NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S vs S II: Which Nikon Standard Zoom Makes Sense in Singapore?

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The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the newer NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II are both professional-standard zooms for Nikon Z cameras. They cover the same focal range and keep the same f/2.8 maximum aperture, but the S II is not a small cosmetic refresh. It is lighter, uses internal zoom and focuses closer.

For a new Nikon Z owner in Singapore, the S II is usually the more practical choice. If you already own the original S and it still suits your photography, there is no need to replace it simply because a newer version exists. The useful question is whether the S II fixes a problem you actually have: carrying weight, balance while filming, close focusing or autofocus response.

Both lenses fit Nikon Z cameras directly

Both models use Nikon’s Z mount, so either lens attaches directly to a Nikon Z camera. There is no adapter decision here, unlike a comparison between an F-mount lens and a Z-mount lens. That keeps the choice focused on handling and features rather than basic compatibility.

They are full-frame zooms, but can also be used on a DX-format Nikon Z body. A DX body crops the angle of view, so the lens behaves more like a 36-105mm equivalent. That can be useful for portraits, but it is less wide for travel interiors, group photos and general walk-around use.

The practical differences at a glance

Nikon lists the S II at about 130 g lighter than the original. That does not sound dramatic on paper, but it is noticeable after a long event, an afternoon in the city or a day when the lens stays on the camera. The original is still a capable f/2.8 zoom, so this is a handling advantage rather than a reason to dismiss it.

Internal zoom matters most for video and movement

The original lens changes length as you zoom. The S II keeps the barrel length fixed at about 142 mm. A fixed-length zoom is easier to balance on a gimbal because the centre of gravity moves less when you change focal length. It also makes the lens feel more predictable when you are moving through a crowded venue or filming hand-held.

This does not mean every photographer needs to upgrade. For landscapes, posed portraits and still subjects, the extending barrel on the original is not automatically a disadvantage. The S II is the clearer choice when video, gimbal use or fast changes between 24 mm and 70 mm are a regular part of your work.

The S II also gives you more room for close details. The focusing difference is more useful than it first appears. The original focuses as close as 0.38 m and reaches 0.22x magnification. The S II focuses to 0.24 m at the wide end and 0.33 m at 70 mm, with up to 0.32x magnification at 70 mm.

That extra reach is useful for food, small products, flowers, invitations and details at events. It does not turn the S II into a macro lens, but it means you can fill more of the frame without changing lenses. If your photography is mainly distant scenery or standard portraits, this benefit may not change your decision.

Do not overlook your existing filters and working habits

The original S uses 82 mm filters, while the S II uses 77 mm filters. A photographer with a complete set of 82 mm filters should include replacement filters or step-up rings in the changeover decision. The smaller 77 mm size may be easier to share with other lenses, but that depends entirely on the rest of your kit.

The original lens also has a lens information panel, which the S II does not carry over. If you frequently use that display to check focal length, aperture or focus distance without looking through the camera, it is a genuine convenience in favour of keeping the original. A newer model is not automatically better at every small part of the shooting experience.

Check Singapore warranty before choosing an older listing

Nikon’s support information says NIKKOR lens warranty is generally valid in the country or region where the product was purchased. That makes the seller, invoice and stated local warranty important when you compare an older S listing with a current S II purchase in Singapore. A lower price does not tell you whether the lens has the same local support or included accessories.

Before paying, confirm the exact model name, filter size, physical condition, included hood and caps, serial-number documentation and warranty terms. These checks are especially important for older stock, used equipment and parallel imports. They are more useful than comparing a Japanese price from an old review with a Singapore listing today.

Which one makes more sense?

Choose the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II when you are buying your first professional Z-mount 24-70mm, value lower carry weight, shoot video or use a gimbal, and want closer focusing. Nikon’s Singapore specifications list the S II with internal zoom, a 77 mm filter thread and a 675 g weight, which are practical improvements for a new kit.

Keep the original NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S when it already meets your needs, you rely on its information panel, or you have 82 mm filters that you use often. Its image quality and f/2.8 range do not stop being useful because the S II exists. Upgrade for a clear workflow benefit, not for the model name alone.