Things are really heating up in the full-frame mirrorless space with Nikon announcing the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 F2.8 S lens. Many would consider this lens a staple focal range so it’s no coincidence that this the first of the faster aperture lenses to be released.
We can expect even more news as we get closer to CP+ Show 2019 which starts on the 28th in Japan.
Specifications
- Z-Mount Lens/FX Format
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- ARNEO Coat
- Programmable Control Ring
- Manual focus ring
- Information Panel and L.Fn Button
- Weather-Sealed Design
The lens features 17 elements in 15 groups (including 2 ED elements, 4 aspherical elements, elements with Nano Crystal and ARNEO coats, and fluorine-coated front and rear lens elements). It has a 9-blade aperture and is the first lens to feature the new ARNEO & Nano Crystal coat which claims to deliver minimal aberrations, minimise reflections, less ghosting, and sharper images.
Weighing in at 805g (1 lb 12.4 oz), it’s lighter than the NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Lens (900g), Sony 24-70 F2.8 GM (886g) and much lighter than Canon’s heavyweight RF 24-70 F2 (1430g).
With this new release, Nikon has gone with a new stepping motor which provides fast and quiet autofocus and focus-breathing reduction. When you are recording video, you can also set lens to be de-clicked for smooth aperture changes.
EL Display
This is something we have seen on the Zeiss Batis lenses. Instead of focus range markings on the lens, they are displayed on a small OLED screen. Nikon is calling this the electro-luminescent (EL) display. By pressing the DISP. button, you can toggle between focus distance/DOF, focal length or aperture.
Three rings and a function button
The lens has three rings. One for zoom, one for focus and a third control ring which can be customised in the camera to adjust settings like the aperture or exposure compensation. Similar,y the L-fn button can be set to a function that suits your style.
Pricing & Availability
The NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/2.8 S lens is available for pre-order and retails for $2,299.95. It comes with the lens hood, cap & soft pouch. The lens is expected to start shipping at the end of April 2019.
As a comparison, the NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens retails for $999.95 USD.
