Our Recommendation
As a workhorse lens aimed at professionals, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is simply remarkable. It offers uncompromising performance even at f/2.8, outperforming any other midrange zoom available for the Nikon Z system. Not only was Nikon able to achieve this superior performance, but they were able to do so while cutting down both the size and the weight of the lens compared to the previous-generation F Mount version.
Nikon packed a lot of features into the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. From complex optical formula comprising of four aspherical and two extra-low dispersion elements, to advanced coatings (ARNEO, Nano Crystal Coat, Super Integrated Coating, Fluorine Coating) to other extra features such as an OLED information panel, a programmable ring and a function button, Nikon used everything it has in its arsenal to make this lens as good as possible. And the results speak for themselves.
That said, given the sheer number of midrange zooms available for the Nikon Z system, and the high $2400 price of the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, it’s not going to be the right lens for everyone. A good alternative that offers strong optical performance and more focal lengths is the $1100 Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S. There’s also the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8, which has strong optical performance and a great combination of focal lengths/maximum aperture values, though costs $2000 and weighs the most of any of these lenses.
I would also consider the Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8 if your priority is to get that f/2.8 maximum aperture on a budget, at the expense of some optical performance and the inability to zoom out to 24mm. It’s not an S-Line lens, but it performs better than expected and costs $1200.
One thing is certain: I’m glad that we have options. The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S pushes things in the direction of maximum image quality and maximum build quality at the tradeoff of a higher price, while the other variety of alternatives have their own sets of pros and cons. My expectation is still that the most demanding professionals will end up with the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S in their bags, but hopefully this review gave you the context necessary to know if that’s true for your particular needs.
Pros:
- Excellent weather sealing and build quality
- Advanced handling features and customizability
- Ultra-fast autofocus with exceptional accuracy
- Good close-focus capabilities
- Excellent sharpness, even wide open, at almost every focal length
- Good vignetting and chromatic aberration performance, especially for a 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom
- Excellent flare performance even against the sun
- Though not small, still lighter than almost any other 24-70mm f/2.8 lens
Cons:
- External zooming design is not ideal, though less of a problem on such a well-built lens as this
- No vibration reduction – a potential frustration on Nikon Z cameras that don’t have IBIS
- Relatively high levels of distortion in uncorrected RAW files
- Sharpness at 70mm is a bit weaker than at the other focal lengths
- Somewhat nervous bokeh
- $2400 price is high, though not necessarily a bad value
Conclusion
It’s very hard to beat the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. Everything from the build quality to the optical performance is better than any other midrange zoom currently available for the Nikon Z system.
Designing a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is very difficult and always involves some tradeoffs. Here, the lens has some distortion, slightly harsh bokeh, and a little weaker sharpness at 70mm (though still better than almost any other midrange zoom) – very small tradeoffs in the scheme of things. Nikon did an incredible job with the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and it forms the perfect pro-tier trio with the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is willing to pay the price for the utmost in midrange zoom image quality.
If you’re planning to buy the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, you can support our lens testing efforts and check for any sales at our affiliate links below. Although it’s a $2400 lens, in recent years, we’ve seen Nikon periodically put it on sale for $2100 at the cheapest. I encourage you to wait to buy it until you find it at that price.
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S at B&H, Amazon, and Adorama
- Used/International: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S on eBay
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The next page of this review has some more sample photos from the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, followed by reader comments on the final page. Use the Table of Contents below the star rating to jump to the section you want.
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
- Build Quality and Handling
- Size and Weight
- Sharpness Performance
- Other Image Quality
- Value
Photography Life Overall Rating
Table of Contents