Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8

As a photographer who enjoys a wide range of subjects—from landscapes and street photography to portraits and events—the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has quickly become my go-to lens. It’s a versatile zoom that offers the perfect blend of focal length, aperture, and image quality, making it ideal for nearly every situation I encounter. In this article, I’ll share my experiences using the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8, exploring its strengths, the impact it has had on my work, and why I believe it’s one of the best standard zoom lenses for Nikon’s mirrorless system.

One of the main reasons I love the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 is its versatility. This focal length range covers everything from wide-angle shots at 24mm, perfect for landscapes or environmental portraits, to 70mm, which is great for tighter compositions, portraits, and details. Whether I’m out in nature or shooting an urban scene, the 24-70mm is always ready to handle whatever I throw at it.

I’ve found that the constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range is a real game-changer. It offers fantastic flexibility, allowing me to shoot in low-light situations without needing to raise the ISO too much, which helps maintain image quality. Whether I’m photographing indoors or during blue hour, the fast aperture helps me keep my images sharp and noise-free, even when the light starts to fade.

When I first reviewed the images taken with the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8, I was genuinely impressed by the level of detail and sharpness. The clarity this lens delivers is outstanding, even at f/2.8. From center to edge, the sharpness is consistent across the entire frame, which makes it perfect for wide-angle shots where edge detail is crucial, like landscapes or cityscapes.

Nikon’s advanced coatings—ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coat—play a big role in ensuring excellent image quality. These coatings help reduce flare and ghosting, which I’ve found to be a major benefit when shooting backlit scenes or directly into the sun. The result is images with great contrast and color, even in tricky lighting conditions. Chromatic aberration is also virtually non-existent, which is something I appreciate when shooting high-contrast scenes, like branches against a bright sky.

Another standout feature of the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 is its autofocus system. It’s incredibly fast, silent, and accurate, which is vital for me, especially when photographing events or street scenes where moments are fleeting. The autofocus is powered by Nikon’s Stepping Motor (STM) technology, and I’ve found it to be smooth and reliable even when tracking fast-moving subjects.

For portraits, the eye-detection autofocus is a game-changer. It locks onto my subject’s eyes quickly and accurately, ensuring that the most important feature—the eyes—are always in focus. This has drastically reduced the number of missed-focus shots, especially when shooting at f/2.8, where the depth of field is narrow.

The build quality of the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 is exactly what you’d expect from a professional-grade lens. It’s solid, feels durable in hand, and is fully weather-sealed, making it perfect for shooting in all kinds of environments. I’ve used this lens in rain, dust, and even cold weather, and it has never let me down. Knowing that the lens can withstand the elements gives me confidence when I’m out in the field.

Despite its robust construction, the lens remains relatively lightweight and compact for an f/2.8 zoom. Weighing in at around 805 grams, it balances perfectly on my Nikon Z8, and I’ve found it comfortable to use during long shooting sessions without feeling too heavy or cumbersome. The zoom and focus rings are well-damped and smooth, offering just the right amount of resistance, which helps ensure precise adjustments.

One feature I particularly like is the customizable control ring. I’ve set it to adjust ISO, which is incredibly useful in dynamic shooting conditions where I need to adapt quickly without diving into the menu. The OLED information panel on the lens barrel is also a nice touch, allowing me to quickly check settings like aperture or focus distance at a glance.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 truly shines in low-light situations. Whether I’m shooting indoors or in the evening, the constant f/2.8 aperture combined with Nikon’s In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) on my Z8 allows me to keep the shutter speeds low while maintaining sharpness. This has been particularly helpful in event photography, where lighting can be unpredictable, and I often need to rely on natural or ambient light.

For portrait photography, the 70mm end of the zoom range is ideal for creating flattering compositions. Shooting at f/2.8 allows me to achieve a beautifully shallow depth of field, which helps isolate my subject from the background and creates that creamy bokeh effect. The bokeh itself is smooth and pleasant, without harsh edges, which enhances the overall aesthetic of my portrait work.

While the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 is incredibly versatile, there are a few minor limitations worth noting. First, the price may be a barrier for some. It’s a premium lens, and its price tag reflects that. However, given its exceptional performance and durability, I believe the investment is worth it, especially for professionals or serious enthusiasts who need a reliable and high-quality standard zoom.

Another small consideration is that while the lens is compact for an f/2.8 zoom, it’s still a bit larger than the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4, which might be a better choice for those who prioritize portability over aperture. However, for me, the trade-off of a slightly larger lens is easily justified by the benefits of the faster aperture and superior low-light performance.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a workhorse lens that has earned its place as my most-used lens for a wide variety of photography genres. Its combination of sharpness, fast and reliable autofocus, and exceptional low-light performance makes it an indispensable tool for everything from landscapes to portraits and events. The build quality is top-notch, and the lens is versatile enough to handle almost any shooting scenario I throw at it.

If I had to choose just one lens for my Nikon Z8 camera, the 24-70mm f/2.8 would be it. It’s the perfect all-rounder, offering the flexibility and performance needed for professional-quality results in a wide range of situations. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast looking for a high-performance zoom, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is, in my opinion, one of the best investments you can make.