Today, Nikon has announced the NIKKOR Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 S. It’s a lens that seems ideal for professionals that specialize in both portraits and landscapes.
The NIKKOR Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 S is the first NIKKOR lens to use the new Nikon-designed ARneo coat, which is used with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to greatly minimize flaring and ghosting. Additionally it features Nikon’s Multi-Focus System to “ensure fast and accurate autofocus even when shooting close-up subjects.”
It’s also set to be the first NIKKOR lens to have a dedicated manual focus right that’s independent of the customizable control ring, a Function button, and an Organic EL Lens information Panel for faster reference of key settings. Some of those settings will include focus distance, depth-of-field, aperture and focal length.
“The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the lens that Z Series users have been waiting for, a lens that many photographers and videographers would never leave home without,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Lightweight and tack sharp, the 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a great example of the outstanding performance and portability that is possible with our next-generation Z Mount System.”
NIKKOR Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 rundown
Expect a much lighter and shorter lens
Nikon is looking to make the NIKKOR Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 S both lightweight and short. To make a comparison, lens has been designed to be about 24.7 percent lighter and 18.4% shorter than the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens. The NIKKOR 24-70mm weighs in at 2.35 lb and measures out to be 3.46 x 6.08″ / 88 x 154.5 mm.
Its duo-coating makes for less aberration, ghosting and flaring
Additionally, The NIKKOR Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 S will be the first Nikkor lens to feature the ARNEO coating. This multi-layer coating — is used with Nano Crystal Coating — should prevent ghosting and flare coming from backlight at diagonal angles and compensates for light entering the lens from vertical angles.
Nikon promises fast, accurate and silent autofocus
This lens combines a stepping motor with Nikon’s Multi-Focusing System. This system uses two actuators to move two focus groups at once. This allows the lens to focus quickly at many distances, far off and close-up.
The lens also features a built-in 5-axis VR that Nikon claims should let users capture “super-smooth” video hand-held. Plus, there’s a customizable control ring, independent focus ring
Quick overview of the lens’ key features:
- Reportedly ideal for environmental portraits, landscapes, weddings, events, studio and street photography
- Constant f/28 aperture throughout the zoom range, which should deliver professional approved subject separation, speed and bokeh
- Optical performance that should achieve edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal aberration in a lightweight and portable offering due to the Z-mount
- ARNEO coating that works with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to minimize ghosting and flare when the light source is inside the frame
- Reportedly “fast, accurate and quiet autofocus” due to Nikon’s Multi-
Focus System and Stepping Motor - Built-in Function (L-Fn) button, Organic EL Lens Information Panel and independent focus ring
- Fully compatible with in-camera 5-axis VR found in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, providing up to 5 stops 1 of image stabilization without adding to the size or weight of the lens
- Reduced focus breathing
- Customizable control ring
- Dust and drip resistant
Pricing and availability
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S will be out this spring for $2,299.
