What is focus breathing?

NIKKOR lenses, especially S lenses and those specifically for video such as the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II and NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, not only deliver exceptionally smooth zoom transitions but also demonstrate impressively low focus breathing as part of their design. So, how does it all work?  

Enter smooth and natural focus racking

Focus breathing in the new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is suppressed by half compared to the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S due to a completely redesigned optical system with a reduced number of glass elements. Instead of moving the entire lens elements forwards and backwards, the internal zoom mechanism shifts smaller internal groups to achieve focus. This design helps maintain a consistent angle of view across the focus range. Plus, the MESO Amorphous Coat, Arneo Coat and Super Integrated Coatings (SIC) are specially customised to significantly counteract unwanted light effects.

What does that mean for video?

For filmmakers, this means that when you rack focus, for example, shifting from a subject’s face to the exterior, the composition remains stable and the subject transition feels seamless. It’s a subtle but significant advantage, ensuring clean, professional-looking film without the need for additional post-production corrections.

The low breathing makes lenses such as the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II and the NIKKOR Z 28–135mm f/4 PZ an excellent choice for hybrid image-makers and anyone prioritising cinematic precision in both photo and video workflows.

Hitting the streets of Paris, Nikon Ambassador Little Shao was one of the first to review the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. His conclusion? “I was using a gimbal, so being able to move from 24mm to 70mm on the same lens without swapping, thanks to the internal zoom, was just fantastic. It meant the balance of the rig stayed the same and I didn’t have to recalibrate. Also, the focus breathing is way smoother. And with demanding moves like a dolly zoom, it’s great to see there’s no loss of focus on the subject when zooming back and forth.”

How to find focus breathing

If you want to research the focus breathing of your lens, first look at your specifications. The maximum magnification will tell you the ratio of the size of the image on the sensor relative to the actual size of the subject, which will determine how much focus breathing a lens exhibits. A smaller, higher magnification ratio (such as a macro lens with a ratio of 1:1) is less prone to focus breathing. The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.25x (1:4) and the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II of 0.22x (1:4.5).

Discover the stats behind the new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens here.