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

Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II telephoto zoom

Nikon has updated the Nikon 70-200mm telephoto zoom to a new II version. How do you improve an already excellent lens? Here's a condensed list: new optical design, meaning better image quality, 35% faster focusing, 26% lighter, 12% shorter and closer focus. In other words, a truly completely redesigned and updated device in all areas.

And as a cherry on the cake, for the first time in a Nikon lens, the tripod collar is directly Arca-Swiss compatible. The new 24-70mm F2.8 II, which underwent a similar update, was so good that switching to the new model was common. Here the changes are at least as big, so if you want, ask us for an exchange offer!

Why the second version?

• New optical design and improved image quality
• Silky Swift VCM focus motor: 35% faster focus lock and 40% better focus while zooming
• All the latest coatings, Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO
• New 11-blade diaphragm, softer and more beautiful bokeh
• Weighs only 998g without tripod collar, 26% lighter than previous version
• The lightest lens in its class
• Compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters
• Image Stabilizer: 6-stop image stabilizer that works in conjunction with the internal stabilizer
• Closest focusing distance only 38cm at the wide end, 80cm at the telephoto end
• Programmable control rings, for example, exposure control directly from the lens
• Professional-grade weather protection
• Arca-Swiss compatible tripod collar and opening door in the lens hood for filter adjustment

Faster autofocus

The fast 70-200mm is a very versatile lens. It can be used to shoot portraits, sports and nature in demanding conditions. Since it is a professional-level lens, in addition to image quality, the most important thing is often the autofocus speed, even the best image quality is of no use if the image is not perfectly focused.

The Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor, or SSVCM, is the name of the monster that is familiar from Nikon's super telephoto lenses. But this means faster autofocus and a 35% faster scan time, the difference is especially noticeable at the telephoto end. VCM focusing uses magnets instead of gears to move the focusing elements. This makes the movement faster and more precise than with traditional stepping motors. The Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 II and this new 70-200mm F2.8 II are the only zoom lenses from the manufacturer that use this technology.

Focus correction can be initiated at any time by simply turning the focus ring. According to Nikon, this speed benefit is realized on cameras with an Expeed 7 processor or later, such as the Z6 III and Z8 bodies.

The lens is therefore great for fast-paced sports or event photography and works smoothly with the new Nikon bodies' focusing systems - even in continuous shooting. The closest focusing distance is just 38cm at the wide-angle end and 80cm at the telephoto end.

The Nikon Z 70-200mm features image stabilization that works in conjunction with the Z-series in-camera stabilization. Nikon promises this updated dual stabilization to be effective at 6 stops.

New optical design: better image quality and lighter weight

The lighter lens has been achieved with a new optical structure, now using 18 elements in 16 groups, three fewer than the previous version. However, as with Pro-level optics, there is a huge number of special lenses: 1 ED, 2 Super ED, 2 aspherical, 1 aspherical ED, a fluorite lens and a very rare SR lens element.

In addition, the manufacturer's best coatings are used. The Meso Amorphous Coar coating is better than Nikon's previous Nano Crystal Coat. In addition, the lens has an Arneo coating. The two coatings work together to protect and eliminate reflections from different directions.

What does all this mean? Despite the weight loss, the image quality is even better and we are looking forward to the first comparison tests. Furthermore, despite the lower weight, the lens feels very solid in the hand and the quality impression (as it should be) is even better than the previous version.

There are no fewer than 11 diaphragm blades and they are rounded in shape so the bokeh remains soft even when dimmed.

Perfect for video shooting

All the image quality and autofocus benefits help and the Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 II excels at video shooting. In addition to the speed, the autofocus is also 50% quieter than the previous model.

The lens has internal zoom, so the center of gravity or length does not change when zooming, which helps when shooting with a gimbal stabilizer.

The filter thread is a reasonable 77mm and the included HB-119 lens hood includes a door through which you can adjust ND and polarizing filters.

The lens has a programmable control ring, with the standard setting it handles manual focus, but the same ring can also be used to change the aperture value or correct exposure. The control ring can be used to eliminate clicks, for example for video use. There are no fewer than four programmable L-Fn buttons on the lens, which means the number has been doubled so that the button is always within easy reach.

The Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 II is weather and dust resistant to a higher level than the Nikon S series.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Nikon Z mount
• Aperture: F2.8 (minimum F22)
• Closest focusing distance: 38cm at 70mm focal length and 80cm at 200mm focal length (max. magnification ratio 0.3x)
• Optical construction: 18 elements in 16 groups, 11 rounded diaphragm blades
  
• Image stabilizer: yes
• Adjustable and detachable Arca-swiss compatible tripod collar
• Filter thread: 77mm
• Size: 90 x 208mm
  
• Weight: 998g (without tripod collar), 1180g with tripod collar

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Lens (Nikon Z) lens
• Nikon LC-77B Snap-On Front Lens Cap (77mm)
• Nikon LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap
• Nikon HB-119 Lens Hood
• Bayonet Sleeve
• Tripod Foot
• Nikon CL-C3 Lens Case (Black) protective bag