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The new 70-200mm F2.8 II is 12mm (0.47″) shorter than its predecessor and comes with an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot. Image: Nikon |
Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II, an update to its workhorse telephoto zoom that’s substantially lighter than its predecessor. It’s the second update of one of Nikon’s F2.8 trio, following the recent 24-70mm F2.8 S II.
As well as being lighter, the new lens adopts a voice-coil motor to improve focus speed and gains an Arca-Swiss-compatible, removable tripod foot.
The 70-200 F2.8 VR S II has an entirely new optical formula, with 18 elements in 16 groups; 3 fewer elements than the previous model. It includes one ED glass element, one Super ED lens, two aspherical elements, one aspherical ED element, a fluorite lens and a SR lens. Unsurprisingly, Nikon has also incorporated many of its top-end coatings, including Meso Amorphous and Arneo layers to reduce flaring and ghosting and a fluorine coating on the front element to repel oils and moisture.
The company says the new optical formula will be sharper than the previous model, and promises circular bokeh over a greater aperture range, thanks to an 11-bladed aperture, rather than 9. It can also focus closer, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m (15″) at 70mm, and 0.8m (31.5″) at 200mm, which is good for up to 0.3x reproduction.
Shedding optical elements, making some of the existing ones thinner, and reducing the number of moving groups and the mechanisms needed to move them allowed Nikon to make the lens 26% lighter than its predecessor.
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The Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II, shown without the cosmetic bayonet cover. It’s in this form that the lens delivers the 26% weight reduction, compared with the previous version. Image: Nikon |
With the (now Arca-Swiss compatible) tripod foot installed, it weighs 1180g (41.6oz). If you remove it, though, and don’t install the included cosmetic sleeve to cover its mounting bayonet, you can get the weight down to 998g (35.2oz), which is 72g (2.5oz) lighter than even Canon’s collapsing 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM.
Physically, the lens has most of the bells and whistles you’d probably expect on a pro lens. It has two sets of function buttons, giving you the ability to have access to two custom functions when shooting in either portrait or landscape orientation, as well as a programmable control ring that can be set to clicking or clickless operation. The lens hood now has a window that lets you adjust variable filters mounted to its 77mm thread without having to take it off.
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Here the lens is shown with the supplied bayonet cover installed. This brings the weight to 1030g (36.3oz) Image: Nikon |
The 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II also has improved image stabilization, which Nikon says is good for up to 6 stops, up from 5.5EV. It remains weather sealed and compatible with teleconverters, though, like with the 24-70mm, Nikon has dropped the top-mounted display.
While we haven’t had complaints with the stepping AF motor found in the original Z 70-200mm F2.8, the company says this lens will have faster autofocus thanks to the same voice coil motor-powered “Silky Swift VCM” system that powers lenses like the second-gen 24-70mm and the 600mm F4. There’s also a focus position sensor that the company says improves focus precision.
As has become standard, there’s a price increase compared with the predecessor: the new 70-200 will retail for $3199 when it launches in late March, a roughly 10% increase from the $2899 sticker for the original.
Press release:
FASTER, LIGHTER, MORE PRECISE: THE NEW NIKKOR Z 70-200MM F/2.8 VR S II LENS IS ENGINEERED FOR THE PROFESSIONAL IN PURSUIT OF PERFECTION
The Second Generation of Nikon’s Renowned Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is the Lightest in its Class1
MELVILLE, NY (February 23, 2026) Nikon Inc. has announced the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a premium-grade fast telephoto zoom lens for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This second-generation version of Nikon’s most popular pro-level fast telephoto zoom delivers improved optical performance, faster focusing, and a 26% lighter weight than its first-generation predecessor.
With a fast f/2.8 constant aperture and versatile focal range, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is well established as the essential lens for capturing sports, portraits, weddings, and more, with excellent low light performance and naturally beautiful bokeh. This latest S-Line lens improves upon this classic recipe – specifically created for professional photographers and videographers who will not compromise on image quality and capability.
“This lens is a true demonstration of the optical superiority and expertise that Nikon pours into NIKKOR Z S-Line optics, giving professionals ultimate confidence in performance and reliability, day in and day out,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc.
