The all-new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II

Completely redesigned inside and out

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is a staggering 360g lighter than its predecessor, making it, at 998g, the lightest 70-200mm f/2.8 lens in its class*. It’s also 12mm shorter and stays that length because of the internal zoom. Size and weight reductions have been achieved by redesigning the optics, using thinner, rearranged elements and newly developed glass. All this adds up to the most portable, long day-friendly telephoto zoom you can get – perfect for busy pros.

Improved image quality

Those redesigned optics don’t just help with size and weight. The new design, with a reduced number of elements, achieves more refined image quality, with minimum internal ghosting and flare, while the Meso Amorphous, Arneo and Super Integrated Coatings (SIC) counteract unwanted light effects, resulting in clear, sharp images. You can also get closer than ever, with a minimum focus distance of just 0.38m at 70mm and 0.8m at 200mm (compared to 0.5m to 1.0m with the first-gen lens), with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.3x at 70mm and 0.25 at 200mm.

Faster, quieter autofocus

With the adoption of Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) motors and a multi-focusing system, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is a huge improvement on the first-generation lens. With 3.5x faster speed, a 45% reduction in scan time, 40% greater focus tracking accuracy while zooming and a 50% reduction in AF noise, it will lock on quickly and quietly so you never miss a moment.

Enhanced for video

The lightweight and internal zoom mechanism make the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II a superb video lens. Free from an extending barrel, the lens minimises any changes in centre of gravity, meaning no rebalancing on a gimbal when you change focal length. This also makes it perfect for front-mounted accessories, such as matte boxes. Focus breathing is also significantly suppressed, and linear focusing is supported. Pairing with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II gives you a great multi-lens set-up, with consistent handling, control and filter size across both.

Fast and stable

With its constant f/2.8 aperture, you can freeze the action, work in challenging light and get subject isolation with beautiful bokeh. Six stops of Vibration Reduction (VR) make handheld capture a breeze.

Built for busy pros

Sturdy construction and full weather sealing, including a fluorine coating, make the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II a true professional workhorse, built to last and to combat the most challenging conditions. You’ll work fast, too, with the lens hood featuring a filter window; perfect for controlling rotating filters, such as variable ND, without taking the hood off. And with the addition of a removeable Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot, with protective collar, getting on and off a tripod is fast, easy and secure.

Things to try with the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II

Get into video

With its smaller size, lighter weight and fixed barrel, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is a great video lens for wildlife, sports and landscape details. The six stops of VR mean handheld footage is much easier when you’re out on assignment with minimal kit, but it can also thrive in a full rig. Landscape videos can really benefit from telephoto scenes, picking up details and using the compression of the lens to bring the foreground and background together. The lens also has a de-clickable control ring to remove unwanted noise from lens operation.

Get more reach with a teleconverter

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is compatible with both the Z TC-2.0 and Z TC-1.4 teleconverters, giving you up to 400mm of reach without having to change lenses when things are moving fast. Try them out on wildlife or sports to see the advantages of the extra reach.

Make landscapes dramatic

Telephoto compression effects are great for landscapes, making foreground and background appear much closer together, creating drama in a scene. For more on using telephoto lenses for landscapes read here.

Take candid portraits

Wedding photographers love a 70-200mm, as it allows them to keep a distance and get candid, reportage images of the moments throughout the day. There’s none of the distortion you might get from a wide-angle lens, and the f/2.8 aperture lets the subject stand out against the creamy bokeh. Try out the technique – but remember to tell people at an event that you’ll be taking photos beforehand.

*As of February 26, 2026