I've relied on the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 pro lens for years – now the new mark II version beats it in every way and I have to upgrade

• Nikon's 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens is the lightest of its kind
• The second-gen model costs $2,799.95 / £2,599 / AU$4,599.95
• It's available from mid-September

Years back, when I upgraded from a Nikon DSLR camera to a mirrorless model, the Z6 II, I also forked out for the 24-70mm f/2.8 S pro lens. I had it in mind to buy additional lenses when I could afford to, like an 85mm prime, but the versatile zoom is so good that it ended up being my only Z-mount lens for years.

During that time, I completed countless paid gigs with the 24-70mm. It beggars belief, therefore, that Nikon's new mark II version of the lens – its first second-gen Z-mount lens – betters the original model in virtually every regard.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II features a redesigned lens construction, 11-blade aperture and new autofocus motor, all of which combine for a lighter, faster and supposedly optically sharper package, complete with unique features in this class.

Naturally, the latest lens is pricier than the original model – it costs $2,799.95 / £2,599 / AU$4,599.95 and will be available from mid-September. The mark I version on sale can be had for around 30% less, and I expect its current price to drop further.

However, the improvements in the new model have me convinced that I need to upgrade. Let's take a look at how it betters my current 24-70mm f/2.8.

• 🇺🇸 Buy the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II at B&H Photo for $2,796.95
• 🇬🇧 In the UK, it's £2,599 at WEX
• 🇦🇺Meanwhile in Australia, Ted Cameras is selling the lens for AU$4,599.95

Why I'm going to upgrade to the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II

Nikon says the new Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the lightest in its class, weighing just 23.8oz / 675g (compared to 28.4oz / 805g for the original model). I haven't held it yet, but I'm sure it'll feel better balanced with my Z6 II, especially over long shoot days.

It's also the only such lens to feature an internal zoom – meaning that the lens barrel is fixed as you zoom in and out (the lens barrel of the original model and other 24-70mm f/2.8 zooms extends and retracts as you move through the zoom range).

An internal zoom means the balance of the lens remains unchanged as you zoom, plus it reduces exposure to moving parts. Together with weather sealing, I expect dust and dirt to stay out – this looks like a particularly robust lens.

The mark II version is also said to have 50% quieter and 5x faster autofocus compared to the original, thanks to a new and exotically named Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor. Not that my 24-70mm is slow – far from it – but any improvement in autofocus speed is welcome.

Suppressed focus breathing and a de-clickable control ring – which can be used for aperture – also feature, making the 24-70mm f/2.8 S II a more suitable optic for video.

And Nikon says the new lens is optically sharper than the original version. Again, my lens is super sharp, but the new version sounds like prime lens quality at any setting of its zoom and aperture range.

A neat addition is the supplied lens hood with its filter window – you can slide the window open for easy access to lens filters without needing to remove the hood. That's a handy feature when using variable ND filters, which I often use for video.

All in all, the upgrades are comprehensive. And given the original 24-70mm works so well for me already, I'm looking at upgrading to the new version rather than buying a new, different one.

I hope to get my hands on the new 24-70mm f/2.8 soon to see just how good it is for real.

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