Seriously, Nikon’s Z 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom is now in my bag and a sweet, go-to favorite lens. This fast lens offers a versatile focal range for landscapes, portraits, weddings, night and close range photography. Let’s take a dive into Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens. We’re sharing our top 4 priorities when making a lens purchase. This includes image quality, aperture performance, lens handling and pricing.
While I’m not writing this with a beverage in hand, maybe this finds you taking in an relaxing moment with your favorite?
Image Quality: A Stellar Performer
Nikon’s Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S boasts exceptional image quality throughout the zoom range. Seriously, sharpness excels across all apertures. For a bit of tech speak, the combination of 17 elements in 15 groups, including two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and four aspherical elements, minimizes chromatic aberration and distortion. Nikon’s ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings further combat ghosting and flare for clean, high-contrast images.
The featured image above taken at sunrise illustrates the lens’ performance in low light, high intensity colors with contrast.
Whether you’re shooting portraits with a beautifully blurred background (bokeh) or capturing expansive landscapes, this lens delivers professional-grade results.
Nikon’s Z 24-70mm Aperture Performance
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens boasts exceptional aperture performance, delivering remarkable image quality even in challenging lighting conditions. Its wide f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for ample light capture, enabling faster shutter speeds and reduced noise. This is particularly beneficial for handheld shooting and low-light photography, where maintaining sharpness and clarity is crucial. Additionally, the lens’s impressive aperture control provides precise management of depth of field, allowing you to isolate subjects and create stunning bokeh effects.
Handling: Built for the Pros & Avid Photographers
Nikon’s Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S solid build withstands the rigors of professional use. The weather-sealed design protects against dust and moisture, while a fluorine coating on the front element repels dirt and makes cleaning easier. The well balanced lens feels substantial in hand, with a customizable control ring for adjusting aperture, shutter speed, or ISO. An information OLED panel displays key shooting data, and a programmable L-Fn button allows quick access to your preferred settings. Filter size is 82mm (the prior Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 f-mount filter was 77mm). Autofocus is silent and precise.
Overall, this lens prioritizes function and durability over a perfectly compact design.
Price and Where to Buy
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, a professional-grade lens includes a build to stand the test of time. Nikon’s lenses stand the test of time. My previous Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 F-mount is roughly eight years old and still performs like a charm. To see pricing and availability click here to go to Amazon and see pricing and tech specs.
Conclusion: A Top Contender
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens is a fantastic choice for Nikon Z system shooters who demand the best image quality and professional-grade performance. Photographers who rely on their gear to deliver exceptional results will find this lens to be a worthy investment.
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S right for you?
Absolutely! Especially If you’re a Nikon Z system user who prioritizes:
- Excellent, professional image quality
- Beautiful aperture performance from 2.8
- Fast, professional-grade focusing
- Rugged, weather-sealed build
Then the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S delivers image quality, solid performance and excellent low light performance. However, if you’re a more casual photographer or on a tight budget, check out Nikon’s 24-120 f/4 S. This is another workhorse lens worthy of consideration as a primary or backup midrange lens.
1 comment
Enjoyed reading the article. Very informative.