Nikon has finally announced the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/2.8 Mark II lens. The lens features a second-generation build that primarily optimizes the autofocus system of this lens, which is now more lightweight, faster, better for tracking, and much more optimized for Nikon’s upcoming cinema series of cameras. At the very same time, the optical performance of the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 Mark II has also been improved, so it is a versatile upgrade for both still and video shooters. Whether you are a wedding photographer, videographer, fashion or event shooter, all your professional storytelling needs will be met with the updates from inside to outside of this lens. In this guide, we have covered everything that you would need to know.
Price and Where to Buy
The Nikon Z 24-70 f/2.8 S Mark II carries a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $2,799.95, which is approximately $700 higher than the current discounted price of the original version, which is often available for around $2,096 with rebates. So, you see, the new lens will cost you more since it comes with a brand-new optical design. It has been completely redesigned, now more lightweight, and the autofocus motor has been upscaled for better tracking performance as well as video format use. The optical resolving quality is said to be much improved.
For the best deals, you can check out the major retailers often when they offer bundle deals, free shipping, as well as extended warranties. So here is the comparison of top options we have:
| Retailer | Price | Availability | Notes/Extras |
| Nikon USA | $2,799.95 | Mid-September (pre-order) | Official store; includes a 1-year warranty, potential bundles with Z cameras. |
| B&H Photo | $2,799.95 | Mid-September (pre-order) | Free expedited shipping; expert support; often bundles with filters or bags. |
| Adorama | $2,799.95 | Mid-September (pre-order) | VIP360 membership for free 2-day shipping; frequent promotions. |
| Amazon | $2,799.95 | Mid-September (pre-order) | Prime benefits: easy returns; check for early bird discounts. |
| Best Buy | $2,799.95 | Mid-September | In-store pickup options; Geek Squad protection plans available. |
If you’re on a budget, then obviously the Z 24-70 f/2.8 is still the best option, and there is also a possibility that after the announcement of the new version, we may see some deeper discounts on the existing price of this lens.
Overview of the Specifications
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is designed as a “pro’s zoom redefined.” The lens is now much lighter, and at the very same time, the autofocus is improved, as well as the optical performance, as per the initial report from the lens reviews. One of the lightest full-frame 24-70 f/2.8 lenses available, and it has approximately a 16% reduction in its original weight compared to 805 grams of the first-generation lens. At the very same time, it keeps its overall length constant at 142 mm, so it is also a kind of gimbal-friendly lens. Once you optimise it, even if you are zooming in and zooming out, you don’t have to recalibrate the gimbal every time.
One of the key upgrades includes Nikon’s newly developed Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor:
- The new autofocus motor is 5x faster than the previous generation of autofocus motors, which are used in the premium lenses.
- Now we have 40% reduced scan times and approximately 60% improvement in 3D object tracking while zooming—very much ideal for sports and wildlife photography.
So these are the two major improvements we have in the new 24-70 f/2.8 S II lens.
Here’s a quick specs table:
| Feature | Details |
| Focal Length | 24-70mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 (constant) |
| Lens Construction | 14 elements in 10 groups (2 ED, 3 aspherical) |
| Autofocus System | Silky Swift VCM (5x faster AF, quieter operation) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.24m (24mm) / 0.33m (70mm) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.21x (24mm) / 0.32x (70mm) |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Weight | 675g |
| Dimensions | 84mm diameter x 142mm length |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 (rounded) |
| Coatings | Meso Amorphous Coat (anti-reflective), ARNEO Coat (flare suppression) |
| Weather Sealing | Yes, dust and drip resistant |
| Included Accessories | HB-117 Lens Hood, LC-77B Front Cap, LF-N1 Rear Cap, CL-C2 Case |
| Compatibility | Nikon Z-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras |
Sample Images
The lens sample images are now available. You can explore those samples for yourself, too. I have added the link to Google Drive, where you can download the higher-resolution samples captured from the new lens.
Initial impressions suggest the exceptional performance throughout the entire frame as well as the zoom range, so it has been much improved from its predecessor. The distortions that we generally see are very minimal. At the very same time, the creamy bokeh as background is redefined with its 11-blade aperture. The internal zoom is now much more stable and perfect for handheld shooting.
User Reviews and Early Impressions
From social buzz on X (formerly Twitter), photographers are excited:
“Lightest in class and fastest AF—game-changer for events!” (@petapixel).
Nikon Creators are hyped for the internal zoom matching the Trinity lenses. Limited reviews note it’s “Nikon’s best AF performer,” ideal for Z8/Z9 users.
The Nikon Z 24-70 f/2.8 S II really sets a new standard for the standard zoom. It has blended professional-grade performance for everyday usability, and the Z ecosystem is now expanding more and more, so it is now compatible with more high-resolution sensors and upcoming cinema cameras. Also, the autofocus tracking performance is now 5x faster. So overall, this is the best all-rounder 24-70 kit zoom lens Nikon has ever made to date.
ABout the author: The article “GoPro 2026 Vlogging Camera: Will It Crush DJI Osmo Pocket 3?” written and updated by thenewcamera.com team on 6:07 pm, Thursday, 21 August 2025, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | Follow us for more updates and Get LIVE RUMORS –> FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM to get live news — >–> see more Camera News and Nikon Rumors 24X7
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