Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f2.8 S II Lens
Nikon just dropped a bit of a surprise; the Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II. This new lens takes over from the original Z 24-70mm F2.8 S (Compare Mark II vs Mark I), Nikon’s go-to fast standard zoom for Z-mount shooters. If you’ve been around photography for a while, you’ll know that a 24-70mm F2.8 is often the first lens pros reach for, sitting right in the middle of the classic “holy trinity” alongside the 16-35mm F2.8 and 70-200mm F2.8. This may be the reason why it is the first lens that Nikon updated under its Z-mount lens line.
Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S Mark II vs Mark I
Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 II vs Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 S Lenses Size Comparison
The first version was already strong optically, but it came with some extra heft, especially when compared to newer competitors like Sony’s FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II, which slimmed down significantly in its second generation. With this latest release, Nikon seems to be following a similar path, shedding weight through refinements in optical design and what feels like a new set of design priorities. At just 675g, it now claims the title of lightest 24-70mm F2.8 lens for any mirrorless system, edging out Sony’s GM II at 695g. The trade-off, however, is that the switch from external zoom to internal zoom design has stretched the overall length from 126mm to 150mm.
Also read: New Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II Size Compared to Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L
Here is a specs and feature comparison of these three lenses:
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f2.8 S II with the Nikon Z9
Price and Availability
The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II is priced at $2,799, a $400 increase over the $2,399 MSRP of the original Z 24-70mm F2.8 S lens. The Estimated Shipment date is September 17,2025 in the US.
Check the Price and Availability of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II at: B&H Photo / AmazonUS / AmazonCA / AmazonDE / AmazonES / AmazonFR / AmazonIT / AmazonUK / AmazonIN / AmazonAU
Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 II Key Specs
- 24-70mm Focal Range
- F2.8 Max Aperture
- Weather-sealed
- Filter Thread: 77mm
- Max Format: 35mm FF
- Nikon Z Mount
- 14 Elements in 10 Groups
- 3 aspherics, 2 ED
- 11-blade Diaphragm
- Weight: 675g
- Diameter x Length: 84mm x 142
- Min Focus Distance: 0.24m
- Max Magnification: 0.32x
- Read the Review
- Check Price at: Amazon, B&H Photo
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f2.8 S II Weather Sealings
Press Release:
NIKON ANNOUNCES THE NIKKOR Z 24-70MM F/2.8 S II LENS DELIVERING THE FASTEST AF AND LIGHTEST WEIGHT IN ITS CLASS
Engineered for Reliability and Agility, This Next-Generation Zoom Lens Sets a New Benchmark for Performance in the NIKKOR Z Lineup
MELVILLE, NY (August 22, 2025) – Nikon Inc. has announced the release of the new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, a standard zoom lens that is compatible with full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This second generation of the acclaimed NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S brings enhancements to image quality, speed and handling, further improving upon a lens that was already a popular choice for all types of imaging professionals.
As part of the S-Line*1 of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a standard zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, covering the versatile focal length range from wide-angle 24mm to medium-telephoto 70mm for full-frame/FX format cameras. It features a first in its class*2 internal zoom mechanism, and it’s also the lightest in its class*2, weighing approx. 675g (1.49 lbs.). Additionally, the internal zoom mechanism increases zooming stability as well as dust- and drip-resistant performance.
It is the first zoom lens to adopt Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)*3 motors for the AF drive, achieving the fastest*4 autofocusing in Nikon history with extremely precise and quiet AF control. Autofocus is approximately 5x faster than that of the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and AF tracking performance during zooming has been enhanced by approximately 60%, making it even easier to capture decisive moments with fast-moving subjects such as athletes in action.
As a new-generation f/2.8 standard zoom lens that combines outstanding image quality and superior agility, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the lens for those seeking high levels of performance in both still image and video recording, even when shooting in a variety of conditions or harsh environments.
Primary features
- The multi-focusing system*4, incorporating Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) technology for the first time in a zoom lens, achieves the fastest*5 autofocusing in Nikon history, delivering extremely precise and quiet AF for both still image and video recording.
- A compact design with the lightest weight (approx. 675g) in its class*6 and a 77mm filter attachment size makes it easy to carry and reduces fatigue when shooting handheld.
- The first lens in its category*6 to feature an internal zoom mechanism that prevents dust and debris from entering the lens during zooming, providing superior dust- and drip-resistant performance*7. Even when zooming, it maintains its balance for flexible use of a variety of video accessories.
- A newly developed 11-blade diaphragm enables very circular bokeh.
- Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus breathing.
- Equipped with a control ring clicking switch, allowing the tactile “click” of control ring operation to be turned on or off as needed.
- The lens supports a minimum focus distance of 0.24 m at the wide-angle end and 0.33 m at the telephoto end, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.21× at the wide-angle end and 0.32× at the telephoto end, allowing users to get closer to their subjects for dynamic expression.
- Includes Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikon history, and ARNEO Coat for effective suppression of ghosting and flare, resulting in clear images.
- The lens hood features a filter adjustment window, enabling users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters without removing the lens hood.
Price and Availability
The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens will be available in mid-September for a suggested retail price of $2,799.95*. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
1 The S-Line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that demonstrate outstanding optical performance, adhering to a high standard of design principles and quality control.
2 Among interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras with a focal-length range from 24mm at the wide-angle end to 70mm at the telephoto end, and a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, available as of August 22, 2025. Statement based on Nikon research.
3 An AF drive actuator that combines a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) and a guide mechanism developed by Nikon. The VCM is a motor in which a coil reciprocates in a strong magnetic field created by a powerful magnet.
4 Multiple AF drive units work together to control the position of multiple focus lens groups with great precision for superior image formation performance regardless of shooting distance.
5 When used with a camera equipped with the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. Measured in accordance with Nikon standards.
6 Among interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras with a focal length range from 24mm at the wide-angle end to 70mm at the telephoto end, and a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, available as of August 22, 2025. Statement based on Nikon research.
7 Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
