Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Lens
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is the everyday pro telephoto zoom for Nikon Z shooters who want flagship image quality in a noticeably lighter, better-balanced build. It pairs a constant f/2.8 aperture with up to 6 stops of VR, faster and quieter autofocus, and close-focusing performance that’s genuinely useful for detail shots.
- Carry it all day: Nikon’s lightest 70-200mm f/2.8 (998 g / 2.2 lb) for Z-mount full-frame bodies.
- Lock focus faster: Silky Swift VCM multi-focus AF for quick, smooth tracking in action and events.
- Shoot handheld with confidence: improved VR rated to 6 stops for sharper results at slower shutter speeds.
- Cleaner backlight and stage lighting: Meso Amorphous + ARNEO coatings reduce flare and ghosting.
- More flattering separation: 11 rounded blades for smoother, more natural-looking bokeh.
- Closer when it counts: minimum focus down to 38 cm at 70mm with up to 0.3x magnification for details.
- Built for real work: internal zoom/focus, weather sealing, fluorine front coating, and Arca-type compatible foot.
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Lens
A lighter, faster 70-200mm that keeps up with your best work
If you shoot people, events, sport, or landscapes on Nikon Z, a 70-200mm f/2.8 is the lens that solves the most problems. The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II refines the classic formula with a smaller, lighter build (998 g / 2.2 lb), faster Silky Swift VCM autofocus, and an updated S-Line optical design that’s tuned for sharper detail, stronger contrast, and smoother out-of-focus transitions. Add 6-stop Vibration Reduction, reduced focus breathing for video-friendly framing, and close focus up to 0.3x magnification, and you’ve got a workhorse tele zoom that feels easier to use in the real world—especially over long days.
Why This Product Matters
- Less fatigue, more shooting: The reduced weight and shorter length make it easier to carry on a strap, move quickly in a crowd, and stay steady handheld.
- Reliable subject separation: A constant f/2.8 aperture gives consistent exposure across the zoom range and helps isolate subjects cleanly in busy scenes.
- Higher keeper rate in tough light: 6-stop VR plus fast AF makes a noticeable difference for indoor events, dusk portraits, and fast-paced reportage.
- Better performance under harsh lighting: Nikon’s Meso Amorphous and ARNEO coatings are designed to suppress ghosting and flare for higher contrast in backlight.
Real-World Performance
- Events and weddings: 70–200mm covers candid moments, ceremonies, speeches, and portraits without forcing you too close to the action. Quiet focus and reliable tracking help when moments happen once.
- Sports and action: The fast multi-focus system is built for continuous AF, with improved tracking while zooming—ideal for field sports, dance, and indoor court work.
- Portraits with depth: At 135–200mm, faces render with natural perspective and pleasing background compression, while the 11-blade diaphragm helps keep highlights round and transitions smooth.
- Travel and landscape details: Pull distant peaks closer, isolate patterns, and shoot through atmospheric haze with strong contrast and high resolution across the frame.
Creative Flexibility & Control
- Close-focus versatility: With focusing down to 38 cm at 70mm and up to 0.3x magnification, you can capture rings, table details, food, crafts, and product-like close-ups without swapping lenses.
- Handling that stays consistent: Internal zoom and internal focus keep the lens length stable, improving balance on gimbals, monopods, and handheld rigs.
- Custom control where you want it: Dedicated focus and zoom rings, a customizable Control Ring with a click on/off switch, plus two L-Fn buttons for quick access to your preferred functions.
- Filter-friendly hood: The included hood has an adjustment window for rotating filters like polarizers and variable NDs.
- Teleconverter-ready: Compatible with Nikon Z teleconverters for extended reach (98–280mm with 1.4x; 140–400mm with 2x).
Who This Product Is For
- Professional and serious enthusiasts who want a flagship 70-200mm f/2.8 that’s easier to carry all day.
- Hybrid shooters who need quiet AF, stable handling, and reduced focus breathing for video and stills.
- Portrait, wedding, and event photographers who rely on fast f/2.8 performance and consistent results in mixed lighting.
