Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Review (Real-World 2026)
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Last Updated April 2026
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is one of the most interesting Nikon lens releases in a while.
On paper, it takes one of the most important focal ranges in any pro kit and makes it lighter, more video-friendly, and more refined for hybrid shooters. In practice, that matters because a 24-70mm f/2.8 is often the lens that stays on the camera more than anything else.
The real question is not whether the lens is good. It clearly is. The real question is whether the S II actually improves the experience enough to justify its price, especially if you already own the original version.
Quick Take
If you want the short version:
Best for: Nikon shooters who want the most refined standard zoom in the system
Biggest upgrades: internal zoom, lower weight, faster AF, stronger hybrid appeal
Main drawback: price
Best verdict: a serious upgrade for hybrid creators and demanding shooters, less essential for budget-conscious stills-only users
If you’re building a full concert setup, you can also see:
→ Best Lenses for Concert Photography
What Nikon Changed
Nikon did not treat this like a small refresh.
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II adds an internal zoom design, which Nikon says makes it the first full-frame 24-70mm f/2.8 interchangeable lens with internal zoom. Nikon also says it is the lightest in its class at about 675g, compared with about 805g for the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S. It also uses Nikon’s new Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor autofocus system and an 11-blade diaphragm, while keeping S-Line positioning and weather resistance.
That combination of changes matters more than it might sound on a spec sheet.
Why Internal Zoom Matters
A standard zoom is usually the lens you use the most. That means handling matters.
Internal zoom means:
the lens does not extend when zooming
the balance stays more consistent
it feels better for handheld video
it plays nicer on rigs and gimbals
That is one of the biggest reasons the S II feels like more than just a cosmetic update.
For video shooters and hybrid creators, this alone is a meaningful advantage. Nikon is clearly targeting people who want one premium lens that behaves better in motion-heavy workflows.
Weight and Real-World Handling
The original Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S was already a strong lens optically, but it was not a small one.
The S II dropping to around 675g is a real improvement. Nikon’s own comparison puts the original at around 805g, which means the new version is roughly 16% lighter. That makes a difference over a long day of shooting, especially if this is your default lens on a Z6 III, Z8, or Zf.
This is the kind of upgrade you actually feel, not just read about.
Pairing the right lens with the right body makes a huge difference.
→ Best Cameras for Concert Photography
Autofocus Performance
Nikon is making a big deal out of autofocus here, and for good reason.
The S II uses the new Silky Swift VCM autofocus system, which Nikon calls its best AF system to date in a lens like this. Nikon also says it is quieter than the predecessor. For hybrid shooters, that matters because faster and quieter autofocus is not just about stills, it is also about smoother video use and more reliable subject tracking.
If you shoot:
events
concerts
weddings
documentary work
hybrid commercial jobs
this is exactly the kind of improvement that can justify the jump.
If you’re choosing a body to match this lens, see:
→ Best Hybrid Camera (Z6 III vs A7 IV vs R6 II)
Optical Quality
The original 24-70mm f/2.8 S already had a strong reputation, so Nikon did not need to reinvent the optical side completely. What it needed to do was keep the quality high while improving usability.
Nikon’s official specs list a 14-element, 10-group construction including ED glass, aspherical elements, Meso Amorphous Coat, ARNEO Coat, and a fluorine-coated front element. Early real-world reviews and sample impressions have been consistently positive about sharpness and overall rendering.
That is what you want in a lens like this: no drama, no excuses, just consistently high-level performance.
To get the most out of a lens like this in low light, see:
→ Best Camera Settings for Concert Photography
Is It Good for Video?
Yes — and this is really where the S II separates itself from the original.
The internal zoom, quieter AF, reduced breathing focus on hybrid use, and more stable handling all make it much more attractive for video. Nikon is clearly pitching this as a lens for creators who are doing both stills and motion, not just traditional still photographers.
If your workflow includes both photo and video, the S II makes a lot more sense than a stills-only reading of the price might suggest.
Price and Value
This is where the lens gets harder to talk about casually.
Nikon’s launch pricing put it at $2,799.95, which is a serious price for a standard zoom. That means the question is not whether it is good. It is whether it is worth that premium over the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S or other alternatives.
If you are:
a hybrid pro
a Nikon shooter who uses a 24-70 constantly
someone who values handling as much as image quality
then the answer is easier.
If you are mostly a stills shooter on a tighter budget, the original lens may still make more financial sense.
Who Should Buy It
This lens makes the most sense for:
Nikon hybrid shooters
event and wedding photographers
documentary and commercial creators
shooters who use a standard zoom as their main lens
people who want top-tier 24-70mm performance without extension while zooming
Who Might Skip It
You may not need it if:
you already own the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S and are happy with it
you are mainly a stills shooter and do not care about internal zoom
you want better value over best-in-class refinement
your work does not justify the price premium
ideal as a budget-conscious alternative: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
Final Thoughts
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II feels like Nikon looked at one of the most important lenses in the Z system and fixed the parts that matter most in real use.
It is lighter. It keeps its balance while zooming. It is faster and quieter to focus. And it clearly fits the way hybrid shooters work in 2026.
That does not automatically make it the right buy for everyone. But if you are the kind of Nikon shooter who lives on a 24-70mm, this is one of the strongest standard zooms Nikon has made for the Z system.
Check Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 S II pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II worth upgrading from the original?
A: Yes, especially if you shoot hybrid photo and video or want a lighter lens with internal zoom and faster autofocus. Stills-only shooters on a tighter budget may not need to upgrade.
Q: What is the biggest difference between the S II and the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S?
A: The biggest change is the internal zoom design, along with lower weight and Nikon’s new Silky Swift VCM autofocus system.
Q: Is the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 S II good for video?
A: Yes. It is one of the clearest reasons to consider the upgrade because internal zoom, quieter AF, and more stable handling all help video workflows.
Q: How much does the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II cost?
A: Nikon announced it at a suggested retail price of $2,799.95 in the U.S.
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