The following chart presents a comparison between basic parameters of the tested lens and other full frame 24-70 mm f/2.8 instruments. When it comes to dimensions and weight they all are similar. The Canon is optically the most complex but it comes with optical image stabilization. Nikkors stick out in a negative way with their significant minimum focusing distance and the Sigma features as many as eleven diaphragm blades, more than any other lens, presented here.
In the photo below the Nikkor Z 24–70 mm f/2.8 S is positioned next to the reflex camera Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.8G and its system f/4.0 brother.
The tested lens starts with a metal mount surrounding a contact plate and a rear element, 23 mm in diameter. At 24 mm that element is situated a bit deeper than the contacts and when you pass to 70 mm it hides about 2 cm deep inside the barrel. The interior of the tube is properly blackened but, unfortunately, we noticed some slits and we could spot electronic parts peeking from the inside. That's why we think you can't speak about a fully sealed barrel in this case and, in our opinion, a journalistic lens should offer you a better build quality.
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The first part of the proper casing is a metal, black ring, 18 mm wide, which doesn't move. On that ring you can find a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier, an inscription with parameters of the lens, the producer's logo, an AF/MF switch, allowing you to choose the focusing mechanism mode, a plate with the 'Nikkor S' series mark, the focusing mechanism range (∞–0.38m/1.25ft), and information that the lens was produced in Japan.
Further on you see a ribbed ring, as wide as 10 mm, that might control the aperture in a noiseless manner or exposition compensation, depending on your choice. It moves smoothly and is well damped.
Then you find an immobile part of the lens with an OLED panel integrated in the barrel; it makes the most important information like aperture, distance, precise focal length, and depth of field available straight on the lens. You can change displayed parameters with the help of the DISP. button, positioned nearby, and a bit further on you get the L-Fn function button which can be alloted one of 21 different options.
The next part is a zoom ring. It is big, as wide as 30 mm, most of its surface occupied by rubber ribbing with focal length markings at 24, 28,35, and 70 mm right under it. The ring works properly well even though resistance in the 35-70 mm range is a tad more pronounced than in the range covering the shortest focal lengths.
Behind another metal part of the barrel which doesn't move you find a manual focus ring which is 14 mm wide and covered by rubber ribbing. It' s a focus-by-wire construction that works smoothly and is properly damped. When you turn it quickly, you need an angle of about 90 degrees in order to cover the whole range; when you turn it slower you can even reach 180 degrees. With the parameters of the lens it is a sensible value, allowing you very precise settings.
The front element system is extended on an uniform tube made of plastics. When you change the focal length from 24 to 70 mm the dimension of the lens increases by 28 mm. The front element itself is slightly convex, with a diameter of 67 mm. It is surrounded by an inscription with the name and parameters of the lens, a non-rotating filter thread, 82 mm in diameter, and a hood mount.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with as many as 17 elements positioned in 15 groups. Producers weren't skimpy with special elements too – inside you get as many as four aspherical elements along with two made of low dispersion ED glass. Apart from that there is also a round aperture with nine diaphragm blades which can be closed down to a value of f/22 at the maximum. The producers also boast of efficient Nano Crystal anti-reflection coatings, new ARNEO layers, and hydrophobic fluorine coatings which cover the outer optical elements.
Buyers get in the box: both caps, a soft pouch and a petal-type hood. I admit at this price-point you would expect a solid, hard case being delivered with the lens. The soft pouch, included in the box, doesn't protect it practically at all. Why? Perhaps because my late grandfather used to carry handkerchiefs that were made of similar fabric...