- Sports and action shooters who need fast tracking and dependable sharpness at every focal length.
Comparison: Choosing the Right Telephoto Zoom
| Feature | NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II | NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (Gen I) | Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Z) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | All-day pro work: events, portrait, sport, hybrid video | Pro tele zoom with classic handling and OLED panel | Compact, lighter alternative with strong close-up capability |
| Zoom range | 70–200mm | 70–200mm | 70–180mm |
| Weight | 998g (2.2 lb) | 1360g (3.0 lb) | 865g (30.5 oz) |
| Length | 208mm (8.2") | 220mm (8.66") | 158.7mm (6.2") |
| Max magnification | 0.3x (1:3.3) | 0.2x (1:5) | Up to 1:2.6 at 70mm (approx. 0.38x) |
| Aperture blades | 11 rounded (smoother highlight shape) | 9 rounded | 9 circular |
| Filters | 77mm | 77mm | 67mm |
| Stabilization | VR (rated to 6 stops) | VR | VC |
| Tripod mounting | Included Arca-type compatible foot | Rotating collar (requires plate for Arca-style heads) | Varies by kit; typically uses a separate collar/plate solution |
| If you want the most consistent pro results | Choose this for the best balance of speed, handling, coatings, and 200mm reach. | Choose this if you prefer the OLED panel and don’t mind extra size/weight. | Choose this if compact size and close-up capability matter more than 200mm reach. |
Ready for the lens you’ll reach for most?
If your work demands dependable sharpness, fast tracking, and flattering subject separation—without the usual weight penalty of a pro 70-200mm—this is the one to build around. The 70–200mm range covers portraits, events, and sport with fewer lens changes, while 6-stop VR and quiet, quick autofocus help you deliver more keepers when the light drops or the pace picks up.
Add it to your kit today and you’ll feel the difference the first time you carry it through a full shoot day.
Content reviewed by Bluewater Photo staff, recognized as the #1 online retailer specializing in underwater photography and scuba diving equipment, with real-world experience supporting, selling, and configuring underwater camera systems.
Learn More — Guides & Articles
Technical Specifications
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
|---|---|
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame (FX) |
| Focal Length | 70–200mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 (constant) |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Angle of View | 34° 20' to 12° 20' |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 38 cm (wide) to 80 cm (tele), measured from camera sensor |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.3x (1:3.3) |
| Optical Design | 18 elements in 16 groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 (rounded) |
| Autofocus | Yes (Silky Swift VCM multi-focus) |
| Image Stabilization | Yes (VR, rated to 6 stops) |
| Filter Size | 77mm (front) |
| Dimensions | 90mm diameter × 208mm length (3.5" × 8.2") |
| Weight | 998g (2.2 lb) without foot/protective cover |
What’s Included
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Lens
- 77mm snap-on front lens cap
- Rear lens cap
- HB-119 lens hood (with filter adjustment window)
- Bayonet sleeve (protective cover)
- Tripod foot
- CL-C3 lens case
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lens compatible with my Nikon Z camera?
Yes. It uses the Nikon Z mount and is designed for full-frame (FX) cameras. It also works on DX Z bodies, where it provides a 105–300mm equivalent field of view.
How effective is the stabilization for handheld shooting?
The lens includes an improved VR system rated to 6 stops, helping you get sharper handheld images at slower shutter speeds—especially useful for events, portraits, and low-light details.
Is it practical for video?
It’s designed with hybrid shooting in mind, offering quiet autofocus and an optical design that greatly reduces focus breathing to help keep framing more consistent during focus pulls.
How close can it focus?
It focuses as close as 38 cm at 70mm and 80 cm at 200mm (measured from the camera sensor), reaching up to 0.3x magnification for close-up details.
Does it include a tripod foot, and is it Arca-type compatible?
Yes. A tripod foot is included, and it features an integrated Arca-type dovetail design for direct compatibility with many tripod heads.
What filters does it take?
It uses common 77mm front filters, and the included hood has a window to adjust rotating filters like polarizers.
