Rent the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens

The “do-everything” pro zoom updated for gimbals, long days, and real-world chaos

If you want one Z-mount lens that can credibly cover interviews, events, doc work, portraits, and run-and-gun B-roll without ever feeling like a compromise, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is that lens. It keeps the classic 24–70mm f/2.8 recipe, then fixes a bunch of the little annoyances pros quietly tolerate (especially for video).

What’s new vs. the original 24-70mm f/2.8 S (and why you’ll actually care)

Internal zoom: the lens stays the same physical length as you zoom, so your balance point doesn’t wander on a gimbal or rig. That’s a big deal for repeatable moves and fast setups.{index=0}

Lighter kit, smaller filters: it drops to about 675g (roughly 130g lighter) and switches to 77mm filters—friendlier for matte boxes, VNDs, and what you already own.

Way closer focusing: minimum focus gets dramatically tighter (down to 0.24m at the wide end), and magnification jumps to 0.32x. Translation: more “pseudo-macro” detail shots without swapping lenses.

More video-friendly behavior: Nikon says focus breathing is reduced to less than half the previous generation, and the AF drive is a newer SSVCM system designed to be fast and quiet.

Image quality and rendering

This is S-Line glass, meaning Nikon’s “no excuses” tier. The S II uses updated coatings (including Meso Amorphous + ARNEO) aimed at keeping contrast high and flare/ghosting low when you’re shooting into practicals, windows, or stage lights.

You also get an 11-blade rounded aperture for smoother bokeh and nicer specular highlights—handy when you’re living at f/2.8 and trying to make a busy background behave.

Why rent it over other choices

Because this is the lens you rent when the shoot can’t miss: weddings, corporate interviews, live events, doc days, travel jobs, or any production where “switching primes” is a funny joke you tell on wrap. 

Quick comparison: S II vs. original 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Version II highlights: internal zoom, ~675g, 77mm filters, closer focus (as close as 9.4"), 0.32x max magnification, 11 blades, focus limit switch, two L-Fn buttons, updated coatings, and fewer elements (14 vs 17).

Original version highlights: still an S-Line workhorse, but it’s an extending zoom, ~805g, 82mm filters, 0.38m minimum focus, 0.22x max magnification, and 9 blades (plus different coating mix).

Ideal for

• Events
• Weddings
• Corporate interviews
• Documentary filmmaking
• Editorial portraits
• Product/B-roll detail shots
• One-lens travel kits

What your rental includes:

• Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm S II lens
• Nikon LC-77B front lens cap
• Nikon LF-N1 rear lens cap
• Nikon HB-117 lens hood
• 77mm UV/Protective filter