Nikon reveals new 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom for its Z-series mirrorless cameras — and it might just be the perfect second lens
This lens looks perfect for weddings, sports and candids
· TechRadarNews By Sam Kieldsen published 24 February 2026
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- New Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II weighs just 998g
- It promises quieter, faster autofocus and six stops of stabilization
- Available from March, costing £2,999 (US and Australia pricing TBC)
Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a second-gen overhaul of its telephoto zoom promising 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 pricing is to be confirmed).
The headline figure is its weight. At just 998g (with the 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 when changing focal lengths, which sounds like something gimbal operators should particularly appreciate.
Autofocus also gets an upgrade. The new lens uses Nikon's 'Silky Swift' voice coil motors and is claimed to deliver AF speeds up to 3.5x faster than the first-gen 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 matters for video shooters who want clean on-camera audio without the mechanical whirr of the focus system creeping into their recordings.
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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 entire frame.
The optical formula has been reworked too, and Nikon says the streamlined design uses fewer elements deployed more efficiently, incorporating dual-sided aspherical elements, Super ED and SR glass, and new coatings for improved sharpness, prettier bokeh and greater flare resistance.
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