Nikon Readies Bright Z-Mount Zoom

2019.02.14

As already present on the initial Z-mount roadmap, Nikon just formally launched there Z 24-70mm F/2.8S this morning. This is the fifth lens native to the new Z-mount platform of Nikon Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Cameras. Nikon started off their new system with high-grade constant aperture zoom that emphasize the lightness of mirrorless cameras yet also designed their Z-mount for peak optical performance and highly luminous lenses.

The just-launched Nikon Z 24-70mm F/2.8S offers a bright F/2.8 constant maximum aperture with a standard 24-70mm focal-range which is possible the most widely used range of all. Most manufacturers of mirrorless cameras and all DSLR makers feature at least one lens covering this range and for good reason.

Nikon built the new Z 24-70mm to their highest standard. It features a fully weatherproof body with three rings, one for focusing, one for zoom and a third customizable one. New optical formulations and ARNEO coating promise to produce incredible sharpness and resistance to flare. A first among Nikon lenses is an OLED screen that can show information such as focus-distance and depth-of-field.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm F/2.8S features a linear stepping motor to drive an internal focusing system to minimize focus-breathing which is bothersome during video capture. A customizable button adds another control-point to the Nikon Z mirrorless cameras with a switch selecting between autofocus and manual focus modes. Given that Z-series cameras all offer built-in image-stabilization, the Z 24-70mm F/2.8S will always be stabilized without the need for dedicated floating lens elements.

Nikon expects to ship this new lens some time this spring with a suggested price of $2300 USD or $3200 CAD.

• Lens