Episode 67 - What's in My Camera Bag… and Why: Is the New Nikon 24–70mm f/2.8 S II Worth the Upgrade?
What's in My Camera Bag… and Why: Is the New Nikon 24–70mm f/2.8 S II Worth the Upgrade?
Photography Breakthrough Podcast | Episode 67 | November 9, 2026
What's in your camera bag and more importantly, WHY?
This week, I'm launching a new four-week series on the Photography Breakthrough Podcast, taking you inside my camera bag to explain the lenses I use, why I choose them, and how they help me create my photographs.
And we're starting with one of the most versatile lenses a photographer can own: the NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S II.
I've always loved prime lenses, but after using Nikon's new 24–70mm f/2.8 S II during a recent two-day portrait assignment in a beautiful traditional Japanese house, my perspective on zoom lenses has changed.
Over two days, I photographed seven clients wearing elaborate Japanese wedding kimonos, working through changing light, rain, sunshine, and long shooting days.
The new 24–70mm gave me the freedom to capture everything from intimate portraits to full-length images while maintaining the connection with my subjects.
And the autofocus? That's what really got my attention!
In this episode, I explain why the new version deserves serious consideration, especially if you already own the original.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why the new 24–70mm f/2.8 S II has changed my approach to zoom lenses.
- How the dramatically improved autofocus makes a difference when photographing people.
- Why a lighter lens matters during a 12–14-hour shooting day.
- The advantages of internal zooming for photography and video.
- Why I love shooting wide open at f/2.8.
- Whether upgrading from the original 24–70mm is worth the investment.
I also revisit my experience with the extraordinary NIKKOR Z 120–300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, including how I used it for portraits in a traditional Japanese house, not just sports photography.
Because choosing the right lens isn't about having the most equipment. It's about understanding how your equipment helps you create.
Explore the Nikon lenses featured in this episode
NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S II — Featured Lens
The second-generation 24–70mm is lighter, faster to focus, and features internal zooming and a redesigned optical system. After using it on my recent portrait assignment, I believe it's a serious upgrade worth considering.
Explore or purchase the NIKKOR Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S II:
NIKKOR Z 120–300mm f/2.8 TC VR S
An extraordinary professional telephoto zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture, built-in 1.4× teleconverter, and impressive autofocus performance.
I recently tested this lens at Tokyo's Komazawa Olympic Park and used it again during my portrait assignment in a traditional Japanese house. Its combination of reach, speed, and flexibility impressed me enormously.
Explore or order the NIKKOR Z 120–300mm f/2.8 TC VR S:
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=126679&awin affid=3145815&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nikonusa.com%2Fp%2Fnikkor-z-120-300mm-f28-tc-vr-s%2F20135
This Week's Photography Challenge
Take a look inside your camera bag.
What's the lens you reach for most often, and why?
This week, challenge yourself to use that lens differently. Change your perspective, experiment with focal lengths, and discover something new with equipment you already own.
Sometimes the breakthrough you're looking for doesn't come from buying another piece of equipment.
Sometimes it comes from seeing differently.
Join me next week as we continue exploring what's in my camera bag and why.
Matthew Jordan Smith
Photography Breakthrough Podcast
Affiliate Disclosure: I'm a Nikon Ambassador and Nikon affiliate. If you purchase through the links above, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
