Why no "Ricci Talks" comparison of old and new 24-70 f/2.8 so far?

[rscott900ss]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

 

[pesieDP]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

Haven't you seen this video of Ricci? He does a quick comparisation:

Nikon Z 24-70mm f2.8 S II. Worlds First & Lightest.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

Haven't you seen this video of Ricci? He does a quick comparisation:

Nikon Z 24-70mm f2.8 S II. Worlds First & Lightest.

I think the OP was looking for a detailed comparison (side-by-side) which I'm sure is coming soon as it seems like he did do one, it's just not been released yet obviously.

--
* PLEASE NOTE: I generally unsubscribe from forums/comments after a period of time has passed, so if I do not respond, that is likely the reason. *

 

[ajr images]

I have the S I and S II at the moment although the S I is currently for sale.

The S II is silent while the S I makes a slight noise when focusing. I don't think the S II focusing speed is discernibly faster.

The S II is lighter but is not noticeable to me when I put each lens on a Z9. If you use a lighter body then you'd probably notice the difference.

I haven't made a direct comparison in terms of sharpness, but here are somewhat similar images with each lens which might enable some conclusion to be drawn, notwithstanding differences in lighting and processing.





--
Alan

 

[shuncheung]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

Ricci must be busy capturing the Z9ii preview videos, preparing for the Z9ii launch in January 2025.

Once he is done with that, he'll make a detailed comparison between versions 1 and 2 of the 24-70mm/f2.8 S.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

 

[patrol_taking_9j]

If you get the opportunity, can you check if yours is a bit soft wide open?

I shot these at 70mm, roughly 2 feet between sensor focal plane and the test chart, with flash.


70mm f/2.8 @ 1/60 + Flash


70mm f/4 @ 1/60 + Flash


70mm f/5.6 @ 1/60 + Flash

 

[ajr images]

I plan to be using it at the car show in Costa Mesa on Saturday, so I'll see what 'real world' images I get.

 

[rscott900ss]

Haven't you seen this video of Ricci? He does a quick comparisation:

Nikon Z 24-70mm f2.8 S II. Worlds First & Lightest.

I think the OP was looking for a detailed comparison (side-by-side) which I'm sure is coming soon as it seems like he did do one, it's just not been released yet obviously.

Yes... I'm waiting for his detailed comparison video. I'm not sure how relevant these videos actually are but I enjoy them!

 

[primeshooter]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

nt

 

[rscott900ss]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

nt

nt? What does that stand for?

 

[sirhawkeye64]

Haven't you seen this video of Ricci? He does a quick comparisation:

Nikon Z 24-70mm f2.8 S II. Worlds First & Lightest.

I think the OP was looking for a detailed comparison (side-by-side) which I'm sure is coming soon as it seems like he did do one, it's just not been released yet obviously.

Yes... I'm waiting for his detailed comparison video. I'm not sure how relevant these videos actually are but I enjoy them!

If it's one of his detailed videos with side-by-side comparisons, they are among the better ones on Youtube. I'd say Christopher Frost and Dustin Abbot are probably the other two "reputable" channels that would do similar comparisons. I do sometimes though question Ricci's analysis of sharpness in some of his videos as he will sometimes say he can't tell the difference, but if you look around the frame you can see indications of differences but maybe he's speaking generically or overall.

 

[shuncheung]

nt

nt? What does that stand for?

I assume that means "no text."

 

[primeshooter]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

nt

nt? What does that stand for?

No Text. A pretty common forum speak, but now you know.

 

[JA_Johnson]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

None of us can speak on behalf of Ricci, but it’s likely he’s involved in various projects that don’t leave him much time for detailed lens comparisons. He has teaching responsibilities, leadership of certain photo tours, as well as planning and creating content for upcoming products. He’s also involved in testing some new cameras and lenses about 6 to 12 months prior to release. In short, he’s busy.

 

[rscott900ss]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

nt

nt? What does that stand for?

No Text. A pretty common forum speak, but now you know.

That's what I initially suspected, but question of motive (due to one's ability to subscribe to a thread using the "More options" selection) had me thinking that wasn't it.

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[primeshooter]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

nt

nt? What does that stand for?

