Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II is a standard zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture for Nikon Z mount full frame cameras. Nikon announced it in August 2025 as the successor to the Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S. It is meant for event, wedding, documentary and video work where one fast zoom has to cover wide angle to short telephoto.

Optical design

The lens has 14 elements in 10 groups, including two ED elements, three aspherical elements and a fluorine-coated front element. Nikon highlights a large double-sided aspherical front element and says the optical performance is the highest in the S-Line series. Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat are used against ghosting and flare. A newly developed 11-blade diaphragm gives rounded bokeh, and the smallest aperture is f/22.

Autofocus and handling

This is the first Nikon zoom with the Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) focus actuator, part of a multi-focusing system. Nikon claims autofocus about 5 times faster than the original Z 24-70mm F2.8 S and about 60 percent better AF tracking while zooming, measured by Nikon's own standards. Focus breathing is suppressed for video. The control ring has a click on/off switch, and a filter adjustment window in the hood allows adjusting a polarizer or variable ND filter without removing the hood. The minimum focus distance is 0.24 m at 24 and 28 mm and 0.33 m at 70 mm, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.32x at 70 mm.

Build and size

The zoom is internal: the lens keeps a constant length of about 142 mm while zooming, so the balance stays fixed on a gimbal. Nikon says this also keeps dust out and improves drip resistance. At about 675 g, 84 mm in diameter and with a 77 mm filter thread, Nikon calls it the lightest 24-70 mm f/2.8 for full frame mirrorless as of August 2025.

Where it fits

The predecessor is the original Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S. Other options on the Z mount are the Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8 and the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 S, which gives up one stop of light. Photographers who prefer reach over speed can look at the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Constant f/2.8 from 24 to 70 mm
• Internal zoom with constant length
• Light for its class at about 675 g
• SSVCM autofocus with focus breathing suppression
• Filter adjustment window in the hood

Cons

• No lens stabilizer, so stabilization depends on the camera body
• At about 675 g it is still heavier than a variable-aperture zoom such as the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-105mm F4-7.1 (350 g)
• Maximum reproduction ratio of 0.32x is not macro

Verdict

A well-equipped successor for those who work with the standard zoom every day. The internal zoom, the lower weight and the new focus drive are the main reasons to prefer it over the first version.