Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 vs Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S
Nikon Z
The Z 70-180 f/2.8 (June 2023) is Nikon's compact alternative to the Z 70-200 f/2.8 VR S (2020), which belongs to the S-Line. Both have a constant f/2.8 and are dust and drip resistant. The 70-180 saves almost half the weight and size at 795 g and 151 mm long (1,440 g with tripod collar, 220 mm). According to Nikon it works with the TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x and focuses to 0.27 m, the 70-200 to 0.5 m. In return the 70-180 has no in-lens stabilizer, while the 70-200 offers 5.5 stops of VR.
Note: Nikon has since introduced the 70-200 f/2.8 VR S II, so the version here is the predecessor.
Which one suits whom?
- Z 70-180: You want a fast tele that comes along for travel, weddings or hiking.
- Z 70-200 VR S: You need 200 mm, in-lens stabilization and S-Line features.
Key differences
- Focal length: 70-180 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8, 70-200 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 is 645 g lighter (795 g vs 1,440 g).
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 is 69 mm shorter.
- Only the Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S has optical image stabilization.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 focuses closer: from 27 cm instead of 50 cm.
- Filter thread: 67 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8, 77 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 | Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 70-180 mm | 70-200 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 795 g | 1,440 g |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 27 cm | 50 cm |
| Length | 151 mm | 220 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | no | yes |
Size comparison
- Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8: 151 × 84 mm
- Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S: 220 × 89 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).