The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II compared

Size and weight

At approximately 675g, the newer lens is the lightest f/2.8 24-70mm zoom available – and about 130g lighter than its predecessor. When it comes to size, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is around 142mm in length as opposed to the slightly shorter original lens at 126mm. However, the internal zoom mechanism means that length doesn’t change, whereas the original 24-70 extends well beyond that when zoomed.

Optical construction

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II has a completely different optical construction inside the barrel than the original version. It contains 14 elements in ten groups, including two ED and three aspherical elements, and uses meso-amorphous, ARNEO and fluorine coatings. The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, on the other hand, has 17 elements in 15 groups, with two ED and four aspherical elements. ARNEO and fluorine coatings are also present, with Nano Crystal instead of meso-amorphous.

Weather sealing

As you would expect from S lenses, both the old and new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lenses are extensively weather sealed for professionals who demand performance in a huge variety of situations. However, the internal zoom mechanism of the new version makes it even harder for things such as dust, sand and moisture to get into the barrel.

Focus breathing

Where focus breathing was heavily minimised on the original NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, it has been cut in half again to nearly zero by the new version, even with extreme focus pulls.

Gimbal filming

While both lenses are great for video, with a focal range perfect for a huge number of styles, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a better choice if your kit spends a lot of time on a gimbal. The internal zoom mechanism means there’s no change in centre of gravity or length of the lens, meaning you don’t have to rebalance the lens on the gimbal every time you change focal length. Plus, the fact that the barrel doesn’t extend means you won’t have to worry about hitting things such as matte boxes mounted in front of the lens.

Autofocus

The new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the first Nikon zoom lens to feature the Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (SSVCM) system for blazingly fast and accurate autofocus, offering significant performance improvements on the original lens. Autofocus is now five times faster and 50% quieter, while scan time is reduced by 40% at the telephoto end. Focus tracking when zooming is also 60% faster.

Aperture blades and bokeh

With 11 rounded blades vs the original version’s nine, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II creates more circular bokeh, while the new optics render light points such as stars and city lights with greater sharpness.

Close focus distance

You can get closer than before with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. The close focus distance is just 24cm at 24mm and 33cm at 70mm, as opposed to the 38cm (at all focal lengths) on the previous version.

Controls

When compared to the original NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S the new lens loses the small OLED information screen on top of the lens and gains the first de-clickable control ring on a NIKKOR Z lens. This can be turned on and off depending on whether you want the tactile feedback from a clicked ring or the smooth and silent operation preferred for video. For greater customisation options, there are two Fn buttons on the new lens vs one on the original.

Conclusion

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a marked improvement on an already brilliant lens. Designed from the ground with features tailor-made for both stills and video, it’s the ultimate standard range zoom for working professionals who need the flexibility and capabilities to get the image or footage that matters.