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
- 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
- Tony & Chelsea Northrup – (‘The best overall 24-70 f/2.8 we ever tested‘)
- Tommy Callaway – (‘Incredible lens‘)
- TheSnapChick – (‘It’s quiet, it’s compact, it can get the job done‘)
Amazon users reviews
- 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