- New Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II weighs only 998g
- It promises quieter, faster autofocus and six-stop stabilization
- Available from March and priced at £2,999 (US and Australian prices TBC)
Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a second-generation revision of its telephoto zoom that promises 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 (Australian price to be confirmed).
The headline is its weight. At just 998g (with 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 as focal lengths change, which sounds like something gimbal operators should especially appreciate.
Autofocus also gets an upgrade. The new lens uses Nikon’s ‘Silky Swift’ coil motors and is claimed to deliver AF speeds up to 3.5x 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 means something to videographers who want clean on-camera sound without the mechanical hiss of the focus system creeping into their footage.
Picture 1 of 3
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 frame.
The optical formula has also been reworked, and Nikon says the streamlined design uses fewer elements deployed more efficiently, incorporating double-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 improvements included to round out what sounds to me like a very comprehensive upgrade: the control ring can be de-clicked for smooth, stepless 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 don’t need to remove the hood when using a rotary 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 excellent Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.
The 70-200mm f/2.8 focal length 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 make this new version easier to recommend than its predecessor for photographers who want extra reach without the fatigue that often accompanies all-day work.
It also promises to be a strong upgrade for those still using the even older predecessor to this lens, the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR. TechRadar’s camera editor Timothy Coleman says the version has been his most used lens over the years, but he’s considering upgrading to this new mirrorless.
If you’re keen for a two-lens kit for events or travel, and you’ve already got the quality wide-to-standard zoom side of things covered, this looks like the obvious next purchase. Keep an eye out for it from March 2026.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, video unboxings, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
The best compact cameras
