NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Review (Real-World Test)
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Last Updated: July 2026
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is one of Nikon's most significant lens updates for professional photographers and hybrid creators. Rather than simply refreshing the original design, Nikon re-engineered one of its most important lenses with an internal zoom mechanism, a lighter body, faster autofocus, and improvements aimed at both photography and video.
A 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is often considered the workhorse of a professional kit. Whether you're photographing concerts, weddings, events, travel, journalism, or commercial assignments, this focal range covers everything from wide environmental shots to flattering portraits. For many photographers, it's the lens that spends the most time attached to the camera.
The question isn't whether the new lens performs well—it clearly does. The more important question is whether the improvements justify replacing the original NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, especially given its premium price.
This review focuses on how the lens performs in real-world photography, particularly for concert and event shooters, rather than simply repeating the specification sheet.
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
At a Glance
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Overview
The lens sits near the top of Nikon's Z-mount lineup as its flagship professional standard zoom.
It is designed for photographers who need exceptional optical quality while also supporting modern hybrid workflows that combine still photography with professional video production.
Unlike the original model, the S II emphasizes handling as much as image quality. Nikon focused on reducing weight, maintaining balance during zooming, improving autofocus, and making the lens more attractive for creators who frequently work on gimbals or video rigs.
Best For
Concert photography
Event photography
Weddings
Commercial photography
Documentary work
Travel photography
Hybrid photo/video creators
Key Specifications
| Feature | NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II |
|---|---|
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | Full Frame (FX) |
| Focal Length | 24–70mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Autofocus | Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (VCM) |
| Diaphragm | 11 rounded blades |
| Internal Zoom | Yes |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
| Weight | Approx. 675 g |
| Filter Size | 82 mm |
| Launch Price | $2,799.95 USD |
Mount
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: Nikon Z
Format
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: Full Frame (FX)
Focal Length
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: 24–70mm
Maximum Aperture
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: f/22
Autofocus
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (VCM)
Diaphragm
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: 11 rounded blades
Internal Zoom
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: Yes
Weather Sealing
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: Yes
Weight
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: Approx. 675 g
Filter Size
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: 82 mm
Launch Price
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: $2,799.95 USD
Why the 24-70mm Focal Range Matters
If you could own only one professional zoom lens, a 24-70mm f/2.8 would likely be the choice.
The range is versatile enough to handle an enormous variety of subjects.
At 24mm, it's wide enough for:
landscapes
environmental portraits
architecture
venue overviews
Around 35–50mm, it excels for:
documentary photography
street photography
travel
everyday shooting
At 70mm, it becomes ideal for:
portraits
stage performers
weddings
tighter event compositions
Combined with a constant f/2.8 aperture, the lens performs well in low light while providing pleasing background separation.
What Changed From the Original?
While the original NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S was already one of Nikon's sharpest lenses, the S II introduces meaningful refinements rather than simply increasing optical sharpness.
Major upgrades include:
Internal zoom mechanism
Approximately 16% lighter design
New Silky Swift VCM autofocus motor
Quieter autofocus operation
Improved handling for video
More stable balance while zooming
Updated optical refinements
Continued weather sealing
Many of these changes won't appear dramatic on a specification sheet, but together they noticeably improve the overall shooting experience.
Internal Zoom Design
The headline feature of the S II is its internal zoom construction.
Unlike traditional zoom lenses that extend as you change focal lengths, the barrel of the S II remains the same physical length throughout the entire zoom range.
For photographers, this creates a more balanced lens that feels consistent in the hand.
For video creators, the advantages are even greater.
Benefits of Internal Zoom
An internal zoom design provides several practical advantages:
Constant balance while zooming
Better compatibility with gimbals
No extending front barrel
Reduced chance of drawing dust into the lens
Improved handling during handheld video
More consistent weight distribution
While none of these improvements directly affect image quality, they contribute to a more polished shooting experience.
Why This Matters for Professional Work
Small ergonomic improvements become significant over the course of a full day of shooting.
Imagine photographing:
a six-hour wedding
a music festival
a sporting event
a documentary assignment
an all-day commercial production
The lighter weight, better balance, and consistent handling reduce fatigue and make the camera feel more responsive.
These are the kinds of improvements professionals notice every time they pick up the camera.
First Impressions
After spending time with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, the biggest takeaway isn't a dramatic leap in image quality—it's refinement.
The lens feels lighter, faster, and more modern without sacrificing the excellent optical performance that made the original version so highly regarded.
It immediately feels like a lens designed for today's hybrid photographers, where switching between stills and video is increasingly common.
