Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Lens

Key Features

• A major update to Nikon’s professional 70-200mm f/2.8 full-frame zoom lens
• Nikon’s fastest autofocus system to date with Silky Swift VCM and dual multi-focus
• Shorter, lighter and better balanced for handholding and gimbals
• Designed for video with reduced focus breathing and smoother focus transitions
• Revised S-Line optical formula reduces chromatic aberration and colour fringing
• Minimum focusing distance of 0.38m at 70mm for sharp close-up compositions
• Includes Meso Amorphous, ARNEO and SI custom lens coatings

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Lens Summary

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Lens is the second-generation version of Nikon’s flagship telephoto zoom for mirrorless Z cameras, following the updated Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. It completes the professional ‘holy trinity’ of f/2.8 zoom lenses and will appeal to professionals and advanced enthusiasts.

The popularity comes from the versatile 70-200mm full-frame range combined with a bright constant aperture, suitable for portraits, events, sport, action and video. This updated version builds on the original with Nikon’s fastest autofocus system to date, revised optics and improved ergonomics.

Whether upgrading from the first model or moving to this lens for the first time, the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II introduces meaningful improvements, which we explore next.

Overview of key improvements

The updated model features Nikon’s fastest autofocus system to date, combining Silky Swift VCM technology with a dual multi-focus system for quicker and quieter AF across the range, which benefits both stills and video.

It is 362g lighter than the original Z 70-200mm and 12mm shorter, improving balance for handheld shooting and making it one of the lightest 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses available for full-frame mirrorless systems. The reduction in size and weight is noticeable whether shooting in the studio, on location or when using a gimbal.

A revised S-Line optical formula improves control over aberrations and colour fringing while maintaining accurate colour reproduction and natural skin tones.

Minimum focusing distance is reduced to 0.38m at 70mm and 0.8m at 200mm, improving close-up capability compared to the first version, which is useful for capturing details at weddings, events and for portraits.

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Lens in More Detail

Nikon’s best autofocus system to date

Fast, precise autofocus is critical for many subjects at this range, and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II includes Nikon’s most advanced system to date, with improvements that include:

• 3.5x faster autofocus compared to the first generation
• 50% quieter even while recording high-speed video
• 45% reduced scan time at the telephoto end (which refers to the time it takes to find maximum sharpness as the lens scans forward and backward)
• 40% more accurate focus tracking while zooming

Whether you capture fast-moving or unpredictable subjects, or need to work quietly, these improvements help you achieve better results.

Lighter design with improved balance for photo and video

Weighing 998g, the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is 362g lighter than the original and 12mm shorter at 90mm x 208mm. The reduced size and weight improve handling for handheld shooting and create better balance when used on a rig or gimbal.

The internal zoom mechanism maintains a consistent centre of balance, as the barrel does not extend while zooming. This removes the need to rebalance a gimbal mid-shot and avoids front-heavy shifts. It also supports the use of accessories such as matte boxes and filters without affecting balance.

Focus transitions are smooth, with reduced focus breathing during large focus pulls.

New S-Line optical formula

The Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II features a revised optical design with new glass elements and updated coatings to improve image quality across a range of conditions.

Two dual-sided aspherical elements correct sagittal coma and spherical aberrations to maintain sharpness from centre to edge. Super ED and SR glass reduce chromatic aberration and colour fringing while preserving accurate colour reproduction.

Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat reduces stray light from multiple angles to control flare and ghosting. This works alongside ARNEO and Super Integrated coatings to suppress internal reflections and maintain contrast when shooting into strong light sources.

The updated optical design delivers improved aberration control, batter backlit contrast and consistent performance throughout the zoom range.

Sharper, from even closer

With a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m at 70mm and 0.8m at 200mm, and maximum magnification of 0.25x at 70mm and 0.3x at 200mm, the lens allows for closer framing and greater detail at close range.

The refined VR system improves shake reduction by half a stop, with a maximum 6-stop advantage.

Professional controls and build quality

The zoom lens includes a comprehensive set of controls, including:

1. Assignable L-Fn buttons positioned for easy access in horizontal and vertical orientations
2. De-clickable control ring with click stops for stills and smooth, silent operation for video
3. Focus limit switch allowing restriction from five metres to infinity for faster acquisition
4. AF/MF switch for immediate control over focusing mode
5. Removable tripod collar with Arca-Swiss compatible foot
6. Lens hood with filter window for adjusting rotating filters without removing the hood
7. Weather sealed design with a fluorine front coating

These support efficient handling whether working handheld, on a monopod, or mounted to a tripod or gimbal. Note that unlike the original, the newer model removes the control display, contributing to a lighter build and more streamlined design.

Read more about this professional Nikon zoom lens and see more sample images in our Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II initial review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II worth upgrading from the first version?

Yes. It is lighter and shorter, with faster and quieter autofocus, improved close-focus performance and revised optics.

What’s new in the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II?

Key updates include Nikon’s fastest autofocus system, a revised S-Line optical design, reduced focus breathing and a shorter minimum focusing distance.

Is this zoom lens good for sport and action?

Yes. Faster autofocus, reduced scan time at 200mm and improved tracking suit fast and unpredictable subjects.

Is it suitable for video?

Yes. The internal zoom keeps balance consistent, autofocus is quieter and focus breathing is reduced.

How close can the lens focus?

Minimum focusing distances are 0.38m at 70mm and 0.8m at 200mm, with up to 0.3x magnification.

How much does it weigh?

It weighs 998g, which is 26% lighter than the first generation.

Does it support teleconverters?

Yes. It is compatible with Nikon Z teleconverters.

What is the filter size?

It has a 77mm filter thread.

Lifestyle and Sample Images

What's in the Box

• Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Lens for Z mount
• Lens hood HB-119
• Lens cap LC-77B
• Rear cap LF-N1
• Lens case CL-C3