Nikon’s Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is official, and improves on first-gen version in several key areas
- New Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II weighs just 998g
- It promises quieter, faster autofocus and six stops of stabilization
- Available from March, costing £2,999 / $2,999 / AU$5,399
Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a second-gen overhaul of its telephoto zoom promising class-leading weight savings, a faster autofocus system and a redesigned optical formula – all while retaining the f/2.8 maximum aperture that makes this type of lens so useful in low light. The new lens will be available from March 2026, priced at $2,999 / £2,999 / AU$5,399.
The headline figure is its weight. At just 998g (with the tripod collar removed), the new lens is 362g lighter than the original Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and, according to Nikon, the lightest lens among 70-200mm f/2.8 options for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
It’s also 12mm shorter than before, which should make a big difference when shooting handheld for extended periods, or even when mounted on a gimbal for video work. In fact, the internal zoom design keeps the center of gravity consistent when changing focal lengths, which sounds like something gimbal operators should particularly appreciate.
Autofocus also gets an upgrade. The new lens uses Nikon’s ‘Silky Swift’ voice coil motors and is claimed to deliver AF speeds up to 3.5x faster than the first-gen version when paired with a camera body running the EXPEED 7 processor, such as the Nikon Z6 III or Z8.
The lens is also 50% quieter, which matters for video shooters who want clean on-camera audio without the mechanical whirr of the focus system creeping into their recordings.
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Image stabilization has been bumped up to six stops of in-lens Vibration Reduction, with Synchro VR available on compatible Z bodies to maximize stability across the entire frame.
The optical formula has been reworked too, and Nikon says the streamlined design uses fewer elements deployed more efficiently, incorporating dual-sided aspherical elements, Super ED and SR glass, and new coatings for improved sharpness, prettier bokeh and greater flare resistance.
There are a few ergonomic refinements included to round out what sounds to me like a very comprehensive upgrade: the control ring can be de-clicked for smooth, step-less operation during video; the tripod collar is removable and uses an Arca-Swiss foot; and the lens hood includes a filter window – a small but smart touch that means you won’t need to remove the hood when using a rotating variable ND filter.
A perfect second lens for your bag?
For Nikon Z system shooters, I think this lens sounds like an ideal partner to a standard zoom like the superb Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.
The 70-200mm f/2.8 focal range is one of the most versatile in photography – equally comfortable shooting weddings, sports, wildlife and candid street work – and the combination of a faster, quieter AF system and a significantly lighter body makes this new version easier to recommend than its predecessor to photographers who want extra reach without the fatigue that often comes with lugging heavy glass around all day.
It also promises to be a strong upgrade for those who are still using the even older predecessor to this lens, the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR. TechRadar’s Cameras editor Timothy Coleman says that version has been his most-used lens over the years, but he’s considering upgrading to this new mirrorless one.
If you’re keen for a two-lens kit for events or travel and you already have the quality wide-to-standard zoom side of things covered, this looks like the obvious next purchase. Look out for it from March 2026.
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