Standard Zoom: NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S with Nikon Z 7

Powerful and versatile, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S promises superior optical performance and durability within a compact, lightweight body in addition to the versatility inherent in a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. With its uncompromising optical performance and precision, the lens is a professional travel and landscape photographer’s dream come true, as one such photographer experienced. (Photos and report by Phubordin Wannalucksamee)

I was in a fishing village in Fujian, China when I saw this lady sitting among the piles of fishnet that she had woven. It may look like there was a lot of fishnet, but in reality it was an illusion! The trick is to frame the image tightly, where the focal length range of the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S was perfect for finding the best angle-of-view. The optical performance of the lens, paired with the 45.7-megapixel image resolution of the Nikon Z 7, captured the scene in amazing colour and detail, down to the gauzy, netted texture of the fishnets: There were barely any visible moire or false colours in the netting.

I love to travel to get new inspiration for photography. For each trip, I plan the camera model and lenses to bring based on the location and photo concepts. Most of the locations I go to are rugged and not that accessible. It helps to have gear that is not only lightweight, compact and versatile, but also robust enough to withstand different climates and environments.

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is one lens that matches my requirements. Not only is it lighter than other fast fixed-aperture zoom lenses at approximately 800g, it is also dust- and drip-resistant and rather durable. I have been to many countries with different temperatures and environments since I got this lens and haven’t found any issue with it. The focal length range allows the flexibility to frame images with wide-angle, normal, and medium telephoto angles-of-view, which is sufficient to tackle most landscapes, portraits, or street scenes. The large f/2.8 maximum aperture over the entire zoom range is a huge advantage when shooting dark and dimly-lit scenes.

Best of all is the image quality: paired with the Nikon Z 7, it captures a stunning amount of light and colour detail in each scene, with excellent image quality and edge-to-edge sharpness. When shooting in backlight, the ARNEO Coat and Nano Crystal Coat ensure even more effective reduction of ghosting and flaring. Being able to do so much with one lens helps when you need to travel light.

One of my favourite features on this lens is the small OLED lens information panel on the top of the lens that shows information such as aperture, focus distance and depth-of-field. It proved very useful in some conditions when I wasn’t able to check the viewfinder, rear LCD monitor, or top panel on the camera, such as when I was experiencing colder temperatures in Iceland.