Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens: A Comprehensive Review

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is a professional-grade zoom lens designed for Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras. It’s a versatile lens suitable for a wide range of photography genres, including portraits, landscapes, street photography, and events. This review will delve into its features, performance, image quality, and overall value, providing a comprehensive overview for photographers considering this lens. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is a cornerstone of the Z-mount system, offering exceptional sharpness and clarity.

Overview of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is part of Nikon’s S-Line, which signifies their commitment to high-performance optics. It offers a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, allowing for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. The lens boasts advanced optical technologies and a robust build quality, making it a reliable tool for professional photographers. Its versatility makes it a go-to lens for many different shooting scenarios. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is designed to meet the demands of modern photography.

Key Features and Specifications

• Focal Length: 24-70mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Lens Mount: Nikon Z Mount
• Format Compatibility: Full-Frame
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Lens Construction: 17 elements in 15 groups (including 2 ED elements, 1 aspherical ED element, 3 aspherical elements, elements with Nano Crystal Coat, and ARNEO Coat)
• Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
• Focus System: Dual Motor Multi-Focus System
• Filter Size: 82mm
• Weight: Approximately 805 g (1 lb 12.4 oz)
• Dimensions: Approximately 89 mm maximum diameter x 126 mm (distance from camera lens mount flange)

These specifications highlight the lens’s advanced construction and features, designed to deliver exceptional image quality and performance. The inclusion of multiple aspherical and ED elements minimizes aberrations and distortion, while the Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings reduce ghosting and flare. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is a testament to Nikon’s optical engineering prowess.

Build Quality and Handling

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens feels solid and well-constructed in hand. The lens barrel is made of high-quality materials that provide a sense of durability. It features a weather-sealed design, protecting it from dust and moisture, making it suitable for shooting in various environmental conditions. The zoom and focus rings are smooth and precise, allowing for accurate adjustments. The lens also includes a customizable control ring, which can be assigned to adjust aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens’s build quality inspires confidence.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus system of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is fast, accurate, and silent. It utilizes a dual-motor multi-focus system, which ensures quick and precise focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. The lens also supports advanced autofocus features, such as eye-detection AF, which is particularly useful for portrait photography. Whether shooting stills or video, the autofocus performance is reliable and consistent. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens excels in autofocus speed and accuracy.

Image Quality

The image quality produced by the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is exceptional. It delivers outstanding sharpness and clarity across the entire frame, even at the widest aperture of f/2.8. The lens exhibits minimal distortion and aberrations, thanks to its advanced optical design. Colors are vibrant and accurate, and contrast is excellent. Bokeh, the out-of-focus blur, is smooth and pleasing, making it ideal for creating portraits with a shallow depth of field. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens consistently delivers stunning images.

Sharpness

Sharpness is a key strength of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens. Images are incredibly detailed, even in the corners of the frame. This level of sharpness is maintained throughout the zoom range, ensuring consistent image quality at all focal lengths. When paired with a high-resolution Z-series camera, the lens captures an impressive amount of detail. The sharpness of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is truly remarkable.

Distortion and Aberrations

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens effectively minimizes distortion and aberrations. Even at the widest focal length of 24mm, distortion is well-controlled. Chromatic aberration, or color fringing, is also minimal, thanks to the lens’s ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements. This results in clean and accurate images with minimal post-processing required. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens excels in controlling optical imperfections.

Bokeh

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens produces beautiful bokeh, characterized by smooth and creamy out-of-focus areas. The rounded 9-blade diaphragm contributes to the pleasing bokeh, making it ideal for portraits and other subjects where background blur is desired. The ability to create a shallow depth of field at f/2.8 adds to the lens’s versatility. The bokeh of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens enhances the overall aesthetic of the images.

Video Performance

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is also well-suited for video recording. Its fast and accurate autofocus system ensures that subjects remain in focus, even when moving. The smooth zoom and focus rings allow for precise adjustments during filming. The lens’s weather-sealed design makes it suitable for shooting in various environments. The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field, adding to its versatility for video production. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is a valuable tool for videographers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional image quality
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Solid build quality and weather sealing
• Constant f/2.8 aperture
• Versatile focal length range

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Can be heavy for some users

Alternatives to the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

While the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is an excellent option, there are alternative lenses to consider:

• Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S: A more affordable and compact option, but with a slower maximum aperture.
• Third-Party 24-70mm f/2.8 Lenses: Tamron and Sigma offer 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses for Nikon Z mount, which can be more budget-friendly. [See also: Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens Review]

Who is this Lens For?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is ideal for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who demand the best image quality and performance. It’s suitable for a wide range of photography genres, including portraits, landscapes, events, and weddings. Its robust build quality and weather sealing make it a reliable tool for shooting in various conditions. If you’re looking for a versatile and high-performing zoom lens for your Nikon Z-series camera, the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is a top-tier zoom lens that delivers exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and a robust build. While it may be a significant investment, its performance and versatility make it a worthwhile addition to any Nikon Z-series photographer’s kit. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is a testament to Nikon’s commitment to optical excellence and is a must-have for serious photographers. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens stands out as a superior choice. For those seeking unparalleled performance in a standard zoom, the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is a clear winner. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens truly shines in professional hands. [See also: Nikon Z System: A Comprehensive Guide]