With fresh gear already announced from Sigma and Ricoh, manufacturers are keeping us busy this week as Nikon enters the chat. Today, Nikon announced the sequel to their award-winning stand zoom lens, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Dust and drip-resistant, and the lightest lens in its class, this revision also promises 5x faster auto focus speed than its predecessor. Nikon says the newly developed Silky Swift VCM motor (in our opinion, the best name for an auto focus motor yet) is the quickest in the company's history, and will offer photographers whisper-quiet precision.
We anticipate the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II to arrive at McBain in September 2025, retailing for $3,499.99. Check out Nikon's press release below for the full breakdown of the new lens.
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Nikon Announces the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens Delivering the Fastest AF and Lightest Weight in Its Class
Engineered for Reliability and Agility, This Next-Generation Zoom Lens Sets a New Benchmark for Performance in the NIKKOR Z Lineup
MISSISSAUGA, ON – Nikon Canada Inc. has announced the release of the new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, a standard zoom lens that is compatible with full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This second generation of the acclaimed NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S brings enhancements to image quality, speed and handling, further improving upon a lens that was already a popular choice for all types of imaging professionals.
As part of the S-Line¹ of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a standard zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, covering the versatile focal length range from wide-angle 24mm to medium-telephoto 70mm for full-frame/FX format cameras. It features a first in its class² internal zoom mechanism, and it’s also the lightest in its class², weighing approx. 675g (1.49 lbs.). Additionally, the internal zoom mechanism increases zooming stability as well as dust- and drip-resistant performance.
It is the first zoom lens to adopt Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)³ motors for the AF drive, achieving the fastest4 autofocusing in Nikon history with extremely precise and quiet AF control. Autofocus is approximately 5x faster than that of the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and AF tracking performance during zooming has been enhanced by approximately 60%, making it even easier to capture decisive moments with fast-moving subjects such as athletes in action.
As a new-generation f/2.8 standard zoom lens that combines outstanding image quality and superior agility, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the lens for those seeking high levels of performance in both still image and video recording, even when shooting in a variety of conditions or harsh environments.
Primary Features
- The multi-focusing system4, incorporating Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) technology for the first time in a zoom lens, achieves the fastest5 autofocusing in Nikon history, delivering extremely precise and quiet AF for both still image and video recording.
- A compact design with the lightest weight (approx. 675g) in its class6 and a 77mm filter attachment size makes it easy to carry and reduces fatigue when shooting handheld.
- The first lens in its category6 to feature an internal zoom mechanism that prevents dust and debris from entering the lens during zooming, providing superior dust- and drip-resistant performance7. Even when zooming, it maintains its balance for flexible use of a variety of video accessories.
- A newly developed 11-blade diaphragm enables very circular bokeh.
- Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus breathing.
- Equipped with a control ring clicking switch, allowing the tactile “click” of control ring operation to be turned on or off as needed.
- The lens supports a minimum focus distance of 0.24 m at the wide-angle end and 0.33 m at the telephoto end, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.21× at the wide-angle end and 0.32× at the telephoto end, allowing users to get closer to their subjects for dynamic expression.
- Includes Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikon history, and ARNEO Coat for effective suppression of ghosting and flare, resulting in clear images.
- The lens hood features a filter adjustment window, enabling users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters without removing the lens hood.
¹ The S-Line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that demonstrate outstanding optical performance, adhering to a high standard of design principles and quality control.
² Among interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras with a focal-length range from 24mm at the wide-angle end to 70mm at the telephoto end, and a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, available as of August 22, 2025. Statement based on Nikon research.
³ An AF drive actuator that combines a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) and a guide mechanism developed by Nikon. The VCM is a motor in which a coil reciprocates in a strong magnetic field created by a powerful magnet.
4 Multiple AF drive units work together to control the position of multiple focus lens groups with great precision for superior image formation performance regardless of shooting distance.
5 When used with a camera equipped with the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. Measured in accordance with Nikon standards.
6 Among interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras with a focal length range from 24mm at the wide-angle end to 70mm at the telephoto end, and a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, available as of August 22, 2025. Statement based on Nikon research.
7 Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.