This evolved 70-200mm f/2.8 employs Nikon’s Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)2 autofocus drive system for highly precise, smooth, and quiet autofocus (AF) control when shooting. Autofocusing is approximately 3.5× faster3, and AF tracking while zooming is approximately 40% better than its well-regarded predecessor, enabling more accurate focusing on rapidly moving subjects like athletes, animals, and vehicles. The optical formula has been thoroughly revised, with a reduction in the number of lens elements and a more optimal placement of aspherical elements. Additionally, Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and aspherical ED elements have been adopted for chromatic aberration correction. This formula achieves both a lightweight design and the highest level of rendering performance. What’s more, the lens is exceptionally balanced and features an internal zoom design, making it ideal for gimbal use and comfortable for handheld shooting.
Features of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens
- The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II has the lightest weight in its class (998 g*1), achieved by modifying the front lens group configuration and eliminating mechanical components in the moving lens groups. This makes the lens easy to carry and comfortable to use for extended shooting periods. Overall, the lens is 26% lighter and 12mm shorter than its predecessor.
- The multi-focusing system now utilizes a Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) to achieve extremely fast, precise, and quiet autofocus for both stills and video.
- A revised optical formula uses six different types of lens elements – Super ED, aspherical ED, ED, aspherical, fluorite, and Short-wavelength Refractive (SR) to effectively correct lens aberrations for clearer and more natural rendering. Additionally, the lens now features 11 rounded diaphragm blades for more natural, circular bokeh.
- The lens adopts a Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikon history4, and an ARNEO Coat which effectively suppresses ghosting and flares.
- The minimum focus distance is 0.38 m (wide) and 0.8 m (tele), with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.3× (wide) /0.25× (tele), letting users get closer to their subjects than ever before.
- This is the first ever NIKKOR lens to support the use of Arca-Swiss tripod heads5, for smoother tripod mounting and dismounting. A removable tripod collar ring enables smooth switching between portrait and landscape orientation, and a protective cover is included for comfortable hand-held shooting.
- The lens offers superior strength and durability for worry-free shooting. The internal zoom mechanism, which maintains a constant lens length when zooming, enables stable operation and contributes to its superior dust- and drip-resistant performance6. A fluorine coating on the front element further protects against dirt and smudges.
- The control ring clicking switch7 allows users to enable or disable the tactile click for control ring operation, enabling smoother shooting.
- 6.0-stop8 vibration reduction (VR) performance is accessible at the center and edges of the frame when used with a camera that supports Synchro VR.
- The included lens hood features a filter adjustment window that allows users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters without removing the lens hood.
- Compatibility with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× enables more flexible shooting, even when capturing distant subjects.
Price and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens will be available in late March 2026 for a suggested retail price of $3199.95*.
For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
1. Among 70-200mm f/2.8 interchangeable lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras available as of February 24, 2026. Statement based on Nikon research.
2. An AF drive actuator that combines a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) and a guide mechanism developed by Nikon. The VCM is a motor in which a coil reciprocates in a strong magnetic field created by a powerful magnet. Warning: Do not use this product if you have a pacemaker or use other medical devices. The magnets in this product could cause medical devices to malfunction.
3. When used with a camera equipped with the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. Measured in accordance with Nikon standards.
4 Among interchangeable lenses for Nikon cameras.
5. The tripod collar of this lens can be attached to Arca-Swiss screw-type quick-release clamps. However, please avoid using lever-type clamps, as they may not fix the lens firmly in place.
6. Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed under all conditions or in all situations.
7. The Z9, Z8, Z7II, Z6III, Z6II, ZR, Z5II, Z5, Zf, and Z50II support this function (as of February 24, 2026). Update the camera firmware to the latest version.
8. Based on CIPA 2024 Standard. Yaw/pitch/roll correction performance with the Z6III (Synchro VR enabled, telephoto end, NORMAL mode).
Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II specifications:
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 70–200 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
| CIPA Image stabilization rating | 6 stop(s) |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 11 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 18 |
| Groups | 16 |
| Special elements / coatings | 1 ED, 1 Super ED, 2 asph., 1 asph. ED, 1 fluorite, 1 SR, Meso Amorphous coat., ARNEO coat., fluorine coat. |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.38 m (14.96″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.3× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Full time manual | Unknown |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 1180 g (2.60 lb) |
| Diameter | 90 mm (3.54″) |
| Length | 208 mm (8.19″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Zoom method | Rotary (internal) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | No |
| Filter thread | 77 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | Yes |