Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II Lens

Designed to be lighter and more compact with faster autofocus and enhanced image quality, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II refines the trusted professional telephoto zoom with both optical and external upgrades that improve handling and overall performance for multimedia creators shooting events, portraits, landscapes, and sports. A redesigned optical formula makes this the lightest 70-200mm f2.8 lens Nikon has produced, measuring 0.5 inches shorter and weighing 26 percent less than its predecessor. The lens weighs 2.2 pounds without the tripod foot or protective cover, compared to roughly 3 pounds for the previous version. With the protective cover attached it weighs 2.3 pounds, and with the tripod foot installed it weighs 2.6 pounds. When paired with the 24-70mm f2.8 S II lens, photographers can enjoy a combined weight savings of more than one pound over the first generation zooms.

The 12.7 ounce weight reduction is achieved through a variety of optical changes, including the removal of three elements, increased use of aspherical elements, thinning select glass components, adopting a convex first front group configuration, and reducing the number of moving lens groups. These refinements also shorten the overall length to 8.2 inches, down from 8.7 inches on the earlier model. Beyond the size and weight benefits, the updated optical design delivers higher resolution, improved sharpness, stronger flare resistance, and smoother bokeh. The lens incorporates one extra low dispersion element, one Super ED element, two aspherical elements, one aspherical ED element, one fluorite element, and one short wavelength refractive element to minimize aberrations and color fringing for outstanding clarity and color accuracy. The design inherently improves flare resistance for greater contrast in bright lighting conditions.

Bokeh performance has been carefully refined to create smooth, natural transitions between in focus and out of focus areas for a more dimensional look. Enhanced aspherical element manufacturing contributes to a more pleasing blur quality, and the 11 rounded diaphragm blades produce a more circular bokeh effect. The minimum focusing distance has been reduced to 1.25 feet at 70mm and 2.6 feet at 200mm, achieving a maximum magnification of 0.3x at the 70mm minimum focus position.

Advanced coatings further elevate performance. Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat delivers exceptional anti reflective capability, outperforming Nano Crystal Coat with diagonal light and matching ARNEO Coat performance with vertical light. ARNEO Coat is also applied to provide comprehensive protection against ghosting, flare, and reflections, maintaining high contrast and accurate color even in strong or backlit lighting.

Autofocus is powered by the Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor, which uses magnets instead of gears to drive the focusing groups at higher initial speeds with greater precision and smoothness. A guide bar reduces focusing vibration to enhance continuous focusing performance. This system is 3.5 times faster than the previous 70-200mm f2.8, offers 40 percent better tracking while zooming, is 17.5 times more precise, and operates significantly quieter than an STM motor. The quiet operation and multi focusing system also benefit video by minimizing focus breathing for more accurate composition during focus pulls. Full time manual focus override is available, and the internal focusing design maintains consistent lens length while supporting faster response.

Built for demanding professional use, the 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II combines durability with a more manageable design for all day shooting. The improved Vibration Reduction system provides up to six stops of stabilization for sharper handheld results at slower shutter speeds. Internal zoom and focus mechanisms preserve consistent balance and handling. Extensive weather sealing guards against dust and moisture, and a fluorine coating on the front element repels dirt and water for easier cleaning.

Handling is further enhanced with dedicated focus and zoom rings alongside a customizable Control Ring that can adjust aperture, exposure compensation, ISO, or other settings. The Control Ring features a configurable click mechanism with an on off switch, allowing either tactile feedback or smooth silent rotation to suit different shooting styles. Two L Fn buttons on the barrel, positioned on the top and left side, can be assigned to functions such as subject tracking, AF lock, image playback, or other modes.

Included accessories add versatility. A lightweight protective cover bayonet sleeve is designed for handheld shooting, while the redesigned tripod foot provides a stable mounting point and features a rotating design for quick transitions between horizontal and vertical orientation. The tripod foot now integrates an Arca type dovetail for direct compatibility with many tripod heads. The supplied HB 119 lens hood includes a filter adjustment window for convenient control of rotating filters like variable ND and polarizers. The lens is also compatible with Nikon Z series teleconverters, extending the focal length to 98 to 280mm with a 1.4x teleconverter and 140 to 400mm with a 2x teleconverter.