For Nikon users looking for a premium everyday zoom, the S II sets a very high standard before you even begin evaluating its autofocus or image quality.
Autofocus Performance
One of the biggest upgrades in the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is its autofocus system.
The original 24-70mm f/2.8 S already focused quickly and accurately, but Nikon redesigned the S II with its new Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (VCM). The result is autofocus that feels more responsive, quieter, and better suited for both photography and video.
For photographers, that means fewer missed moments. For hybrid creators, it also means smoother focus transitions with less audible motor noise during recording.
What the New VCM Motor Improves
Compared to the original lens, the S II delivers:
Faster focus acquisition
Improved subject tracking
Nearly silent autofocus operation
Better responsiveness with modern Nikon bodies
Smoother focus transitions for video
These improvements aren't dramatic in controlled tests, but they become noticeable during fast-paced real-world shooting.
Concert Photography Performance
Concert photography is one of the most demanding environments for autofocus.
The camera has to deal with:
rapidly changing stage lighting
heavy backlighting
smoke and haze
flashing LEDs
performers constantly changing direction
This is where the S II feels particularly confident.
Mounted on cameras like the Nikon Z6 III, Z8, or Z9, autofocus locks quickly and maintains tracking remarkably well, even when performers briefly move through darker sections of the stage.
Rather than hunting for focus every time lighting changes, the lens generally keeps up with the camera's subject detection system, allowing you to concentrate on composition instead of constantly worrying about focus.
Subject Tracking
Modern Nikon bodies rely heavily on subject recognition.
The S II complements those systems extremely well.
Whether tracking:
singers moving across the stage
guitarists jumping
drummers behind cymbals
performers walking toward the camera
the lens responds quickly enough that the autofocus system rarely feels like the limiting factor.
In many situations, the camera body determines tracking performance more than the lens itself, but the fast VCM motor ensures the optics keep pace.
Event Photography
Concerts aren't the only demanding environment.
The lens also excels during:
weddings
corporate events
sports ceremonies
conferences
documentary assignments
street photography
One moment you may be photographing a speaker at 70mm.
Seconds later you're zooming to 24mm for a wide environmental scene.
The autofocus responds instantly without hesitation.
Low-Light Performance
Professional zoom lenses often separate themselves in poor lighting.
The constant f/2.8 aperture allows substantially more light than slower kit lenses while maintaining excellent optical quality throughout the zoom range.
For photographers shooting:
indoor concerts
receptions
churches
theaters
museums
night events
this additional light makes autofocus more dependable while allowing lower ISO settings or faster shutter speeds.
Autofocus in Low Light
The new autofocus system performs particularly well in dim venues.
Even under:
colored LED lighting
blue wash lighting
red spotlights
heavy haze
focus acquisition remains quick and confident.
No autofocus system is perfect in complete darkness, but the S II consistently avoids the excessive hunting that can occur with slower or older lenses.
Image Quality
The original 24-70mm f/2.8 S already established Nikon as one of the leaders in standard zoom image quality.
Rather than completely redesigning the optics, Nikon refined an already excellent formula.
The result is outstanding performance throughout the zoom range.
Sharpness
Sharpness is excellent.
Across the frame the lens delivers:
impressive center sharpness
excellent corner detail
strong edge-to-edge consistency
minimal softness wide open
Stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 provides only modest gains because performance at f/2.8 is already exceptionally high.
This makes the lens particularly valuable for professionals who routinely shoot wide open.
Color and Contrast
One of Nikon's strengths has long been natural color rendering.
The S II continues that tradition.
Images display:
rich but realistic colors
excellent contrast
smooth tonal transitions
pleasing skin tones
For concert photography, where colored lighting can quickly overwhelm a scene, this balanced rendering provides a solid starting point during RAW processing.
Bokeh
Although a 24-70mm isn't primarily a portrait lens, background blur is attractive throughout much of the zoom range.
At 70mm and f/2.8 you can produce:
soft background separation
pleasing subject isolation
smooth out-of-focus highlights
The updated 11-blade aperture diaphragm helps maintain more rounded highlight shapes when stopping down slightly.
Flare and Ghosting
Stage lighting can be brutal on lenses.
Spotlights, lasers, LEDs, and direct lighting often reveal weaknesses in coatings.
Fortunately, Nikon's premium coatings do an excellent job reducing:
ghosting
flare
contrast loss
Even when shooting directly toward stage lights, the lens maintains strong overall contrast with minimal distracting artifacts.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range is technically determined by the camera sensor, but lenses still influence the final image through contrast and light transmission.
The S II delivers files that retain excellent tonal information.
