The IT Nerd

Nikon Canada has announced the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a premium-grade fast telephoto zoom lens for full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This second-generation version of Nikon’s most popular pro-level fast telephoto zoom delivers improved optical performance, faster focusing, and a 26 per cent lighter weight than its first-generation predecessor. 

With a fast f/2.8 constant aperture and versatile focal range, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is well established as the essential lens for capturing sports, portraits, weddings, and more, with excellent low-light performance and naturally beautiful bokeh. This latest S-Line lens improves upon this classic recipe – specifically created for professional photographers and videographers who will not compromise on image quality and capability. 

This evolved 70-200mm f/2.8 employs Nikon’s Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) autofocus drive system for highly precise, smooth, and quiet autofocus (AF) control when shooting. Autofocusing is approximately 3.5× faster, and AF tracking while zooming is approximately 40 per cent better than its well-regarded predecessor, enabling more accurate focusing on rapidly moving subjects like athletes, animals, and vehicles. The optical formula has been thoroughly revised, with a reduction in the number of lens elements and a more optimal placement of aspherical elements. Additionally, Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and aspherical ED elements have been adopted for chromatic aberration correction. This formula achieves both a lightweight design and the highest level of rendering performance. What’s more, the lens is exceptionally balanced and features an internal zoom design, making it ideal for gimbal use and comfortable for handheld shooting.

Features of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens:

• The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II has the lightest weight in its class (998 g), 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 comfortable to use for extended shooting periods. Overall, the lens is 26 per cent lighter and 12mm shorter than its predecessor.
• The multi-focusing system now utilizes a Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) to achieve extremely fast, precise, and quiet autofocus for both stills and video.
• A revised optical formula uses six different types of lens elements – Super ED, aspherical ED, ED, aspherical, fluorite, and Short-wavelength Refractive (SR) to effectively correct lens aberrations for clearer and more natural rendering. Additionally, the lens now features 11 rounded diaphragm blades for more natural, circular bokeh.
• The lens adopts a Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikon history, and an ARNEO Coat which effectively suppresses ghosting and flares.
• The minimum focus distance is 0.38 m (wide) and 0.8 m (tele), with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.3× (wide) /0.25× (tele), letting users get closer to their subjects than ever before.
• This is the first ever NIKKOR lens to support the use of Arca-Swiss tripod heads, for smoother tripod mounting and dismounting. 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 for worry-free shooting. The internal zoom mechanism, which maintains a constant lens length when zooming, enables stable operation and contributes to its superior dust- and drip-resistant performance. A fluorine coating on the front element further protects against dirt and smudges.
• The control ring clicking switch allows users to enable or disable the tactile click for control ring operation, enabling smoother shooting.
• 6.0-stop vibration reduction (VR) performance is accessible at the centre and edges of the frame when used with a camera that supports Synchro VR.
• The included lens hood features a filter adjustment window that allows users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters without removing the lens hood.
• Compatibility with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× enables more flexible shooting, even when capturing distant subjects.

Price and Availability

The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens will be available in late March 2026 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $4,199.95.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca.

This entry was posted on February 24, 2026 at 8:55 am and is filed under Commentary with tags Nikon. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.