture puts it in the top tier for light gathering. It's a workhorse that weighs 900g, and the internal zoom design means it doesn't extend, keeping your rig balanced on a gimbal. For landscape and video shooters, our scores of 86 and 85.6 out of 100 tell you this is a standout performer.
But not everything is best-in-class. The autofocus system, while quiet, sits in the middle of the pack at the 55th percentile. Build quality also falls behind, landing in the 38th percentile, which is a bit of a head-scratcher for a pro-level lens. The price is all over the map too, with a spread of over $143,000 across vendors, so you'll want to shop carefully. If you need a lens that does everything well and nails the fundamentals, this one makes a strong case, but it's not without a few quirks.
Common Questions
Q: Is this lens good for video work?
Yes, it's excellent. The internal zoom means the lens doesn't extend, so your gimbal stays balanced. Stabilization is strong, and the constant f/2.8 aperture gives you consistent exposure while zooming. Our video score of 85.6 out of 100 reflects that.
Q: How does the autofocus perform in low light?
It's reliable but not class-leading. The AF-S motor is quiet, which is great for video, but its speed ranks in the 55th percentile. In low light, the f/2.8 aperture helps the camera's AF system, but don't expect the instant snap of top-tier sports lenses.
Q: Can I use this for close-up or macro photography?
Sort of. The minimum focus distance is 366mm with a 1/3.7 magnification, which puts it in the 61st percentile for macro. It's fine for detail shots of flowers or products, but it won't replace a true macro lens. You'll get nice background separation thanks to the f/2.8 aperture and smooth bokeh.
Who Should Skip This
Travel photographers should think twice. Our travel score of 69.6 out of 100 is the weakest area for this lens, and the 900g weight is a big reason why. The build quality also sits in the 38th percentile, so if you're rough on gear or shooting in harsh conditions, this might not hold up as well as some competitors. If you need a lightweight, all-in-one zoom for hiking or street photography, a superzoom like the Tamron 18-300mm will serve you better, even if you give up some sharpness and the constant aperture.
Verdict
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a data-backed winner for anyone who lives and breathes image quality. That 90th percentile optical score isn't just a number, it translates to real-world sharpness and contrast that will make your jaw drop. The internal zoom and strong stabilization make it a killer tool for video, too. Just know that you're trading some build quality and autofocus speed for that optical excellence. If you can find it at a reasonable price, it's one of the best standard zooms you can buy right now.