No Text. A pretty common forum speak, but now you know.

That's what I initially suspected, but question of motive (due to one's ability to subscribe to a thread using the "More options" selection) had me thinking that wasn't it.

Thanks for the clarification!

No problem. Bare in mind Ricci is on the Nikon payroll, so whilst some might find the videos interesting, and I would suggest some are; it's hardly an unbiased source. I tend to avoid all opinions when an ambassador etc is concerned. It's in their interest to sell and tell you that you need "this".

 

[shuncheung]

No problem. Bare in mind Ricci is on the Nikon payroll, so whilst some might find the videos interesting, and I would suggest some are; it's hardly an unbiased source. I tend to avoid all opinions when an ambassador etc is concerned. It's in their interest to sell and tell you that you need "this".

Ricci serves two roles. In recent releases such as the 24-70/2.8 ii and Zr, he produces the official Nikon Europe introduction YouTube video, i.e. info-mercial, and he also has a more detailed video on his personal YouTube channel. Additionally I understand he also performs training for Nikon Europe/UK. Clearly Ricci is on Nikon's payroll and we should read/watch his comments with that in mind.

Nikon is not going to ship the Zr until around 20 October 2025. That is about 3 weeks away. Meanwhile, even after the initial announcement, more and more Zr videos have appeared on YouTube. Some people simply produce videos without ever seeing a pre-production Zr; they just do so after reading the specs and watch other YouTube videos, but it is clear that Nikon have also shipped more pre-production Zr to additional YouTube influencers after the announcement on 10 September 2025. Essentially most people who has received a pre-production sample from Nikon will try to maintain a good relationship with them so that they will continue to receive pre-production products in the future and produce (somewhat) exclusive YouTube videos to profit. Therefore, we won't get totally independent reviews until people can buy production Zr off the shelf, and those reviewers should have no financial ties with Nikon.

Overall speaking, I think Ricci is a reasonably trustworthy reviewer. Of course he is not going to tell you that some Nikon equipment is a piece of junk and never buy it, but few Nikon products fall into that category anyway. When Ricci previewed the 26mm/f2.8 pancake lens, he pointed out that AF is kind of noisy. Eventually I bought one and can confirm Ricci's findings. Recently he also pointed out that AF on the new 24-70/2.8 isn't really that much faster than the old version, which has very good AF to begin with. But yes, we should keep in mind that Ricci is on Nikon's payroll.

 

[BasilG]

I was expecting one of his comparisons by now, but nothing so far.

I did just watch a comparison on YouTube by "Zavadskis" and was surprised how much better the new version seems to perform as far as sharpness at the outside of the frame, improved close focusing distance, and focusing speed (not really that evident to me from the video, but he says it is noticeable).

The original version had quickly become a huge favorite of mine and I can't financially justify buying the new version, but it's impressive to me that they could improve such a wonderful lens that, as an old Nikon user, I still consider "one of those incredible new-fangled mirrorless lenses." :-D

Bob

nt

nt? What does that stand for?

No Text. A pretty common forum speak, but now you know.

That's what I initially suspected, but question of motive (due to one's ability to subscribe to a thread using the "More options" selection) had me thinking that wasn't it.

Thanks for the clarification!

This is typically used when the entire message is in the subject/heading (e.g. "Ask Ricci? (nt)" here), not for subscribing.

 

[primeshooter]

No problem. Bare in mind Ricci is on the Nikon payroll, so whilst some might find the videos interesting, and I would suggest some are; it's hardly an unbiased source. I tend to avoid all opinions when an ambassador etc is concerned. It's in their interest to sell and tell you that you need "this".

Ricci serves two roles. In recent releases such as the 24-70/2.8 ii and Zr, he produces the official Nikon Europe introduction YouTube video, i.e. info-mercial, and he also has a more detailed video on his personal YouTube channel. Additionally I understand he also performs training for Nikon Europe/UK. Clearly Ricci is on Nikon's payroll and we should read/watch his comments with that in mind.

