NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Unveiled

CP+ 2026

Nikon announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a large-aperture telephoto zoom lens compatible with full-frame and FX-format mirrorless cameras. Lens will be released in April 2026. Pre-orders in Japan will begin at 10:00 on March 3, 2026.

What is the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II ?

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is a telephoto zoom lens that belongs to the NIKKOR Z lens S-Line, weighing in at approximately 998g, making it the lightest in its class. It covers the entire focal length range from 70-200mm with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8. The moving parts have been redesigned in both the optical and internal mechanisms, achieving a significant weight reduction of approximately 26% compared to the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (released in August 2020). This further improves mobility for extended shooting sessions and supports a variety of shooting styles, including handheld shooting and video shooting using a gimbal.

Silky Swift VCM Autofocus Drive

The AF drive system is equipped with Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM), which achieves highly precise, smooth, and quiet AF control. Compared to the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, AF speed is improved by approximately 3.5 times, and AF tracking performance during zooming is also improved by approximately 40%, allowing for more accurate focusing on fast-moving subjects such as sports.

In addition, the number of lens elements has been reduced by effectively arranging aspherical lenses, Super ED lenses that use new glass materials that are effective in correcting chromatic aberrations, and ED aspherical lenses. This achieves both weight reduction and top-class, outstanding imaging performance with the “S-Line” lens. The camera is said to support photographers who want to capture decisive scenes more reliably, whether taking still images or videos.

Main Features of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II

Lightest weight in its class at approximately 998g, improving portability and reducing the burden when shooting handheld.
- Accomplished through changing the front lens group configuration and reducing the number of mechanical parts in the moving lens group.
The multi-focus system employing Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)*2 achieves fast, highly accurate, and quiet AF.
In addition to Super ED and ED aspherical lenses, six types of lenses are used: ED, aspherical, fluorite, and SR lenses. Chromatic aberration is effectively corrected, enabling natural, clear images.
The minimum shooting distance is 0.38m at the wide-angle end and 0.8m at the telephoto end. The maximum shooting magnification is 0.3x at the wide-angle end and 0.25x at the telephoto end.
The first NIKKOR camera to be compatible with an Arca-Swiss-type tripod head*3, enabling smoother attachment and detachment to a tripod.
Mesoamorphous Coat and Arneo Coat, which offer the highest anti-reflection performance in Nikon history, suppress ghosting and flare.
Equipped with a click switch*5 that allows you to change the click feeling of the control ring
Comes with a detachable tripod mount ring and protective cover. Even when not attached, it ensures high durability and dustproof/waterproof performance.
The filter operation window allows circular polarizing and variable ND filter operation even when the hood is attached.
When combined with a Synchro VR compatible body, it provides up to 6.0 stops of image stabilization.
Compatible with the external teleconverters “Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x” and “Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x”
The internal zoom mechanism provides stable operation with a constant overall length and high dust and water resistance.

NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II attached

Lens specifications

mount	Nikon Z mount
focal length	70-200mm
Maximum aperture ratio	1:2.8
Lens construction	18 elements in 16 groups (1 ED, 1 Super ED, 1 ED aspherical, 2 aspherical, 1 fluorite, 1 SR, Mesoamorphous coated, Arneo coated, Fluorine coated on the front)
Angle of view	34°20′-12°20′(FX)/22°50′-8°(DX)
size	Approximately 90mm (maximum diameter) x 208mm (from mount reference surface to tip)
mass	Approx. 998g (excluding tripod mount ring and protective cover) / Approx. 1030g (with protective cover attached) / Approx. 1180g (with tripod mount ring attached)