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

Nikon has introduced a new second-generation S-Line zoom ahead of CP+ 2026, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens.

Featuring what the company says is its best AF system to date, redesigned S-Line optics, stronger image stabilisation, improved ergonomics, and a lighter build, the upgraded NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II medium-telephoto zoom lens is billed as giving photographers and video shooters the edge in more situations than ever before.

Smaller, Lighter (Much Lighter)

It weighs a class-leading 998 g (2.2 lb), an impressive 362 g (0.8 lb) lighter than its predecessor. It’s also 12 mm (0.47 in) shorter at 208 mm (8.2 in), making it more comfortable to handle when shooting handheld.Video shooters using a Z camera on a gimbal will benefit from the balanced internal zoom, which keeps the centre of gravity consistent when changing focal lengths.

The lens boasts up to 6 stops of in-lens Vibration Reduction, while Synchro VR maximises stability at the centre and edges of the frame with compatible Z cameras.

Responsiveness also gets a massive boost over the previous generation thanks to the speed and silence of the new AF system, which is equipped with Nikon’s Silky Swift voice coil motors. The company reckons that AF speed is up to 3.5x faster compared to the first generation of this lens, and 50% quieter. Scan time at the telephoto end is also reduced and focus tracking is more accurate when zooming.

Optical Construction

A rounded 11-blade aperture and more advanced optics with 18 elements in 16 groups produces softer bokeh which Nikon says is better defined and smoothly graded for a more natural sense of depth. The construction includes dual-sided aspherical lens elements, Super ED and SR glass, and Meso Amorphous and ARNEO coatings.

Close-focus performance has also been improved, with the lens focusing down to 0.38 m (1.25 ft) at the wide end and 0.8 m (2.6 ft) at full telephoto, delivering up to 0.3× magnification. The lens accepts 77 mm filters and is compatible with Nikon’s Z-mount teleconverters, extending reach to 280 mm with the 1.4× and 400 mm with the 2.0× models. Additional handling refinements include assignable L-Fn buttons and a lens hood with a filter adjustment window for easier use of ND and polarising filters.

Pro-grade weather sealing protects the lens, and ergonomic improvements include a removable tripod collar, an ARCA-SWISS tripod foot, and a de-clickable control ring.

Pricing and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II will be available in March 2026 for a retail price of $3199.