- Nikons 24-70mm f/2.8 s II lens is the lightest of its kind
- The second general model costs $ 2,799.95 / £ 2,599 / AU $ 4,599.95
- It is available from mid -September
Years back, when I upgraded from a Nikon DSLR camera to a mirror-free model, Z6 II, I also gave up 24-70mm f/2.8’s pro lens. I had it in mind to buy additional lenses when I could afford, like an 85mm prime, but the versatile zoom is so good that it ended up being my only Z-Mount lens for years.
During this time, I finished countless paid appearances with 24-70mm. Therefore, it is begging that Nikon’s new Mark II version of the lens-the first second-gen Z-mount lens-bets the original model in virtually every respect.
Nikon Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S II has a redesigned lens construction, 11-blade aperture and new autofocus engine, all combined for a lighter, faster and allegedly optically sharper package, complete with unique features of this class.
Of course, the latest lens is more expensive than the original model-it costs $ 2,799.95 / £ 2,599 / AU $ 4,599.95 and will be available from mid-September. Mark in the version for sale can be obtained for about 30% less, and I expect its current price to fall further.
However, the improvements in the new model have convinced me that I have to upgrade. Let’s look at how it bets my current 24-70mm f/2.8.
Why do I want to upgrade to Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
Nikon says the new Z 24-70mm f / 2.8 s II is the easiest in its class, weighing only 23.8 OZ / 675G (compared to 28.4 OZ / 805G for the original model). I haven’t kept it yet, but I’m sure it will feel better balanced with my Z6 II, especially in long shooting days.
It is also the only such lens that has an internal zoom-rest means that the lens barrel is attached as you zoom in and out (lens the barrel in the original model and other 24-70 mm f/2.8 zooms extend and pull back as you move through the zoom area).
An internal zoom means that the balance of the objective remains unchanged as you zoom, plus it reduces the exposure to moving parts. Together with weather sealing, I expect dust and dirt to remain out – this looks like a special robust lens.
Mark II version is also said to have 50% more quiet and 5x faster autofocus compared to the original thanks to a new and exotic named Silky Swift Voice Coil engine. Not that my 24-70 mm is slow-long from it-but any improvement in autofocus speed is welcome.
Suppressed focus breathing and a de-clickable control ring-as can be used for aperture-have also function, making 24-70 mm f/2.8 s II a more appropriate view for video.
And Nikon says the new lens is optically sharper than the original version. Again, my lens is super sharp, but the new version sounds like Prime Lens Quality in any setting of its zoom and aperture area.
A nice addition is the included lens cap with its filter window – you can push the window up for easy access to lens filters without having to remove the cap. It is a practical feature when using variable ND filters that I often use for video.
All in all, the upgrades are extensive. And considering the original 24-70 mm works so well for me already, I look at upgrade to the new version instead of buying a new, different.
I hope to get my hands on the new 24-70mm f/2.8 soon to see how good it is for real.
