Nikon 24-70 2.8S | The Only Nikon Z Lens You Need?

A review of the Nikon 24-70mm 2.8S camera lens for the Nikon Z mirrorless camera with image samples and comparisons to the Nikon Z prime lenses.
Affiliate links to support the channel:
MY MAIN CAMERA (The Nikon Z6II): amzn.to/3sjChga​​
NINJA ATOMOS V: amzn.to/3xyodSu
THE BEST NIKON PRIME LENS (35mm 1.8S): amzn.to/31fTBa6​
THE LENS I SHOT THIS ON: (20mm 1.8S): amzn.to/36oJeDk
MY DRONE: (DJI Mavic Air 2): amzn.to/2NVt0Ms
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - Sample Footage Montage
1:01 - Nikon Z Partnership Disclosure
1:28 - Why I Love Prime Lenses Intro
2:00 - More Lens Value (Primes)
2:45 - More Creativity (Primes)
3:10 - Video Versus Photo + Hybrid
5:40 - 1.8 vs 2.8
8:38 - Weight Comparison
11:03 - Image Quality
13:17 - Conclusions

[@nirajgandhi5921]

I shot primes for years but when I shot with the z 24-70 f/2.8, I switched immediately. It’s basically the quality of a prime with the capability of a zoom. This and the 70-200 f/2.8 is really all I need.

[@michael-4k4000]

Can’t wait till Nikon comes out with a 28-70 f2.0 like like canon has.

[@danielj8177]

Bought the 70-200 a few weeks ago and I'm blown away by the sharpness and contrast. Sounds like the 24-70 is on the same level then. Looks like I'll be scraping money together for another purchase lol

[@JeyVGaming]

Don't forget about the 14-24mm f/2.8S lens for taking those great landscape shots.

[@mrjohnbaseley]

"Nikon does not have control over this video, No money changed hands, but I do get to keep this lens.." Thankyou for your honesty.

[@fromshadowlands]

I made the mistake of buying this lens. Why am I saying that? I loved it so much I bought the Z 14-24mm F2.8 S & Z 70-200mm F2.8 S to accompany it. Now I'm poor.

[@floridasbestdroneandvideo3503]

Just ordered it, super stoked🎉

[@Louie_Vision]

How do you like it

[@nehemiahlc]

Just bought this lens and it’s been a game changer for me. I can’t wait to get the z8 right now it’s on my z50

[@brandonpierce]

Great review. Thank you!

[@addisoncommunications3455]

Great review Darrin, you were spot on with your comments. I just picked up the Z9 today and one native Z lens. You made my decision easy to go with the 24-70 f/2.8 S. This is going to live on this camera. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@wolffman2445]

I’m looking into a z9 as well. Did you end up getting this lens?

[@eefvelthorst4127]

Compliment. Excellent vlog. Comprehensive and calm.

[@annerocksontheroad]

Great info! Thinking to get one 😌

[@felm.974]

Thank you so much, that was very helpful! Let's go Nikon! :)

[@snerp]

If you get a chance try the Nikon 85mm 1.8 S lens, it is soooo amazing. I also have the 24-70mm 2.8 S lens, and I love it for the versatility, but for portraits, the 85mm is the go-to.

[@philipsutton8921]

Great video and I concur. You brought out all the main points. Yes, very heavy, but for my events/gigs and paid work, there is nothing more I need than this lens. I only usually shoot for a few hours and even though I always use outdoor fill flash (my Godox V1 attached), the weight is still bearable and I can shoot with no problems. I even shot a wedding recently and used just this lens and my 35 1.8s. However, for travel it's a different story. I recently went to Japan and took this lens, but it killed me dragging it around in their summer heat. I jumped into the nearest camera store in Tokyo and bought the amazing plastic fantastic 28mm f 2.8 lens. This is a great lens and renders differently to the s lens series, but also has its beautiful magic. I have the 40mm F2 and it pairs beautifully with the 28. I'm going to India for 4 weeks at year end and though I haven't decided 100%, but I may just take my two Z6ii's and the two plastic fantastic lenses!

[@v-gc7257]

Nice! Saving for a prime 35 will have to wait. Need to save more money now.

[@hanselong]

This is honest reviewing. Thanks.

[@e1evn1ee]

Good review man. Just to let you know that the specs you show at 8:54 is the Nikkor 24-70 2.8G (Gen 1) for F mount. I owned that lens :). The new 2.8s is more compact, which is at 805g. Still not light at all, but it is actually the lightest or the second lightest of all full frame 24-70 2.8 lenses

[@Johnnyhu888]

Great video! thank you!

[@gilespalmer404]

Great Video! This has some really good Pros and cons. I’m going to have to disagree though. I love my zoom lenses. They allow me to be so much more dynamic. And even for portraits a zoom just has a lovely bokeh at times. Keep it up! ‘Lovely’

[@mikedee42]

Recently transitioned from a D7100 to a Z6. I bought the 85mm F1.8 s. LOVE the 85mm. I was considering a 35mm which I had before however given the price point. I think the 24-70mm makes more sense. More usability. At least for my needs.

[@TouchLifeStudio]

Great, simple review. Well done! Thanks for addressing both perspectives primes vs. zooms, it’s the key. We should create “10 comments / video” club. 😜 I’m in the same boat and actually appreciate small circle of subscribers. Thx dude.