Combined with modern Nikon sensors, photographers have substantial flexibility when recovering:
shadow detail
bright stage lighting
difficult backlit scenes
sunset landscapes
For event photographers working in unpredictable lighting, this editing flexibility is invaluable.
Real-World Shooting Experience
Specifications tell only part of the story.
The true test is how the lens performs during long shooting days.
Across concerts, events, travel, and general photography, several characteristics stand out.
It Gets Out of Your Way
The best professional equipment allows you to focus on the subject instead of the gear.
The S II consistently does exactly that.
Zooming feels smooth.
Autofocus reacts instantly.
Balance remains constant.
Nothing about the lens distracts from shooting.
Comfortable All-Day Use
The reduction in weight compared to the original lens may not sound dramatic on paper, but after carrying the camera for several hours it becomes noticeable.
Photographers covering:
all-day weddings
music festivals
conventions
sporting events
will appreciate the lighter build by the end of a long assignment.
A Lens That Rarely Leaves the Camera
Many photographers own numerous lenses but spend most of their time using one.
For Nikon professionals, this could easily be that lens.
Its versatility allows it to handle:
environmental portraits
landscapes
travel
journalism
commercial work
concerts
weddings
family photography
without feeling like a compromise.
That versatility is ultimately what makes a premium 24-70mm f/2.8 such an essential part of so many professional camera bags.
Handling & Build Quality
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II doesn't just perform well—it also feels like a professional tool built for demanding use.
Nikon refined nearly every aspect of the handling experience, making the lens lighter, better balanced, and more comfortable during long shooting sessions.
Build Quality
As part of Nikon's premium S-Line, the lens features excellent construction with extensive weather sealing designed to handle challenging conditions.
It inspires confidence whether you're photographing:
outdoor concerts
weddings
travel assignments
sporting events
commercial productions
landscapes in unpredictable weather
Like any weather-sealed lens, it's not meant to be submerged or abused, but it should easily handle rain, dust, and everyday professional use.
Zoom & Focus Rings
Both control rings operate smoothly with excellent damping.
The internal zoom mechanism keeps the overall balance nearly identical throughout the zoom range, making the lens feel more predictable than extending zoom designs.
Benefits include:
smooth zoom resistance
precise manual focus
consistent balance
comfortable operation during long sessions
For photographers who frequently zoom while tracking moving subjects, this consistency becomes surprisingly noticeable.
Weather Resistance
Professional photographers rarely get to choose perfect weather.
Fortunately, Nikon designed the S II with extensive sealing against:
dust
moisture
light rain
cold weather shooting
Combined with weather-resistant Z-series camera bodies like the Z6 III, Z8, or Z9, it creates a dependable system for outdoor work.
Video Performance
While the original lens was already capable for video, the S II clearly targets hybrid creators.
Several improvements make it significantly more appealing for filmmaking.
Internal Zoom Advantage
One of the biggest benefits for video is the new internal zoom design.
Because the lens never changes length:
gimbal balance stays consistent
handheld shooting feels steadier
accessories don't require rebalancing
follow-focus systems operate more predictably
For videographers, this alone can justify considering the newer version.
Quiet Autofocus
The Silky Swift VCM motor is impressively quiet.
This helps reduce the chance of autofocus motor noise being picked up by on-camera microphones during:
interviews
documentaries
weddings
behind-the-scenes footage
live event coverage
While professionals often record audio separately, quieter autofocus is still a welcome improvement.
Focus Breathing
Focus breathing appears well controlled.
Although not completely eliminated, it is minimal enough that focus transitions remain natural without obvious framing changes.
For hybrid creators switching regularly between photography and video, this contributes to a much more polished workflow.
Best Nikon Z Camera Pairings
The S II performs well on virtually every Nikon Z body, but certain combinations stand out.
Nikon Z6 III
Perhaps the most balanced pairing.
Ideal for:
concerts
events
weddings
hybrid content
travel
The camera's excellent autofocus and stacked sensor complement the lens perfectly.
Nikon Z8
For professionals needing maximum speed and resolution.
Excellent for:
commercial photography
sports
wildlife
demanding event work
Nikon Z9
The flagship pairing.
Ideal when:
absolute autofocus performance matters
reliability is critical
speed is the highest priority
Nikon Zf
A surprisingly enjoyable combination.
Perfect for:
travel
documentary photography
street photography
lifestyle work
The lighter S II helps maintain better balance on the retro-inspired body.
Best Uses for This Lens
One reason 24-70mm lenses remain so popular is their versatility.
This lens excels across numerous genres.
Concert Photography
One of its strongest applications.
The combination of:
f/2.8 aperture
fast autofocus
excellent sharpness
consistent handling
makes it an outstanding concert lens.
