Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a fast telephoto zoom lens that combines significant weight reduction with outstanding rendering capabilities and next-generation, high-performance AF

February. 24, 2026

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TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a fast telephoto zoom lens compatible with full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras.

As part of the S-Line*1 series of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is a telephoto zoom lens, the lightest in its class*2 with a weight of just 998 g*3, that covers the 70 mm to 200 mm range of focal lengths with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout that range. Moving components of both the optics and internal mechanisms have been completely revamped for a significant reduction in weight of approximately 26%*3 versus that of the current NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (released in August of 2020). This further increases mobility during long shoots and supports a variety of shooting styles, including hand-held shooting and video recording using a gimbal. The Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)*4 has been adopted for the AF drive system for highly precise, smooth, and quiet AF control. Autofocusing is approximately 3.5x faster*5, and AF tracking performance with zooming is roughly 40% better than that of the current NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, enabling more accurate focusing on rapidly moving subjects, such as athletes participating in sporting events. In addition, the number of lens elements has been reduced with optimally placing aspherical elements and newly adopted Super ED and aspherical ED elements that are effective at correcting chromatic aberration, achieving both a lightweight design and the highest-level of rendering performance in the S-Line lens. As a fast telephoto zoom lens that can be used with a wide variety of scenes, the new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II supports photographers looking to capture decisive moments, for both still-image and video recording, with greater certainty.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users' needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

  1. The S-Line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that demonstrate outstanding optical performance, adhering to a high standard of design principles and quality control.
  2. Among 70-200mm f/2.8 interchangeable lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras available as of February 24, 2026. Statement based on Nikon research.
  3. Excluding tripod collar ring and protective cover.
  4. An AF drive actuator that combines a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) and a guide mechanism developed by Nikon. The VCM is a motor in which a coil reciprocates in a strong magnetic field created by a powerful magnet.
  5. When used with a camera equipped with the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. Measured in accordance with Nikon standards.
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© Hannah Peters
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© Chris Grundy

Primary features

  • The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II features the lightest weight in its class (998 g*1), achieved by modifying the front lens group configuration and eliminating mechanical components in the moving lens groups. This makes the lens easy to carry and reduces the burden on the photographer with hand-held shooting.
  • The multi-focusing system*2, for which the Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) has been adopted, achieves extremely fast, precise, and quiet AF with both still-image and video recording.
  • The use of six different types of lens elements — Super ED, aspherical ED, ED, aspherical, fluorite, and SR — effectively corrects lens aberrations for clearer and more natural rendering.
  • The lens supports a minimum focus distance of 0.38 m at the wide-angle end and 0.8 m at the telephoto end. The maximum reproduction ratio is 0.3x at the wide-angle end and 0.25x at the telephoto end, allowing users to get closer to their subjects for dynamic expression.
  • The first NIKKOR lens to support the use of Arca-Swiss tripod heads*3, for smoother tripod mounting and dismounting.
  • Adoption of Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikon history*4, and ARNEO Coat effectively suppresses ghosting and flares, resulting in clear images.
  • The control ring clicking switch*5 allows users to enable or disable the tactile click for control ring operation, enabling smoother shooting.
  • A removable tripod collar ring enables smooth switching between portrait and landscape orientation, and a protective cover is included for comfortable hand-held shooting. The lens offers superior strength and durability and dust- and drip-resistant performance, even without the removable tripod collar ring and protective cover, for worry-free shooting.
  • Equipped with a filter adjustment window that allows users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters without removing the lens hood.
  • 6.0-stop*6 vibration reduction (VR) performance at the center and edges of the frame when used with a camera that supports Synchro VR.
  • The use of the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x enables more flexible shooting, even of distant subjects.
  • The internal zoom mechanism, which maintains a constant lens length when zooming, enables stable zoom operation and contributes to the lens's superior dust- and drip-resistant performance*7.
  1. Excluding tripod collar ring and protective cover.
  2. Multiple AF drive units work together to control the position of multiple focus lens groups with great precision for superior image formation performance regardless of shooting distance.
  3. The tripod collar of this lens can be attached to Arca-Swiss screw-type quick-release clamps. However, please avoid using lever-type clamps, as they may not fix the lens firmly in place.
  4. Among interchangeable lenses for Nikon cameras.
  5. The Z9, Z8, Z7II, Z6III, Z6II, ZR, Z5II, Z5, Zf, and Z50II support this function (as of February 24, 2026). Update the camera firmware to the latest version.
  6. Based on CIPA 2024 Standard. Yaw/pitch/roll correction performance with the Z6III (Synchro VR enabled, telephoto end, NORMAL mode).
  7. Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed under all conditions or in all situations.

    Specifications, design, product name and supplied accessories may differ by country or area. Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

    The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.

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