Nikon NIKKOR Z 2164 24-70mm

The bokeh is a real treat, scoring in the 87th percentile, and the constant f/2.8 aperture is a leading feature for this class. You can find it for as low as $580, which is incredible value for the image quality, but the build feels its age and the AF is just average. It's a classic workhorse that prioritizes beautiful images over modern speed.

This lens earns its keep with image quality that still impresses. The bokeh is a real highlight, landing in the 87th percentile, which means out-of-focus areas are rendered smoothly and are a genuine strength here. Sharpness is solid, if not chart-topping, sitting in the middle of the pack at the 66th percentile for optical performance. The constant f/2.8 aperture is a standout feature, giving you consistent exposure and depth of field control throughout the zoom range, a capability that puts it ahead of most variable-aperture competitors.

Where it shows its age is in the build and autofocus. The AF-S motor, while reliable, lands at a mediocre 55th percentile for speed, and the build quality is a real weak spot at the 39th percentile. It's weather-sealed, which is a plus, but the 900g weight is noticeable. The stabilization system is a strong performer though, ranking well above average, which helps you squeeze out sharp shots in iffy light.

Stacked against modern mirrorless designs like the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0, this Nikon feels its age in the build and AF departments. The Panasonic is a newer, lighter design with snappier focus, but it can't match the Nikon's constant f/2.8 aperture or its bokeh quality. A superzoom like the Tamron 18-300mm offers far more reach and versatility for travel, which is this Nikon's weakest area at a 66.9 score, but it sacrifices the constant fast aperture and professional-grade rendering. You're trading modern convenience for classic, uncompromising image quality.

Pricing on this lens is all over the map, with a wild spread of $143,864 between the lowest and highest vendor listings. You can find it for as low as $580, which is a steal for this level of optics, but some sellers are asking for a frankly absurd $144,444. Newegg and Amazon are your best bets for a sane price, and at the lower end, the price-to-performance ratio is fantastic for a professional-grade f/2.8 zoom.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 2164, which is really the AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, is a workhorse that's been around the block and earned its reputation. It scores an 81.4 overall in our database, driven by a standout 87th percentile bokeh rating and a constant f/2.8 aperture that puts it among the best for subject isolation. The 4.6-star average from over a thousand reviews tells you this is a crowd-pleaser, and our data backs that up with strong marks for stabilization and versatility.

Travel and adventure photographers should look elsewhere. The 66.9 travel score isn't just a number, it's a reflection of the 900g weight that will feel like a brick after a few hours of hiking. If you need a lightweight, do-it-all zoom, a superzoom like the Tamron 18-300mm will serve you much better, even if you sacrifice that beautiful bokeh and constant aperture. This lens is for controlled environments, not backpacking.

If you're on the Nikon F-mount and need a standard zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture and beautiful bokeh, this lens is a no-brainer, especially if you can snag it near the $580 mark. It's a portrait and event workhorse that delivers where it counts. Just know that you're buying into a proven optical formula, not a modern, lightweight build or the fastest autofocus system. The data is clear: it's an image-quality-first lens.