Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II review: a lighter, internal-zoom standard zoom
Nikon's second-generation pro standard zoom for full-frame Z cameras, launched in 2025 at $2,799.95. Who it suits: wedding, event, travel and hybrid shooters who want one f/2.8 zoom.
Why it exists. This is the second-generation version of Nikon's pro standard zoom for full-frame Z cameras. Nikon calls it "the lightest in its class" at "approx. 675g (1.49 lbs.)" with "a first in its class internal zoom mechanism" (Nikon release, Aug 22, 2025).
Nikon UK says it is "about 130g lighter than its predecessor", that AF "is now five times faster and 50% quieter", and that the internal zoom makes it "a better choice if your kit spends a lot of time on a gimbal" (Nikon UK).
Who should buy it? Wedding, event, travel and hybrid photo-video shooters who want one f/2.8 zoom.
The story
Nikon announced the lens on August 22, 2025, saying it would be "available in mid-September for a suggested retail price of $2,799.95".
Owners on Fred Miranda praise the near-instant, silent AF and lower weight; one notes that foreground bokeh "has a tendency to create donut-shaped bokeh balls" where the first version does better. A Photography Life reader lists "stiff sticking zoom ring, plastic filter threads (ready to be chewed by metal), no vr".
Specifications
Key specs from Nikon's Aug 22, 2025 release (weight, internal zoom, filter size) and Nikon UK (elements, blades, close focus).
Focal length
24-70mm, constant f/2.8, full-frame Z mount
Zoom
Internal
Weight
Approx. 675 g
Filter
77mm
Optics
14 elements in 10 groups; 11 rounded blades
Close focus
24 cm at 24mm, 33 cm at 70mm
AF
SSVCM
Price
$2,799.95 (US), mid-September 2025
Sample photos
Six photos taken with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II by two photographers, shared on Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses. The first is at the top of this review; the other five are below. Select a photo to enlarge it.
Taken with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Photo: Christoph Strässler via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)Taken with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Photo: Christoph Strässler via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)Taken with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Photo: Christoph Strässler via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)Taken with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Photo: Christoph Strässler via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)Taken with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Photo: Christoph Strässler via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)Taken with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Photo: Cayambe via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (resized)Taken with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Photo: Cayambe via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Nikon: Launched at $2,799.95 in 2025 (US)
Verdict
Who it's for: Z-mount shooters who want a lighter f/2.8 standard zoom, especially for events, travel and gimbal work.
Strengths
Approx. 675 g, about 130 g lighter than the first version (Nikon UK)
Internal zoom, useful on a gimbal
AF five times faster and 50% quieter, per Nikon UK
Close focus of 24 cm at 24mm
Trade-offs
$2,799.95 at launch
No VR; one reader cites a stiff zoom ring and plastic filter threads
Donut-shaped foreground bokeh noted by a Fred Miranda owner
