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

Design and Weight Improvements

Compared to the previous generation, this lens is 0.5 inches shorter and weighs 26% less, at 2.2 pounds without the tripod foot or protective cover, compared to 3 pounds previously. With the cover attached, it weighs 2.3 pounds, and 2.6 pounds with the tripod foot. When paired with the 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens, the combined weight savings exceed one pound. The reduced weight and size are achieved through a revised optical design, which removes three elements, uses more aspherical elements, thins some glass components, changes the front group to a convex-first configuration, and reduces the number of moving lens groups.

Optical Enhancements

The updated optics not only contribute to the lighter weight but also improve image quality with higher resolution, better flare resistance, and smoother bokeh. The lens features an extra-low dispersion (ED) element, a Super ED element, two aspherical elements, an aspherical ED element, a fluorite element, and a short-wavelength refractive (SR) element to minimise aberrations and colour fringing. The aspherical elements have improved manufacturing for smoother bokeh, and the lens now has 11 rounded diaphragm blades for a more natural out-of-focus rendering. The minimum focusing distance has been shortened to 1.25 feet at 70mm and 2.6 feet at 200mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.3x at 70mm.

Anti-Glare Coatings

Nikon has refined the anti-glare performance with its Meso Amorphous Coat, which outperforms previous Nano Crystal Coat technology for diagonal light while matching ARNEO Coat for vertical light. ARNEO Coat is still applied to provide additional protection against ghosting, flare, and reflections, resulting in stronger contrast and more accurate colours, even in backlit conditions.

 

 

Key Features

* 26% Lighter Design: Weighs just 2.2 pounds (without tripod foot or cover) and is 0.5 inches shorter, significantly reducing fatigue during extended handheld shooting.

* Advanced Optical Formula: Features ED, Super ED, fluorite, short-wavelength refractive (SR), and aspherical elements to drastically minimise chromatic aberrations and colour fringing.

* Exceptional Close-Focusing: Achieve a minimum focusing distance of just 1.25 feet at 70mm and 2.6 feet at 200mm, with a 0.3x maximum magnification.

* Meso Amorphous & ARNEO Coatings: Next-generation anti-glare technology cuts through diagonal and vertical incidental light to eliminate ghosting and flare.

* Cinematic Bokeh: 11 rounded diaphragm blades and improved aspherical manufacturing deliver incredibly smooth, natural out-of-focus areas.

Benefits

* Shoot Longer with Less Fatigue: The revised convex-first front group and reduced moving elements shave off critical weight, saving you over a pound when paired with the 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

* Flawless Backlit Performance: Shoot confidently into the sun knowing the advanced Meso Amorphous Coat preserves contrast and colour accuracy.

* Versatile Subject Isolation: The fast f/2.8 aperture combined with a shortened minimum focus distance allows for striking portraits and detailed close-ups.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 70-200mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Weight: 2.2 pounds (without tripod foot/cover); 2.3 pounds (with cover); 2.6 pounds (with tripod foot)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 1.25 feet (at 70mm) / 2.6 feet (at 200mm)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.3x (at 70mm)
• Diaphragm Blades: 11 (rounded)
• Special Elements: 1x Super ED, 1x ED, 1x Fluorite, 1x SR, 2x Aspherical, 1x Aspherical ED
• Coatings: Meso Amorphous Coat, ARNEO Coat

FAQs

1. How much lighter is this lens compared to the previous version?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is 26% lighter, weighing just 2.2 pounds (without the tripod foot or cover) compared to the previous 3-pound model.

2. What is the minimum focusing distance of the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S II?

It can focus as close as 1.25 feet at the 70mm focal length and 2.6 feet at 200mm, giving you excellent versatility for close-up shots.

3. Does this lens perform well in strongly backlit situations?

Yes. Nikon has equipped this lens with both Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat, which work together to drastically reduce ghosting, flare, and reflections from both diagonal and vertical light sources.

4. Can I use this lens for professional video work?

Absolutely. The smooth f/2.8 aperture, advanced optical formula, and lighter weight make it an excellent choice for pro video creators using gimbals or shooting handheld.

5. What is the maximum magnification?

The maximum magnification is 0.3x when shooting at the 70mm focal length.

Applications & Use Cases

* Wedding & Event Photography: The lighter 2.2-pound build allows you to shoot 12-hour wedding days with significantly less fatigue, while the f/2.8 aperture captures stunning, low-light moments with creamy bokeh.

* Professional Portraiture: Utilise the 11 rounded diaphragm blades and 200mm focal length to create flattering compression and natural subject isolation against beautifully blurred backgrounds.

* Sports & Wildlife: Quickly track fast-moving subjects with the agile, reduced-weight barrel design, taking advantage of the refined optical elements to ensure edge-to-edge sharpness.