Just when you think a lens can’t get any better, it does. Does this sound familiar? I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve told myself I never need to upgrade because this camera or lens is the best. But then the new version comes out…quickly followed by my credit card!
The 24-70mm F2.8 is a staple lens for me. I use this focal length constantly, from portraits to landscapes to travel. The original Nikon Z version was razor sharp, and honestly I didn’t have any complaints. I still have this lens. But it was fairly heavy, the barrel extended when you zoomed, and it had a large 82mm filter thread on the front.
Simply put, the new Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 Z II addressed all those items. The new version is 1/4 pound lighter, has internal focus and a 77mm filter thread…all features I really liked. My 70-200mm and 100-400mm both have 77mm fronts, so now my filters will fit on all three lenses. The new version is lighter and more slender, it definitely feels smaller on the front of my camera and in my pack.
One feature that really got my attention was the internal focus. This might not seem like a big deal, but I use this lens in rough conditions around the globe. Think sandstorms in the Sahara, snowstorms in the arctic, and rainstorms photographing bears in Alaska. Internal focus lenses do better at sealing out the elements, and this was very important to me.
A new feature I have really started to appreciate is the improved minimum focus distance. The older version could focus at 15 inches, while the new version can focus at 9 inches. Last week in Ouray we were photographing aspens leaves on the ground, and being able to focus this close was great. Not quite a macro lens, but plenty close enough…take a look at the water droplets on these leaves. I should also point out the autofocus is incredible, noticeably faster using the new Silky Swift VCM system.
Have you noticed I haven’t talked about sharpness? That’s because both versions are very sharp. It shouldn’t be an issue in real world shooting. These 24-70mm zooms are typically not quite as sharp at 70mm, but check out the road image at the top of this post…razor sharp, even on the edges…easily the sharpest 24-70mm I have ever used.
What else is new? Nikon took off the top LCD lens panel (I rarely used this), added a ‘click’ button for aperture switches, and included a window on the hood to be able to rotate a polarizing filters. Cost is $2800. After using this lens for a few weeks, I am glad I made the upgrade!