I tested the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, and it's flawless — now I’m desperate to upgrade from my trusty DSLR original

by · TechRadar

TechRadar Verdict

The mark II version of Nikon's 70-200mm f/2.8 for Z-mount features a lighter build, new optical design, closer minimum focusing, and various design tweaks; and the result is a virtually flawless telephoto zoom. I'm desperate to have this lens in my gear bag for weddings, events, and portraiture, and as a backup for wildlife photography with a teleconverter. The only real drawback is the jump in price over its predecessor, which makes me think twice about which 70-200mm to recommend. However, if you regularly have long shoot days and your budget stretches to the mark II, it's worth the extra outlay.

Pros

  • +Light for this type of lens
  • +New optical design improves image quality, including bokeh
  • +Tripod collar is fully removable
  • +Rugged build quality
  • +Works with teleconverters

Cons

  • -Pricey
  • -Still large
  • -No display, nor focus distance markings

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Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II: One-minute review

Hot on the heels of the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, Nikon has delivered its second mark II lens for its Z-mount mirrorless cameras — and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is another 5-star success.

The pro telephoto zoom builds on the original Z 70-200mm by being much lighter (and a fraction smaller), featuring a totally removable Arca-Swiss compatible tripod collar, and offering better close-focusing skills and a new optical design which improves image quality in various ways, especially bokeh.

I found the pricier Sony 50-150mm F2 GM a more exciting telephoto zoom to test, but there's no such lens for Nikon cameras yet; and, overall, it's hard to find fault with Nikon's latest stellar 70-200mm f/2.8. While it easily joins the ranks of essential Nikon lenses there is a big jump in price — it costs $3,199 / £2,999 / AU$5,399, where its predecessor cost around $2,600 / £2,600 / AU$5,100 at launch, and that lens is now available for less.

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II alongside the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 G ED VR II designed for Nikon's F-mount DSLRs. They're essentially the same size, but the new mirrorless lens is much lighter (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

Is the new lens worth the extra? For me, yes. My own 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II for Nikon DSLRs was my most-used lens for weddings and portraiture work, and it has paid for itself time and again over its years of heavy use.

When I made the switch from DSLR to mirrorless, I continued using that lens via an adapter, such is its quality and versatility for paid work, until the day I could consider upgrading to its Z-mount successor.

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S was enticing, but I didn't see enough of an upgrade over my DSLR lens to make it worth splashing out. The mark II version, with its new optical design and lightweight body, is the upgrade I've been wanting all along, especially for long shoot days.

Nikon has squeezed every bit of quality in can into a lightweight successor to what was already a stellar telephoto zoom, and I expect many pro Nikon photographers to buy, and rely on it for years to come.

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