Nikon Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S

£2199/$2299

www.nikon.co.uk

The new Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S matches the focal range and maximum aperture of the AF-S Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8e ED VR lens for full frame Nikon DSLRS, but it’s a full 24.7 per cent lighter and 18.4 per cent shorter than the DSLR version, largely due to the advantages of the wide Z mount enabled by the mirrorless design. It uses a sophisticated optical design with 17 elements in 15 groups, two ED lens elements and no fewer than four aspheric elements.

Nikon claims the new lens offers “stunning” sharpness right into the corners of the frame, even at maximum aperture. It’s also the first Nikon lens to use the company’s new ARNEO coating. The existing Nano Crystal Coat technology minimizes flare and ghosting from light striking the lens at an angle, but the ARNEO coating works alongside it to tackle light entering from vertical angles – in other words, when the light source is actually in the frame.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has a pretty sophisticated autofocus system too, with two independent focus groups, each with its own stepping motor actuator. The result is claimed to be a fast, quiet and precise autofocus that works rapidly, even with big changes in subject distance. The system is intended for stills and video use, having been designed to reduce or eliminate focus breathing during focusing.

This is also the first Nikon Z-mount lens to have a manual focus ring independent of the customizable control ring. What’s more, a Function (L-FN) button adds over 20 possible function assignments. Most interesting of all, though, is a new ‘Organic EL’ information panel on the lens barrel for displaying focus distance, depth of field, aperture and focal length.

First impressions_ A constant-aperture 24-70mm f/2.8 lens has become an essential item in almost all pro photographers’ expansive kit bags, and while the retracting 24-70mm f/4 Z-mount lens launched alongside the Z 7 is nice and compact, this faster zoom is the lens that most pros will have been waiting for.