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

The Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II is the second generation of Nikon's professional f/2.8 telephoto zoom for the Z mount. Nikon announced it on 23 February 2026. It is made for full-frame Z cameras and aims at portraits, weddings, events, sports and wildlife at moderate distances. Nikon's main point is weight: at 998 g, it is described as the lightest lens in its class and 26 percent lighter than its predecessor.

Optical design

Nikon's US specification lists 18 elements in 16 groups. The press release names six types of special elements, namely Super ED, aspherical ED, ED, aspherical, fluorite and SR (Short-wavelength Refractive). The aperture is a constant f/2.8, with a smallest aperture of f/22 and an 11-blade rounded diaphragm. The lens uses a Meso Amorphous Coat and an ARNEO Coat against ghosting and flare, plus a fluorine coating on the front element.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus uses a Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM), which Nikon describes as extremely fast, precise and quiet for stills and video. The vibration reduction offers 6.0 stops with a camera that supports Synchro VR. The zoom is internal, so the length stays constant when zooming. Nikon lists a control ring with a click on/off switch, a filter adjustment window for polarizers and variable ND filters, and compatibility with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x. The minimum focus distance is 0.38 m at 70 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm.

Build and size

The lens weighs 998 g without the tripod collar and measures about 90 mm in diameter and 208 mm in length, which Nikon says is 12 mm shorter than its predecessor. The filter thread is 77 mm. Nikon lists extensive weather sealing but notes that complete dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in all situations.

Where it fits

The predecessor, the Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S, weighs 1440 g in our database with 21 elements in 18 groups and a length of 220 mm. The VR S II keeps the f/2.8 aperture and the filter size while cutting weight and length.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 998 g, lightest in its class according to Nikon
• Constant f/2.8 with 11 rounded aperture blades
• 6.0 stops of VR with Synchro VR
• Internal zoom with constant length
• Compatible with Nikon's TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters
• Filter adjustment window and switchable control ring clicks

Cons

• 998 g is still a heavy lens for long days
• Minimum aperture f/22 and a 77 mm thread, same as before
• The 6.0 stops of VR apply with a camera that supports Synchro VR
• Nikon does not guarantee complete weather protection

Verdict

The Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II keeps what made the first version a Z-mount reference and takes a lot of weight out of it. It is aimed at working photographers who carry the lens all day and want new AF and 6-stop VR. For those who do not need that weight saving, the original VR S is the heavier previous version.