Nikon’s New Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II: Faster, Lighter, and Sharper

Nikon has announced the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens, the latest iteration of a professional-grade telephoto zoom designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This second-generation lens promises improved optical performance, faster autofocus, and a significant weight reduction compared to its predecessor.

Key Features and Improvements

• Weight Reduction: The new lens weighs 998 grams without the collar and 1,180 grams with it, a 26% reduction from the first-generation model’s 1,360 grams. [PetaPixel]
• Optical Design: The lens features an 18-element, 16-group optical design incorporating Super ED, aspherical ED, ED, aspherical, fluorite, and Short-wavelength Refractive (SR) elements to minimize aberrations and enhance image clarity. [PetaPixel]
• Coatings: Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO coating are utilized to suppress ghosting and flare, improving image contrast in challenging lighting conditions. [PetaPixel]
• Autofocus System: The lens employs Nikon’s VCM (SSVCM) autofocus drive system, enabling precise, smooth, and quiet autofocus control. Autofocusing is approximately 3.5x faster, and AF tracking while zooming is approximately 40% better. [Newsshooter]
• Vibration Reduction: The lens offers 6-stop VR image stabilization, aiding in low-light shooting and handheld stability. [Newsshooter]
• Aperture: Features an aperture range of f/2.8 through f/22 with an 11-bladed diaphragm for natural bokeh. [PetaPixel]

Design and Build Quality

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II boasts a robust build quality, characteristic of Nikon’s S-Line lenses. It includes advanced weather sealing, customizable buttons and rings, a redesigned lens hood with a filter adjustment window, and an Arca-type tripod foot with a protective cover. The internal zoom design makes it suitable for gimbal use and compatible with rod-based matte boxes. [Newsshooter]

Part of Nikon’s “Trinity”

This new lens joins the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 VR S II, completing Nikon’s updated “trinity” of professional zoom lenses – wide-angle, standard, and telephoto – offering comprehensive focal length coverage with a consistent, wide maximum aperture. [PetaPixel]

Compatibility

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens is compatible with both the 1.4x and 2x Nikon Z-series teleconverters.