When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Nikon Nikon is updating one of the Z-mount's core lenses, just six-and-a-half years after the release of the current version.
The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2. 8 S II will replace the company's flagship standard zoom and promises improved image quality and autofocus speed over the already impressive Mark I.
The 24-70mm F2. 8 S II features an internal zoom design, allowing it to be better weather-sealed than the current version. The unchanging length of the new lens also allows its use on gimbals or video rigs without the need for rebalancing or reconfiguration. The new lens is 142mm long: 16mm longer than the existing lens it its retracted state, but 14mm shorter when compared at their fully zoomed-in positions.
The lens is 136g lighter than its predecessor
It uses a completely new optical design made up of 14 elements in 10 groups and including 3 aspherical elements and 2 ED elements. This compares with 17 elements in 15 groups, with 2 aspherics and 4 ED elements in the older lens. This simplification helps make the lens lighter, overall: at 675g, it's 130g (16%) lighter than its predecessor. The new lens features 11 aperture blades, rather than 9, for more consistently circular bokeh.
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Minimum focus distance drops to 0. 24m at wide-angle and 0. 33m at full zoom, an improvement on the 0. 38m of its predecessor. This sees the maximum reproduction ratio increase from 0. 22x to 0. 32x, achieved at the long end of the lens.
The Mark II accepts the same 77mm filter thread as the Z 70-200mm F2. 8, rather than the larger 82mm filters used by the existing 24-70mm.
Nikon also says the "Silky Swift" voice-coil autofocus motor is around 5x faster than the previous version, with scan time reduced by 40% and tracking while zooming improving by 60%.
Image: Nikon
Other changes include a duplicate lens function button, so that there's one within reach for portrait, as well as landscape shooting, and switch to de-click the lens control ring. The Mark II loses the display screen on the top of the lens, so there's no longer any depth of field or distance indication on the lens.
The Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2. 8 S II will be available starting in mid-September, and will retail for a recommended price of $2799, excluding tax, $500 more than the original lens launched for in 2019. Though it's worth considering that, taking overall inflation into account, the Mark 1's launch price would be equivalent to over $2900 in today's money.
Press release:
NIKON ANNOUNCES THE NIKKOR Z 24-70MM F/2. 8 S II LENS DELIVERING THE FASTEST AF AND LIGHTEST WEIGHT IN ITS CLASS
Engineered for Reliability and Agility, This Next-Generation Zoom Lens Sets a New Benchmark for Performance in the NIKKOR Z Lineup
MELVILLE, NY (August 22, 2025) – Nikon Inc. has announced the release of the new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2. 8 S II, a standard zoom lens that is compatible with full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This second generation of the acclaimed NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2. 8 S brings enhancements to image quality, speed and handling, further improving upon a lens that was already a popular choice for all types of imaging professionals.
As part of the S-Line*1 of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2. 8 S II is a standard zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of f/2. 8, covering the versatile focal length range from wide-angle 24mm to medium-telephoto 70mm for full-frame/FX format cameras. It features a first in its class*2 internal zoom mechanism, and it’s also the lightest in its class*2, weighing approx. 675g (1. 49 lbs. ). Additionally, the internal zoom mechanism increases zooming stability as well as dust- and drip-resistant performance.
It is the first zoom lens to adopt Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)*3 motors for the AF drive, achieving the fastest*4 autofocusing in Nikon history with extremely precise and quiet AF control. Autofocus is approximately 5x faster than that of the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2. 8 S, and AF tracking performance during zooming has been enhanced by approximately 60%, making it even easier to capture decisive moments with fast-moving subjects such as athletes in action.
As a new-generation f/2. 8 standard zoom lens that combines outstanding image quality and superior agility, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2. 8 S II is the lens for those seeking high levels of performance in both still image and video recording, even when shooting in a variety of conditions or harsh environments.
Primary features
The multi-focusing system*4, incorporating Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) technology for the first time in a zoom lens, achieves the fastest*5 autofocusing in Nikon history, delivering extremely precise and quiet AF for both still image and video recording.
A compact design with the lightest weight (approx. 675g) in its class*6 and a 77mm filter attachment size makes it easy to carry and reduces fatigue when shooting handheld.
The first lens in its category*6 to feature an internal zoom mechanism that prevents dust and debris from entering the lens during zooming, providing superior dust- and drip-resistant performance*7. Even when zooming, it maintains its balance for flexible use of a variety of video accessories.
A newly developed 11-blade diaphragm enables very circular bokeh.
Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus breathing.
Equipped with a control ring clicking switch, allowing the tactile “click” of control ring operation to be turned on or off as needed.
The lens supports a minimum focus distance of 0. 24 m at the wide-angle end and 0. 33 m at the telephoto end, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0. 21
Includes Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikon history, and ARNEO Coat for effective suppression of ghosting and flare, resulting in clear images.
The lens hood features a filter adjustment window, enabling users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters without removing the lens hood.
Price and Availability
The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2. 8 S II lens will be available in mid-September for a suggested retail price of $2,799. 95*. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa. com.
1 The S-Line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that demonstrate outstanding optical performance, adhering to a high standard of design principles and quality control.
2 Among interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras with a focal-length range from 24mm at the wide-angle end to 70mm at the telephoto end, and a constant maximum aperture of f/2. 8, available as of August 22, 2025. Statement based on Nikon research.
3 An AF drive actuator that combines a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) and a guide mechanism developed by Nikon. The VCM is a motor in which a coil reciprocates in a strong magnetic field created by a powerful magnet.
4 Multiple AF drive units work together to control the position of multiple focus lens groups with great precision for superior image formation performance regardless of shooting distance.
5 When used with a camera equipped with the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. Measured in accordance with Nikon standards.
6 Among interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras with a focal length range from 24mm at the wide-angle end to 70mm at the telephoto end, and a constant maximum aperture of f/2. 8, available as of August 22, 2025. Statement based on Nikon research.
7 Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
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Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length24-70 mmImage stabilizationNoLens mountNikon ZApertureMaximum apertureF2. 8Minimum apertureF22Aperture ringNoNumber of diaphragm blades11OpticsElements14Groups10Special elements / coatings3 aspherics, 2 EDFocusMinimum focus0. 24 m (9. 45″)Maximum magnification0. 32×AutofocusYesMotor typeLinear MotorFull time manualYesFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight675 g (1. 49 lb)Diameter84 mm (3. 31″)Length142 mm (5. 59″)Zoom methodRotary (internal)Power zoomNoZoom lockNoFilter thread77 mmHood suppliedYesTripod collarNo. dpreview.com
2025-8-22 07:01
