Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f2.8 S review

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S reviews roundup: should you buy it?

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S reviews roundup: is it worth the price?

Released in April 2019, the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a lens developed specifically for the new RF mount and is optimized for the new mirrorless cameras from Nikon, the Z6 and the Z7.

Who is this zoom 24-70 mm designed for? With its focal range, the Nikkor Z 24-70 mm is intended for photographers seeking a versatile zoom, for landscape, architecture, street photography and reporting.

One of the peculiarities of this lens is to have a small OLED screen on its upper part, which allows to visually access certain data: aperture, focal length, or focus area. It turns on when you press the Display button next to it.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S also incorporates three rings, one of which is located close to the front lens, and where you can set several functions.

Taking advantage of a slightly more compact format than the model for Nikon SLR cameras, it should interest photographers looking for a bright transtandard zoom.

Specs: 

  • Mount: Nikon Z
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • OLED panel integrated in barrel
  • Focus, zoom and control rings
  • Weather sealing
  • Weight: 805g
  • Min. aperture: f/2.8
  • Max. aperture: f/22
  • Minimum focus distance: 38mm
  • Filter size: 82 mm
Nikon Nikkor Z Lens for Nikon Z S Series Black
  • The large Z-Mount bayonet and the steady 9-blade f/2.8 circular diaphragm provide exciting performance in any light condition
  • A minimum focusing distance of only 0.38 m across the zoom range lets you get close and fit completely into the frame, from close-ups to infinity
  • The light spot sources are detailed thanks to a design with 17 elements in 15 groups. ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coat treatments protect against ghosting and parasitic light

What do the critics think of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S?

Most reviews on the web say that the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S offers a stuning image quality. There’s not much to complain actually, it’s rather versatile and has good ideas like its small OLED screen or its three setting rings.

With a slightly more compact format than the model for Nikon SLR cameras, it should interest photographers looking for a bright general-purpose zoom.

It’s price is quite high, so an alternative would be to get the Nikon 24-70 f/4. It’s much more affordable, compact and lighter (300g lighter) but has a relatively low aperture.

Most reviews like…

  • Optical performance generally excellent at all focal lengths
  • Customizable control buttons and OLED screen
  • Great build and weather sealing
  • Excellent handling
  • Amazing sharpness
  • Distortions and aberrations well managed
  • Minimum focusing distance of 0.38m allows you to take pictures of nearby subjects
  • Autofocus is fast

Most reviews don’t like…

  • Very slight vignetting noticeable in the extreme corners at 24 an 70mm
  • Expensive
  • Size and weight
  • No optical stabilization
  • Autofocus not 100% completely silent or perfect in low light (but next firmware update will probably correct this)
  • Sensitive control ring

For more infos about the positive and negatives sides of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, check out the selection of reviews below:

Websites Reviews

  • Ephotozine.com✪✪✪✪✪Editor’s Choice (‘The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S gives an outstanding performance and is one of the best standard zoom lenses available.’)
  • Techradar.com★★★★½ (‘Handling is great, autofocus is beautifully smooth and fast, and detail is exceptional. What a lens!’)
  • Digitalcameraworld.com★★★★½ (‘For professionals and experts the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a no-brainer. It’s a top quality professional lens at the leading edge of optical performance.‘)
  • Photographyblog.com★★★★½ (‘If you are a professional, or advanced amateur, who wants the very best general lens, then the new Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S comes highly recommended.’)
  • Digitaltrends.com★★★★☆ (‘it’s sharp, well designed and an excellent companion to the Z bodies.‘)

Youtube reviews

Amazon users reviews

Nikon Nikkor Z Lens for Nikon Z S Series Black
  • The large Z-Mount bayonet and the steady 9-blade f/2.8 circular diaphragm provide exciting performance in any light condition
  • A minimum focusing distance of only 0.38 m across the zoom range lets you get close and fit completely into the frame, from close-ups to infinity
  • The light spot sources are detailed thanks to a design with 17 elements in 15 groups. ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coat treatments protect against ghosting and parasitic light

Leave a Comment