A worthy successorto a living legend!
Words: Ashok Kandimalla
The previous version of the Nikkor Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 had a stellar reputation for all-around performance. It won, deservingly, many awards and was recognised as the best standard zoom available. Improving a
lens of this reputation is no easy task. So, did Nikon succeed in producing an even better lens? Read on and discover for yourself.
Nikon sent the older 24-70 mm lens on a diet! The result is that the new lens is 16% lighter and much smaller. The construction, like the previous version, has a hybrid metal/polycarbonate build, three rings – the first for manual focusing, the second for zooming (with focal length markings), and the last ring,
called the ‘Control Ring’, is customisable. There is a programmable button labelled ‘L-Fn’ (Lens Function). There is also a second button, but this is just a duplicate of the L-Fn button. A switch for AF/MF selection is present along with a focus limit selector. New is the click / de-click switch. The lens is sealed throughout, making it dust- and drip-proof. Internal zooming and focussing further enhance its resistance to harsh conditions. The display panel that was present on the earlier version- much appreciated by the author – has been omitted.
Key Features
Nikon has packed this lens with many new features, and a few of them appear for the first time. Optically, the design has been simplified and uses 14 elements in 10 groups, including 2 ED and 3 aspherical elements. Various coatings, including meso-amorphous and ARNEO, have been applied where appropriate, and there is a fluorine coating on the front lens element to repel water and smudges. The lens now takes the smaller and less expensive 77 mm filters. The close focussing distance has been improved, resulting in a near macro-like 0.32X maximum magnification. The 11-bladed diaphragm (as compared to 9 in the previous version) results in a smoother bokeh.As with the previous version, there is no in-lens stabilisation.
While internal focussing is a given these days, this lens also has internal zooming, a first for this class of lenses. Consequently, the length does not change either for focussing or zooming. Nikon also says that the lens is the lightest one in this class.A major change is in the AF subsystem. It is now driven by what Nikon calls the Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (SSVCM). Thanks to this, the AF is smooth, silent, and hyper-fast. Nikon says it is five times faster compared to the earlier version.
Ergonomics
Being lighter and smaller, handling this lens is easier compared to the earlier version. It balances well with both the Z8 and the lighter Z6III. Internal zooming provides a near fixed centre of gravity and is helpful for handheld as well gimbal work. All the three rings feature ribbed surfaces, giving a good grip, and are smooth to turn with excellent damping. The control ring has a different texture on its surface, and hence, you can recognise it by the feel of it. It can be programmed to change the aperture or exposure compensation with or without clicking using the aforementioned switch – a useful feature as both modes are needed based on your application.
The AF/MF switch can be operated comfortably, plus you have the usual instant MF override. Depending on the camera orientation, one of the two L-Fn buttons is easily accessible with the thumb. A raised index mark has been provided for easy lens mounting. The supplied hood has a spring latch for secure locking and easy removal. It also has a slot to allow rotation of polarising filters.
Performance
Optically, this lens is a superlative performer, even better than the older version which set the benchmark for all round performance. One can use this confidently at all focal lengths fully open with excellent overall sharpness and contrast. As with all modern premium Nikkors, the lens excels wide open and reaches the peak at about f/4 (or one stop down). Thereafter there is a gradual roll-off in resolution when the aperture is narrowed. The older version showed slight drop in sharpness towards 70 mm though it was really not a laggard even here. The new version distinctly improves the long end performance as per the MTF curves.
Contrast was excellent throughout and flare was very well controlled. Distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting are such that they are inconsequential in real life. However, the usual caveat applies: please note that our observations are based on images processed with automatic corrections done by the raw converter using the lens-supplied profiles, and in practice, this is what you will also see.
Autofocus performance was par excellence. This is one area where the new version completely outclasses the earlier variant and practically any other lens in the current Nikon range (perhaps barring the super-telephotos). It is so fast and silent that it works like magic! We recommend switching ‘on’ the AF confirmation beeper, when permitted for some feedback as otherwise you may not know that focus was achieved. Finally focus breathing was negligible and will not be an issue. This is good news for videographers.
Value for Money
The MRP of the lens (take a deep breath) is a whopping Rs. 2,29,995/-. That is a hike of around 15%. In other words, Nikon reduced the weight and size, but not the price! Nevertheless, based on its superb performance (optical and AF) and numerous first- in-its-class features, we believe this is a fair price.