[@DarrinRigo]

Thanks man! Appreciate the kind words and definitely - sign me up and get me a jacket for that club!

[@tor2919]

I prefer primes. Mostly because of how their perspective constraint has a positive effect on my creativity. I have a set consisting of the 20, 35, 50 and 85mm f1.8S lenses. Total cost is similar to the 24-70/2.8S. There’s definitely a place for zooms though.

[@nehemiahlc]

I have the 50mm f/1.8 and was contemplating buying a set like you have but went with the 24-70/2.8s for videos. I do like prime lenses tho but when I’m limited on space having the versatility is nice and I don’t have to change lenses aha

[@RemyOrtiz]

Stopped at your prime lenses and I just got the Z6 II and made SURE to pick up the 35mm prime and I have the old 85mm F mount I bought on accident years ago. What are the odds?? Have the 24-70 f/4, likely will get the 2.8S in a year.

[@_itsmikeroberts_4044]

I have the 24-70 f4 s, the 35 1.8 s and the 85 1.8s. Every once in the while I get itch to trade them all in and buy the 24-70 2.8 s but I never pull the trigger for some reason.

[@nehemiahlc]

I just pulled the trigger on it cuz thankfully I have no rent since I live with my mom. I’m very fortunate to be able to use my spending money on my business and career instead of bills right now. But I just wanted to say when you do pull the trigger you will not regret it. It’s worth the investment for sure

[@LeeBlaske]

When people talk about cost of a number of primes vs. a good zoom, I'm surprised no one brings up the added costs of buying sets of filters for a number of lenses, vs. buying one good set of filters for one zoom lens. The cost of a bunch of good filters for multiple lenses adds up.

[@welles2002]

the 35 1.8 S is the sharpest lens I have . I agree you work a bit more on the shot but it's so good. I find the 24-70 tires me out

[@intrinsicimagery]

Don’t be afraid to buy the 14-30f4.

[@user-yq3po1wi2g]

Please allow me to download and view raw (nef) files for self-analysis. Thanks!

[@urbanastro4701]

I spend days shooting wildlife with a Tamron 150-600 G2 so when I put the Z 24-70 f2.8 on the Z6ii to shoot gigs It feels light, I just wish I could get a wildlife lens that was as good, Its a stunning lens, the larger mount helps I think.

[@jbailey8586]

Ultimately, its a compromise one way or the other. if you can get away with primes, I think the images are much more rewarding and have an intangible quality beyond just the aperature effect. And 1.8 is definitely different than 2.8 even on a z6ii or z5. If you need the zoom flexibility, then you just have to accept the compromise. I used a tamron 24-70 g2 on my d750 for a long time and now really love just using a 35mm or 50mm 1.8s on a z6ii for most things.

[@DarrinRigo]

Totally. It's an entirely circumstantial decision BUT I would say that the difference between the quality of shot on a 1.8 vs 2.8 is not nearly as impactful as I thought it would be. I rarely notice a difference if I've done my job lighting/framing well.

[@jbailey8586]

I'd agree with you on lighting and framing being more important. Also that the client doesn't discern these differences between lenses so its really a user preference

[@DarrinRigo]

What do you guys think? Primes or zooms?

[@maortheyoungcameraguy175]

I’m using Z 24-200 .. great lens One day I hope i will get my hand on 24-70Z 😃2.8

[@DarrinRigo]

@@maortheyoungcameraguy175 Really interested in that lens! The F/4 is holding me back - how do you find it holds in low light?

[@Ohadberry]

I shoot a Z6, mainly with the 24-70 F4. When I need low light performance (indoors or in the evenings) I shoot a 35 1.4mm Sigma art prime So… both! The best of both worlds

[@lexnaturae6638]

I use the 14 - 30 and 24 - 70 F4s a lot. But a good 135 1.8 or 200 2.8 Z prime would be welcome!

[@lilnape2604]

Both :)

[@intrinsicimagery]

90 percent of my weddings last year was the 24-70 2.8S on my A body and the 85mm 1.8 S on the B body.

[@UbiquitousBooks]

I have a 20-70mm f/2.8 G AF-S lens that I used with my D810. Now I'm planning to get a Z7 (and keep the D810). Does anyone have any insight into how much would be gained by buying the 24-70mm f/2.8 Z lens to go with the Z7 versus just adapting the older G onto the Z7?

[@user-kz2it3pn6e]

حلوه قوي 💪

[@sirwillemgaming9686]

I like the lens but it's too expensive for me X_X

[@michael-4k4000]

Wow u get to keep the lens? You better not say anything bad about the lens otherwise they won’t send u anymore new lenses….

[@inspiredbyanalog1249]

This lens was way lighter than expected. I also got the 105 Mc with all the rebates. Now just waiting for the z9.

[@dicekolev5360]

Nothing can beat the primes. Sorry not sorry :D

[@jacksonjackson9474]

IT'S ALWAYS FUNNY TO ME WHEN PEOPLE SAY THAT PRIMES FORCE THEM TO BE CREATIVE, AS IF YOU CAN'T JUST SHOOT YOUR ZOOMS AT 1 SET FOCAL LENGTH WITHOUT ZOOMING IN OR OUT. JUST PUT THE 24-70 ON AND SHOOT AT 24MM ONLY, 35MM ONLY, 50MM ONLY, OR 70MM ONLY.

[@hondahoon2479]

Exactly! Just sounds stupid to me!