I happen to have both 24-70mm S lenses as well as the 24-200. For a first lens, I would go with the 24-200. In the range their overlap, I don't think the 24-70mm/f4 S is much better, if at all, but it is faster. Here's the catch - I was just offered a 25% discount on the 24-70 2.8, so instead of CAD$3000, it would be $2250.
I have the Z 70-200mm f/2.8, and wanted the Z 24-70 to cover the range below 70mm. The Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens will not disappoint. It has the same qualities of excellence like the Z 70-200 f/2.8. It's a little pricey, like all Z lenses, but to me, it was worth every penny. So happy that I made the investment.
Central sharpness is pretty comparable here, although it leans slightly toward the 40mm f/2. The minimal amount of field curvature on the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S makes it look better in the midframe, especially at 50mm. However, the corner performance of the 40mm f/2 is much better than the corner performance of the 24-70mm f/4 S.
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