Head-to-head · used lens buying intelligence
Nikon Z9: NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/4 S vs f/2.8 S — Which Used Zoom?
The Z9 is a demanding professional full-frame camera, yet an expensive lens is not automatically the correct lens. Nikon's 24–70mm f/4 S delivers the core field of view in a compact retractable design. The 24–70mm f/2.8 S is a heavier, faster event standard zoom that gives greater exposure flexibility and additional handling controls. A photographer spending the day outside may value a smaller lens more than a stop of light, while an event professional may face exactly the opposite calculation. This guide compares the original f/2.8 S rather than the later f/2.8 S II, which has distinct specifications and used listings.
Editorial research, not a claim of hands-on laboratory tests. We may earn a commission from qualifying retailer purchases at no extra cost to you.Which lens should you choose?
Choose the f/4 S as a lighter daylight walkaround or second lens for Z9 users. Choose the original f/2.8 S for professional indoor events when moving subjects and poor light often require faster shutter speed. If you need a wildlife lens, neither standard zoom makes the Z9 a substitute for telephoto reach. Do not mistake the original f/2.8 S for the later S II when comparing secondhand prices.
Daylight travel, casual reporting and a smaller secondary zoom when the Z9's weight is already substantial.
Weddings, stage work, indoor documentary assignments and repeated low-light people photography.
Specifications that change the decision
Comparison at a glance
The specifications come from manufacturer documentation. They are provided for purchase decisions, not as invented sharpness, autofocus-speed or durability test scores.
| Consideration | NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/4 S | NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount and sensor | Nikon Z / FX full frame | Nikon Z / FX full frame | Both cover the Z9 full sensor without DX cropping. |
| Focal range | 24–70mm | 24–70mm | Framing range is identical; aperture and handling drive the choice. |
| Maximum aperture | Constant f/4 | Constant f/2.8 | The f/2.8 lens admits twice the light at a matching exposure time and focal length. |
| Weight (Nikon) | About 500g | About 805g | The f/4 version saves approximately 305g and packs shorter. |
| Construction | Retracting zoom design for compact storage | Professional standard zoom with extra controls | The f/4 zoom must be extended to shoot; test barrel movement on used copies. |
| Filter diameter | 72mm | 82mm | Filter reuse and replacement costs differ. |
| Optical VR | No in-lens VR | No in-lens VR | The Z9 provides camera-body stabilization; neither can freeze moving subjects. |
Purchasing options · verified when available
Compare current used listings
Prices below apply to the specific eligible retailer offers, not every grade or copy of the lens. KEH prices are withheld if their independently monitored feed is stale; eBay listings must meet the recent-refresh requirement. Confirm shipping, returns, accessories and final stock with the merchant.
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S Autofocus FX Lens
Currently eligible used purchasing options
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Autofocus FX Lens
Currently eligible used purchasing options
Lowest tracked KEH offers: NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/4 S: $441 (Excellent); NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S: $1,640 (Excellent). The listed-price difference is $1,199, but these may be different condition grades or include different accessories. It is not a like-for-like quality-adjusted saving. Check individual listing details and total checkout costs.
Editorial purchase analysis
Where the differences matter
Why f/2.8 can be worth paying for on a professional body
The Z9's sensor and action autofocus cannot manufacture light that is missing. Moving from f/4 to f/2.8 allows roughly one stop more exposure at the same shutter speed, or a shutter speed approximately twice as fast at the same ISO. That can be the difference between a usable frame and motion blur at a reception or indoor stage performance. Camera-body stabilization improves tolerance of hand movement, not an actor crossing the stage.
If the Z9 is usually used for daylight documentary assignments, f/4 may already support shutter speeds that freeze the intended subjects. In that setting the heavier professional zoom brings diminishing returns. Photographers who regularly shoot in the dark with very fast-moving subjects might instead need an even brighter prime; the existence of f/2.8 does not make every scene easy.
Why the lighter f/4 is not simply a budget compromise
The Z9 is already a large camera body. Nikon's approximately 500g f/4 standard zoom balances differently from the original f/2.8 S at approximately 805g. If the camera is carried on a shoulder all day, reducing lens weight by around 305g can improve comfort and make a smaller bag practical. The f/4 retractable mechanism saves storage length, though users must extend it before photographing.
Both lenses begin at 24mm and end at 70mm. You do not gain any extra telephoto reach with the professional model, so if travel subjects are distant it may be more useful to budget for another focal range. For professional jobs, some value lies in available controls, handling consistency and optical expectations, but these should be verified with independent sample imagery rather than unsupported claims of a guaranteed sharpness winner.
Secondhand risk: three similarly named Nikon lenses
Nikon now has several 24–70mm Z-mount products in circulation. The f/4 S, the original f/2.8 S, and the f/2.8 S II are separate models. A used listing that merely says 'Z 24–70 f/2.8' should not be assumed to be the S II. Compare seller photographs, physical controls, model name and accompanying gear before ranking prices.
For the retractable f/4 version, confirm that the zoom unlocks, extends and returns smoothly, without binding or excess wobble. For the f/2.8, assess the same mechanical behavior, AF operation, glass clarity, lens contacts and any impact damage. Condition grades should be considered alongside the total delivered cost, original hood and case, and return terms. The cheapest listed price is not automatically the best value.
Before you pay
Used-lens inspection checklist
- Confirm the model is Nikon Z FX f/4 S or original f/2.8 S, not f/2.8 S II.
- Test zoom extension and autofocus; inspect glass, contacts, hood and impact marks.
- Check filter size and accessory completeness and compare total delivered price across condition grades.
- Decide whether carrying comfort or one extra stop matters more in your actual shooting conditions.
The exact model, optical condition, accessories, grade, warranty and seller return terms matter more than a small headline price difference. Read our complete used-lens buying guide.
Sources, methodology and verification
Mirrorless Lens World Editorial Desk reviewed this comparison on November 3, 2026, using the manufacturer documentation below and the site's native product-family catalog. Retailer data is refreshed separately. No original bench measurements or personal handling tests are claimed.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/4 S product specifications ↗
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S product specifications ↗
See our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.
Frequently asked buying questions
Can both zooms use the full Nikon Z9 sensor?
Yes, both are Nikon Z FX standard zoom lenses designed for full-frame coverage.
Is f/2.8 one stop brighter than f/4?
Yes. At the same shutter speed and ISO, f/2.8 transmits roughly twice the exposure allowed by f/4, all else equal.
Is the original f/2.8 S the same as the S II?
No. They are distinct lens generations and used offers should not be compared as if identical.