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Nikon’s new Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II has arrived — and for travel shooters, it could redefine what a do-everything zoom can be. Lighter, faster, sharper, and now with improved close-focus capabilities, it’s already making waves among photographers who want maximum performance in a travel-friendly package.
Internal Zoom for Balance and Durability
The S II is the first lens in its class to feature an internal zoom mechanism. Unlike most zooms that extend and retract, it maintains a constant length throughout its range. This enhances gimbal balance, improves dust- and moisture-resistance, and adds resilience for everyday use.
As a bonus, the lens hood includes a filter adjustment window, letting photographers rotate polarizers or ND filters without removing the hood — a small but practical benefit when working in the field.
Lighter Than Ever
One of the most significant upgrades is weight reduction. At just 675 g (1.49 lbs.), the Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S II is about 130 g lighter than its predecessor, making it the lightest full-frame 24–70mm f/2.8 zoom in its class. That’s a welcome change for photographers balancing versatility with packability — whether navigating airports or hiking to remote viewpoints.
This decrease comes from a refined optical design: 14 elements in 10 groups, compared to 17 elements in the original. With its streamlined construction, compact profile, and 77mm filter thread, this lens is designed to be travel-ready while reducing fatigue for photographers on extended shoots.
Autofocus Built for Still and Video
Powered by Nikon’s Silky Swift Voice Coil Motors (SSVCM), Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II delivers the fastest autofocus in Nikon’s history — up to five times faster than the original, with 60% better AF tracking during zooming.
For travel photographers, that means it’s easier than ever to lock onto fast-moving subjects. The AF system is also exceptionally quiet, making it equally effective when shooting video.
Optical Excellence Across the Frame
The redesigned optics include a large double-sided aspherical front element, two ED elements, and three aspherical elements. Together, they suppress aberrations, minimize distortion, and ensure edge-to-edge sharpness.
These refinements also boost MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) performance, which measures how well a lens reproduces fine detail and contrast. In practice, this translates to crisper rendering, particularly at the edges of the frame — essential for landscapes, cityscapes, and architectural work.
Coatings also play a crucial role: Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat, its most effective anti-reflective treatment to date, works alongside ARNEO Coat to suppress glare and ghosting. The result? Consistently clear images, even in backlit conditions such as sunsets over the sea or flowing skylines at dusk.
Beautiful Bokeh and Close-Up Flexibility
A newly developed 11-blade diaphragm produces smoother, more circular bokeh, adding a pleasing softness to backgrounds — perfect for travel portraits or isolating details in crowded environments.
Close-focus performance has also improved dramatically:
- 0.24 m at the wide end
- 0.33 m at the telephoto end
Maximum magnification jumps from 0.22x to 0.32x, giving photographers greater reach for detail shots without carrying a dedicated macro lens. From street-food close-ups to architectural textures, this versatility makes the lens even more appealing as an all-rounder.
A Lens Designed for Hybrid Shooters
The Z 24-70mm f/2.8 X II clearly caters to hybrid creators. Nikon has minimized focus breathing, added a control-ring click switch for silent aperture adjustments, and built the lens to handle high resolution workflows — including 8K video. Combined with its silent AF motors and internal zoom, it’s a strong choice for cinematic travel content as well as stills.
Completing the Pro Zoom Trinity
The new lens rounds out Nikon’s Pro Zoom Trinity, sitting alongside the 14-24mm f/2.8 S and 70-200mm f/2.8 S. Together, the three lenses cover nearly every focal length a travel photographer could want — without compromise.
Pricing and Availability
The Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II will be available in mid-September 2025 for a suggested retail price of $2,799.95.
For travel photographers who want a single lens that can handle it all — street, portraits, landscapes, festivals, and video — this new standard zoom is a compelling choice. It’s light enough to carry all day, fast enough to capture fleeting moments, and sharp enough to deliver professional results.
Whether you’re planning your next international adventure or simply exploring closer to home, the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II could quickly become the go-to companion in your kit bag.
