Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon 24-70mm Z F2.8 S Lens 20089 Review

If you're shooting with a Nikon Z camera and want a pro-level standard zoom, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the lens you're probably looking at. It's the workhorse zoom for everything from events and portraits to travel and video. With a constant f/2.8 aperture, solid weather sealing, and internal stabilization, it's built to be the main lens on your camera. People often ask if this is the best all-around lens for Nikon mirrorless, and for most shooters, the answer is yes, especially if you need that reliable f/2.8 brightness across the whole zoom range. It's not cheap, but it's the native lens designed specifically for the Z mount, so you know you're getting the performance Nikon intended.

This lens performs exactly how you'd hope a pro zoom would. The autofocus is in the 96th percentile, which means it's incredibly fast and quiet, locking onto subjects instantly whether you're shooting photos or video. The stabilization, ranking in the 89th percentile, gives you a real advantage for handheld shooting in low light. The optical performance is sharp, but it's worth noting that its overall optical score lands in the 34th percentile. In practice, that means it's very good, but some competing primes or more specialized zooms might be a touch sharper in the corners. For a zoom lens covering this range, though, it delivers more than enough detail for professional work.

This lens sits in a tough spot price-wise. You can find it for between $1,820 and $1,997 depending on the vendor, so shopping around is a must. At nearly two grand, it's a serious investment. You're paying for the Nikon S-Line badge, the native Z-mount integration, and that pro-level build. For that money, you have to really need the zoom flexibility and f/2.8 aperture. If you don't, a couple of great prime lenses could cost you less and potentially deliver better image quality.

Let's talk about the competition, because there's a lot of it. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 Z is a fraction of the price and offers a faster aperture for better low-light and bokeh, but you lose the zoom and the pro build. The Meike 55mm f/1.8 Pro is another affordable prime that's sharper for portraits. Even within Nikon's own lineup, the 24-70mm f/4 S kit lens is much lighter and cheaper if you can live with a slower aperture. This Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is for the shooter who wants the do-it-all zoom and doesn't want to compromise on aperture. If you need one lens to handle most situations on a professional job, this is it. If you're more of a hobbyist or specialize in one type of photography, a prime might give you more bang for your buck.

So, should you buy the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S? If you're a working professional with Nikon Z gear who needs a reliable, fast-aperture standard zoom, absolutely. The autofocus and stabilization are top-notch, and it's a tool you can trust. For everyone else, it's a harder sell. The price is steep, and its optical performance, while very good, isn't class-leading. Enthusiasts and hobbyists should seriously consider if they'd be happier with a lighter f/4 zoom or a couple of sharp primes. But if your answer to 'do I need a pro 24-70 f/2.8?' is yes, this is the lens to get for your Z camera.