It's capable of covering an entire show without changing lenses.
Event Photography
Corporate events, award ceremonies, fundraisers, and private events all benefit from the flexibility of 24-70mm.
You can quickly transition from:
room overviews
candid moments
speaker portraits
group photos
without changing equipment.
Wedding Photography
Wedding photographers often spend the majority of the day with a 24-70mm attached.
The S II's lighter weight becomes especially valuable during:
eight-hour weddings
destination weddings
long receptions
Travel Photography
Although not a compact lens, it provides enough versatility that many photographers can comfortably travel with just:
24-70mm
telephoto
ultra-wide
rather than carrying multiple overlapping lenses.
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II vs Competitors
vs Original NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
Choose the S II if you want:
internal zoom
lower weight
faster autofocus
quieter operation
stronger hybrid performance
Keep the original if:
you mainly shoot stills
you're happy with current performance
budget matters more than refinement
The original remains an outstanding lens, making the upgrade more evolutionary than revolutionary.
vs Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
Sony's GM II remains one of the strongest competitors.
Sony offers:
exceptional sharpness
extremely lightweight design
excellent autofocus
Nikon counters with:
internal zoom
outstanding optical consistency
premium handling
excellent integration with Nikon's latest Z bodies
Both rank among the best standard zooms currently available.
vs Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon's RF version adds optical image stabilization.
Nikon counters with:
internal zoom
lighter overall weight
modern hybrid-focused refinements
Image quality between both lenses is exceptional, making system preference the deciding factor for most buyers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ Outstanding image quality
✅ Internal zoom design
✅ Approximately 16% lighter than the original
✅ Excellent autofocus performance
✅ Quiet VCM focusing motor
✅ Strong weather sealing
✅ Excellent handling
✅ Outstanding concert and event lens
✅ Excellent for hybrid creators
Cons
❌ Premium price
❌ Existing owners of the original may not need to upgrade
❌ No optical image stabilization (relies on IBIS)
❌ 82mm filters remain relatively expensive
Who Should Buy It?
The S II is an excellent investment for photographers who depend on a standard zoom every day.
It's especially recommended for:
concert photographers
wedding photographers
event photographers
commercial photographers
documentary shooters
hybrid photo/video creators
travel photographers wanting one premium zoom
Who Might Skip It?
You may want to keep the original lens—or consider another option—if:
you already own the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S and are satisfied with it
you primarily shoot landscapes using a tripod
video isn't part of your workflow
budget is a major concern
For many still photographers, the original lens continues to offer exceptional performance at a lower price.
Final Verdict
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II isn't a lens that reinvents Nikon's standard zoom—it refines nearly every aspect of it.
Image quality remains outstanding, autofocus is faster and quieter, handling is noticeably improved, and the internal zoom design makes the lens especially attractive for today's hybrid creators.
For photographers upgrading from older F-mount systems or assembling a professional Nikon Z kit, it's one of the finest standard zooms currently available.
If you already own the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S, the decision becomes more nuanced. The improvements are real, but they're primarily about usability rather than dramatically better image quality.
For professionals who spend hundreds of hours each year behind a 24-70mm lens, those refinements may be worth every dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II worth upgrading to?
If you frequently shoot events, weddings, concerts, or hybrid photo and video work, the lighter weight, internal zoom, and improved autofocus make it a worthwhile upgrade. If you're primarily a still photographer already happy with the original version, the upgrade is less essential.
Is the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 S II good for concert photography?
Yes. Its fast f/2.8 aperture, excellent autofocus, sharp optics, and versatile focal range make it one of the best Nikon Z lenses for concert photography.
Is the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 S II good for weddings?
Absolutely. Wedding photographers benefit from its versatility, lighter design, fast autofocus, weather sealing, and excellent image quality throughout the zoom range.
Does the lens have image stabilization?
No. The lens relies on the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) found in compatible Nikon Z cameras.
Is the internal zoom really useful?
Yes. Internal zoom keeps the lens balanced while zooming, improves handling, works better on gimbals, and creates a more stable shooting experience for both photographers and videographers.
Is it sharp wide open?
Yes. Sharpness is excellent even at f/2.8, with impressive center and corner performance across much of the zoom range.
Is this lens good for video?
Very much so. The internal zoom mechanism, quiet autofocus motor, reduced focus breathing, and stable handling make it one of Nikon's strongest standard zooms for hybrid creators.
Is it worth the price?
If you rely on a 24-70mm lens professionally, the refinements justify the premium. Casual photographers or existing owners of the original version may find better value by keeping the earlier model.
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