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Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II review: Nikon slims its f/2.8 telezoom to 998 g

Nikon's second-generation f/2.8 telephoto zoom for Z mount, from 2026. Launched at $3,199.95 (US). Who it suits: sports, event and wedding photographers on Nikon Z.

October 23, 2026 · Lens · Review

Related on site: Choosing a lens by what you shoot: our Lenses by Purpose guide.

HIGHLIGHTS

Why it exists. Nikon calls the new zoom "the lightest in its class with a weight of just 998 g" (Nikon Corporation release).

It replaces the first NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S with a lighter design, 18 elements in 16 groups and an 11-blade aperture.

Who should buy it? Nikon Z sports and event shooters who carry a 70-200mm all day.

The story

Nikon announced the lens in February 2026; Nikon USA lists it at $3,199.95 (Nikon USA).

Close focus runs from 0.38 m to 0.8 m across the zoom range. Specs below are from Nikon Imaging's product page.

Specifications

Key specs for the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, from Nikon Imaging and Nikon's releases. Source for each row in brackets.

Format / rangeFull-frame (FX) Z mount, 70–200mm, f/2.8 [Nikon Imaging]
Optics18 elements in 16 groups [Nikon Imaging]
Aperture11 blades [Nikon Imaging]
Close focus0.38–0.8 m; 0.3x [Nikon Imaging]
Filters77mm [Nikon Imaging]
Size / weight90 × 208 mm; 998 g [Nikon Imaging]
Announced / priceFebruary 2026; $3,199.95 (US) [Nikon USA]

Sample photos

Five photos taken with the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, shared on Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses. Select a photo to enlarge it.

Ornate white stone towers and chimneys of a French chateau under a cloudy sky
The many towers of Chateau de Chambord (on a Nikon Z9).
Photo: Eric Kilby via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Two sheep grazing on green salt meadow with Mont Saint-Michel in the distance
Sheep grazing before Mont Saint-Michel (on a Nikon Z9).
Photo: Eric Kilby via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Mont Saint-Michel rising beyond a meadow dotted with sheep under a blue sky
Mont Saint-Michel and sheep (on a Nikon Z9).
Photo: Eric Kilby via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Mont Saint-Michel silhouetted above low mist and reflected in water under a pink sky
Mont Saint-Michel at a misty sunrise (on a Nikon Z9).
Photo: Eric Kilby via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
A vertical view of Mont Saint-Michel and its reflection in still water at dawn
Mont Saint-Michel above the mist (on a Nikon Z9).
Photo: Eric Kilby via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)

Nikon: Launched at $3,199.95 in 2026 (US).

Verdict

Who it's for: Nikon Z sports, event and wedding photographers who want a lighter f/2.8 telezoom.

Comparing telephoto zooms? See our Lenses by purpose guide.

Strengths

  • 998 g, per Nikon the lightest in its class
  • 11-blade aperture
  • 0.38 m close focus at the wide end

Trade-offs

  • Launched at $3,199.95
  • Very new, so few independent samples yet
Check price: Amazon (new)

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Further discussion

Sources