- The new Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II weighs only 998g
- It promises quieter, faster autofocus and six levels of stabilization
- Available from March, priced £2,999 (US and Australian pricing TBC)
Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a second-generation redesign of its telephoto lens promising class-leading weight savings, a faster autofocus system and a redesigned optical formula, 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 (Australian pricing to be confirmed).
The overall 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 the 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 long periods of time, 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 length, which seems 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 3.5 times faster than the first-generation 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 is important for videographers who want clear on-camera audio without the mechanical whir of the focusing system creeping into their recordings.
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Image stabilization has been increased by up to six levels of in-lens vibration reduction, with Synchro VR available on compatible Z bodies to maximize stability across the entire frame.
The optical formula has also been reworked, and Nikon says the simplified design uses fewer elements deployed more efficiently, incorporating double-sided aspherical elements, Super ED and SR glass, as well as new coatings for improved sharpness, prettier bokeh and greater resistance to flare.
A few ergonomic improvements are included to round out what seems to me to be a very comprehensive upgrade: the control ring can be peeled off for smooth, step-free 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 lens hood when using a rotating variable ND filter.
A perfect second lens for your bag?
For Nikon Z system photographers, I think this lens seems like an ideal partner for 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 for shooting weddings, sports, wildlife and 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 the extra reach without the fatigue that often comes with carrying around heavy glasses all day.
It also promises to be a significant upgrade for those still using this lens’ even older predecessor, the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR. Timothy Coleman, TechRadar’s camera editor, says this version has been his most used lens over the years, but he’s considering upgrading to this new mirrorless model.
If you’re looking for a two-lens kit for events or travel and already have the wide to standard quality zoom side, this seems like the next obvious purchase. To watch from March 2026.
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