Nikon as it relates to camera gear, has been operating on the offensive for some time. For the past five years (or so) their Z line has looked similar to a championship caliber basketball team with a lineup 15 people deep. A team where the difference in quality and skill between players #1 and #15 on the depth chart is not much.
So much for the metaphors.
Surprise
Nikon announced and launched a new Zoom lens, the NIKKOR Z 24-70MM 2.8 S II, in August. The release was a bit out of sequence and the new lens pushes to the back seat a rather superb existing offering. We now have the Z 24-70MM 2.8 S II and the Z 24-70MM 2.8 S as options.
So what is the difference between the two Zoom lenses? From a traditional marketing and sales ploy pitch, the storyline is “Quicker, Faster, Better.”
Really? Is that true? The short answer – yes. The NIKKOR Z 24-70MM 2.8 S II lens is also lighter, wonderfully balanced while zooming in and out, and effectively sealed from a weather proofing perspective.
And Then the Hype
I have read and viewed most of the material from the people and organizations who provide “early first impressions.” Almost every reviewer concludes the NIKKOR Z 24-70MM 2.8 S II is worth the price and worth replacing the I.
Below are some of the reviews:
However, be aware, most of today’s reviewers are being paid (in some form or another) to promote the product. I am not.
Replacement For Your Prime Lens
Some reviews conclude the NIKKOR Z 24-70MM 2.8 S II is so good it can replace the Prime Lens’ in your kit. For me, that would mean my 20MM, 35MM, 50MM and possibly the 85MM would be put on the Waiver Wire. Hmm…
The Focus of this Post
This Post is not intended to conduct a comprehensive review of the Nikkor Z 24-70 II. For that, you can use the links above, search the internet or your trusted source. However, I was intrigued by the hypothesis that the II is effectively as good as the Z Prime lenses in the same range.
I discussed the replacement hypothesis with my Brother Roger. Roger is an accomplished photographer who likes to explore and examine subjects similar to this one.
We agreed that a non-exhaustive, simple, and practical test in normal conditions should be done as a 1st pass. We agreed that I should compare the NIKKOR Z 24-70 II to my NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S.
The Test
- Three shots
- Three different subjects with different kinds of light and distance
- Subjects and settings that I might encounter in a regular impromptu manner.
- No elaborate setup. Hand Held. Manual settings of my choice, except for Auto-Focus [Single Point].
- Use two Z9’s with same Shooting configurations. The II on one camera and the 50 on the other.
- No Post Processing would be performed in any manner – except for export to a JPG file to be used in this Post. I am always disappointed when loosing 16 bit or 14 bit color as the native source down to 8 bit color. However, the monitor cannot show the difference anyways.
The Flower Basket & Flag
We have flower baskets on our Lāna‘i. The baskets have our State Flag planted in them. The light on the flowers and the flag are an enjoyable observation for me. I would capture the image from 10 feet in distance.
The 50MM
The 24-70 MM at 50MM
The Fan Palm
We have a variety of Palm trees in our front yard. I find the light on them throughout the day is enjoyable to observe. I decide capture an image with direct sunlight about two hours before sunset from 20 feet in distance.
The 50MM
The 24-70 at 50MM
The Front of the House from the Beach
Our home is located on a beach. I find the shadows in the yard and on the house interesting as the light of day is nearing end. I decide capture an image 90 minutes before sunset from 100 feet in distance.
50MM
The 24-70 at 50MM
The Flower Basket & Flag 100% Crop
50MM
24-70 at 50MM
The Fan Palm 100% Crop
50MM
24 – 70 at 50MM
The Front of the House from the Beach 100% Crop
50MM
24 – 70 at 50MM
Impressions
As can be seen above in The Front of the House from the Beach 100% Crop, the 50MM resolves much better 24-70MM at 50MM up to the focus point (which is a beam in the center of the Lāna‘i). From the roof line to the mountains and sky, there were no discernable differences at 100%.
The implication to me is with the NIKKOR Z 24-70MM 2.8 S II in my kit, I can benefit from materially higher quality images in the the range of 24-70MM utilized in the standard and more in-the-moment settings. I will likely not lose out on shots where I would be attempting to switch lens.’
The NIKKOR Z 24-70MM 2.8 S II is a superb lens. Almost everything the reviewers are raving about (e.g., much faster focus, handling, weight, bokeh) are true. As a professional photographer the new lens will likely pay for itself from one photo-shoot.
As for the Prime Lens replacement hypothesis? One simple, non-scientific test suggests to me that at short to medium distances the NIKKOR Z 24-70MM 2.8 S II seriously challenges the output of the prime lens’. Obviously more experiences and a variety of testing will lead to a true determination.
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