Nikon is not going to ship the Zr until around 20 October 2025. That is about 3 weeks away. Meanwhile, even after the initial announcement, more and more Zr videos have appeared on YouTube. Some people simply produce videos without ever seeing a pre-production Zr; they just do so after reading the specs and watch other YouTube videos, but it is clear that Nikon have also shipped more pre-production Zr to additional YouTube influencers after the announcement on 10 September 2025. Essentially most people who has received a pre-production sample from Nikon will try to maintain a good relationship with them so that they will continue to receive pre-production products in the future and produce (somewhat) exclusive YouTube videos to profit. Therefore, we won't get totally independent reviews until people can buy production Zr off the shelf, and those reviewers should have no financial ties with Nikon.

Overall speaking, I think Ricci is a reasonably trustworthy reviewer. Of course he is not going to tell you that some Nikon equipment is a piece of junk and never buy it, but few Nikon products fall into that category anyway. When Ricci previewed the 26mm/f2.8 pancake lens, he pointed out that AF is kind of noisy. Eventually I bought one and can confirm Ricci's findings. Recently he also pointed out that AF on the new 24-70/2.8 isn't really that much faster than the old version, which has very good AF to begin with. But yes, we should keep in mind that Ricci is on Nikon's payroll.

Yeah, I am aware of him producing the official material and also of him reviewing products, and for the reason you also concede: "Of course he is not going to tell you that some Nikon equipment is a piece of junk and never buy it." Of course they gotta drop in the occasional flaw like "oh the AF is a bit noisy" if they didn't, they would be called out for being ingenuine no doubt...

This is the simple reason I take everything any ambassador of anything says with a massive pinch of salt. They are there to drive sales, and we should never forget that. That's why they are paid, for the most part.

 

[Vince P]

No problem. Bare in mind Ricci is on the Nikon payroll, so whilst some might find the videos interesting, and I would suggest some are; it's hardly an unbiased source. I tend to avoid all opinions when an ambassador etc is concerned. It's in their interest to sell and tell you that you need "this".

Ricci serves two roles. In recent releases such as the 24-70/2.8 ii and Zr, he produces the official Nikon Europe introduction YouTube video, i.e. info-mercial, and he also has a more detailed video on his personal YouTube channel. Additionally I understand he also performs training for Nikon Europe/UK. Clearly Ricci is on Nikon's payroll and we should read/watch his comments with that in mind.

Nikon is not going to ship the Zr until around 20 October 2025. That is about 3 weeks away. Meanwhile, even after the initial announcement, more and more Zr videos have appeared on YouTube. Some people simply produce videos without ever seeing a pre-production Zr; they just do so after reading the specs and watch other YouTube videos, but it is clear that Nikon have also shipped more pre-production Zr to additional YouTube influencers after the announcement on 10 September 2025. Essentially most people who has received a pre-production sample from Nikon will try to maintain a good relationship with them so that they will continue to receive pre-production products in the future and produce (somewhat) exclusive YouTube videos to profit. Therefore, we won't get totally independent reviews until people can buy production Zr off the shelf, and those reviewers should have no financial ties with Nikon.

Overall speaking, I think Ricci is a reasonably trustworthy reviewer. Of course he is not going to tell you that some Nikon equipment is a piece of junk and never buy it, but few Nikon products fall into that category anyway. When Ricci previewed the 26mm/f2.8 pancake lens, he pointed out that AF is kind of noisy. Eventually I bought one and can confirm Ricci's findings. Recently he also pointed out that AF on the new 24-70/2.8 isn't really that much faster than the old version, which has very good AF to begin with. But yes, we should keep in mind that Ricci is on Nikon's payroll.

Yeah, I am aware of him producing the official material and also of him reviewing products, and for the reason you also concede: "Of course he is not going to tell you that some Nikon equipment is a piece of junk and never buy it." Of course they gotta drop in the occasional flaw like "oh the AF is a bit noisy" if they didn't, they would be called out for being ingenuine no doubt...

This is the simple reason I take everything any ambassador of anything says with a massive pinch of salt. They are there to drive sales, and we should never forget that. That's why they are paid, for the most part.

There are 2 aspects though what he says and what he shows. If he shows images from the old lens, taken in controlled conditions alongside the new lens then objective comparisons about image quality, vignetting, breathing and bokeh can be made without even listening to anything he says.

As an aside I am not sure how he was driving Nikon sales when he was favorably reviewing the competition.