Nikon has launched the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, a redesigned normal zoom that retains a relentless size whereas zooming, cuts weight, and debuts the model’s Silky Swift VCM autofocus in a zoom lens. It’s accessible to preorder for $2,796.95 with an estimated ship date of September 17.

A cornerstone device for stills and video, this second‑technology 24‑70mm targets professionals who want constant dealing with on gimbals, improved sealing, and sooner AF with out giving up optical high quality. Nikon says it’s the world’s first 24‑70mm f/2.8 with an inner zoom design, a change that stabilizes stability throughout operation and improves sturdiness. The unique NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 was already fairly a well-liked lens.

What’s new in Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II

The lens maintains a relentless general size when zooming and focusing, due to an inner zoom and inner focus development. Nikon cites a 16% weight discount in comparison with the earlier mannequin, all the way down to 675g (23.8 oz), and a shorter most extension footprint than the sooner lens when totally zoomed. The inner structure additionally contributes to upgraded mud and moisture resistance and reduces middle‑of‑gravity shift by 30%, which advantages gimbal work.

Autofocus and video options

Making its zoom‑lens debut, the Silky Swift VCM drive makes use of magnets fairly than gears for larger preliminary speeds and smoother movement. Nikon claims as much as 5× sooner AF than the earlier 24‑70mm f/2.8, as much as 40% shorter scan instances, 60% higher focus‑monitoring whereas zooming, and roughly 50% decrease perceived working noise. Focus respiration is drastically decreased, and full‑time handbook override is accessible. (Nikon features a medical‑gadget warning because of the usage of magnets.)

Optical design and coatings

The revised optical formulation drops three components but is designed to enhance decision and flare resistance. It now makes use of 14 components in 10 teams, together with two additional‑low dispersion and three aspherical components. An 11‑blade rounded diaphragm goals for smoother bokeh, with Nikon noting improved aspherical ingredient fabrication for extra pure defocus transitions. Coating updates embrace Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat to suppress flare and ghosting from each diagonal and vertical incident mild.

Shut‑focus versatility

Minimal focus distance is 24cm/9.4in at 24mm and 33cm/12.9in at 70mm, delivering as much as 0.32× magnification on the lengthy finish. A spotlight‑limiter swap lets customers constrain the vary to 33.5cm (1.1 ft) to infinity or use the total 24cm/9.4in to infinity span.

Dealing with and controls

Alongside devoted zoom and focus rings, a customizable management ring can alter aperture, publicity compensation, or ISO, with a {hardware} click on on/off swap to decide on tactile or clean rotations. Two L‑Fn buttons sit on the highest and left of the barrel for fast perform entry. The lens accepts smaller 77mm entrance filters and ships with the HB‑117 hood that features a filter‑adjustment window for variable ND or polarizers. Climate sealing is described as superior.

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II – specs at a look

• Mount and protection: Nikon Z, full‑body
• Aperture: f/2.8 to f/22, 11 rounded blades
• Optical design: 14 components in 10 teams, 2 ED, 3 aspherical
• Filter thread: 77mm
• Measurement and weight: 84x142mm (3.3×5.6in), 675g (1.5lb)
• Included: entrance and rear caps, HB‑117 hood, CL‑C2 delicate case, 1‑yr guarantee

Worth and availability

The NIKKOR Z 24‑70mm f/2.8 S II lists at $2,796.95 and is accessible to preorder, with B&H displaying an estimated ship date of mid-September.

The inner‑zoom redesign, sooner and quieter AF, and smaller 77mm filter thread recommend Nikon targeted on on a regular basis usability for each stills and movement. For extra info, go to the Nikon web site.

Is that this the Z‑mount mid‑vary zoom you’ve gotten been ready for, or do you like the unique’s really feel and stability? Tell us within the feedback.