NikonNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | Professional large aperture mid-range zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

I bought a Nikon Z7 in a bundle that included the 24-70mm f/4.0 lens. I thought this lens was a somewhat expensive upgrade to that bundled lens, but since I was taking a trip that would offer many opportunities for photos, I decided to splurge. Having now finished that trip and downloaded the photos, I am quite impressed with the output of this lens. There were definitely some lower light shots that were made possible by this lens that the f/4.0 could not have captured, as well as some shots where I really shortened the field depth and allowed the background to bokeh beautifully.While this lens is noticeably heavier than f/4.0 lens in the bundle, that is unavoidable due to marked increase in the optics of the lens. Moreover, compared to other f/2.8 lenses, it is fairly compact at 89x126mm and among the lightest in the category with a weight of 805g. I thought the weight difference between the f/4.0 and the f/2.8 might be a problem by upsetting the balance of the camera, but that never emerged. I initially noted the extra weight compared to the f/4.0, but within minutes, I got used to the camera's new feel. I never felt out of balance, and enjoyed the experience of shooting with the new lens immediately.Beyond the actual photographic output of the lens, from a usage standpoint, I was most impressed with the focusing. The lens has two synchronized AF drive units, and it enables the lens to focus very quickly and with impressive accuracy. I found this to be most helpful when shooting video because a moving subject could stay in focus without effort, however even for photos when I was not focusing manually, I noted how quickly it focused. It's noticeably faster than the f/4.0.While this lens is certainly an investment, I think its performance justifies its cost. I am happy I bought it. I think for a professional, this f/2.8 is an essential workhorse. However, even if you are an amateur who likes to have top-notch tools, this lens is remarkable, and it's an incredible upgrade from the f/4.0.

About me: I primarily shoot video. When I am doing photography, I am usually shooting product, cityscape, nightscape, or night sky.I was skeptical of the new Z-mount. When I bought the Z 6, I was hopeful to use autofocus with video. At first, I was content to keep using my F-mount glass through the adapter. Two things changed my mind: 1) the awful noise of F-mount glass when doing video AF 2) I felt that the focus breathing was distracting from the subject.So, I purchased the Z-mount 24-70mm 2.8 S. After a month of use; I can say that this lens is incredible! The focus is silent and fast for video AF. Additionally, Nikon advertised that they worked on focus breathing for this lens and it performs amazingly.There is one item that has been a little frustrating, and that is the aperture ring. I frequently use my pinky there to help balance heavier lenses. I find myself changing the aperture accidentally when using this lens. I believe there is a way to turn this off in-camera and that may make this a non-issue for me. I will explore and report back.The attributes that would cause me to recommend this lens 1) extra stops of VR compared to using and adapted F-Mount lens 2) Silent & Fast video AF 3) Lack of Focus breathing 4) sharpness (it is brilliant, really it is) 5) quality build (ring operation is smooth and a metallic body that looks and feels great!)I have never owned the 24-70 f4 S. For those debating between the two, I have been told that they are very similar in performance and that the main difference is weight/size and maximum aperture. Most of my shooting is in low light, which is why I opted for the f2.8. If you consider your needs, I don't think there is a wrong answer between the two.

I waffled on and off with this lens, buying the Z 50, 35, and an ultra wide-angle zoom before settling on this one lens. This is not as big as I feared initially, it feels only marginally larger and heavier then the 24-120 - a great lens at half the price - Image quality is spectacular, tack sharp of course...that 24-120 is probably the perfect walk around lens for most people - for me the price is worth the little bit of image quality and 2.8 speed I realized.

Gone are the days of all metal lenses made in Japan. This lens is very plasticky and I don't like it. It is also an S-Line lens, however, you can't tell because Nikon ditched the gold ring. I guess 1/100th of an ounce of gold paint would bankrupt them. Otherwise, it is an incredible, reliable, fast focusing workhorse for studio and nice days. I mention this because it is an accordion design and grows/shrinks based on focal length, so I'd be leery of using it in rain or misty conditions. I find it superior in every way to my old F series sister lens. Definitely buy this if 24-70 suits you and ignore the primes in this range unless you must have an F1.8.

Versatile lens and sharp focus.

Pricey but totally worth it! Beautiful images! It is a bit heavy but you get used to it. Versatile and rarely leaves my camera unless I need a longer zoom.

This is the best 24-70 I’ve ever used. The image quality, sharpness, contrast, color is better than my f-mount Nikon primes. Since buying this lens, I’ve sold my Nikon 85mm 1.8 G, Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art, and the Nikon 24-70 F4 Z mount kit lens, simply because they became obsolete the moment I put this lens (24-70 f2.8 S) on my Z 6 and Z 6ii. In my opinion it’s far better than the 24-70 f4 S kit lens. The f4 kit lens seems clinical and has a mundane-fine quality to the images... where the 24-70 2.8 S has a beautiful artful rendering quality to the images. I’ve stayed away from 24-70 lenses in the past because this focal range is just so standard and boring... but this lens has converted me.

I put off buying this lens because it’s not cheap but it stays on my camera so much that he’s definitely worth it. Perfect for when you just want to bring one lens with you for the day.