Lens Reviews / Nikon Lenses i Not yet tested

70-200mm	$2,330 average price

Updates:
12/28/2020: Field Test & Gallery Images added

 

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S VR Nikkor Field Test

Does this expensive Z mount zoom meet lofty expectations?

by Jeremy Gray | Posted 12/18/2020

Shot on a Nikon Z5. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/4, 1/400s, ISO 1000. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Alongside the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Nikkor and Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Nikkor, the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor lens rounds out a fantastic f/2.8 zoom lens trifecta for Nikon's Z mirrorless system. The Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a versatile, capable lens and its bright f/2.8 aperture allows for considerable flexibility in challenging situations. Packed with the latest in Nikon optical technologies, the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S delivers impressive performance across its zoom range.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/4, 1/400s, ISO 6400. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

I used the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens on the Z5, the Z7 and the new Z6 II. I also used Nikon's newest 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. During my time with the lens, I was continually impressed by its good build quality, sharp images and fast autofocus.

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S VR Nikkor key features and specs

• Includes programmable Control Ring
• Integrated OLED information display
• Has a pair of assignable L.Fn buttons
• Dust- and moisture-resistant lens barrel
• Removable, rotating tripod collar
• 77mm filter thread
• Weighs 2.99 lb. (1,360g)
• 34° 20' to 12° 20' angle of view
• Constant f/2.8 aperture
• 9 aperture diaphragm blades and electromagnetic aperture mechanism
• Multi-Focus Stepping Motor AF system
• Minimum focus distance of 1.64 ft. (50cm)
• Maximum magnification of 0.2x
• Built-in Vibration Reduction system, first Z lens to include VR
• 21 elements in 18 groups
• Includes 6 extra-low dispersion elements, 2 aspherical elements, 1 fluorite element and one short-wave refractive index element
• Features ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coating
• $2,600 USD MSRP

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 200mm, f/4, 1/200s, ISO 8000. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Lens design and handling: A modern and refined take on a classic design

The 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is very similar in form and function to the AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens for Nikon F mount. As far as I'm concerned, this is a good thing as there is no need to break the mold. That isn't to say the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor doesn't bring anything new to the table, however.

New to the 70-200mm f/2.8 design is a Control Ring, as we've seen on other Nikon Z lenses. The Control Ring allows you to adjust different camera or lens settings, such as aperture. The lens also includes an OLED information panel, which is a great inclusion. You can display different info on the panel, including a focus scale or the specific focal length the lens is set to.

The lens also includes a pair of L.Fn buttons, plus the L.Fn2 button has a trio of additional buttons located at 90° intervals around the barrel, ensuring you can use the function button no matter the orientation of the lens. Speaking of the lens orientation, the tripod foot rotates and includes markings at every 90°. The tripod foot can also be removed if needed. It is a solid tripod foot and I have no issues with it; it proved to be a stable base when working on a tripod.

The barrel balances nicely on all three full-frame Z-series camera bodies I used. The zoom ring is located near the end of the lens barrel and has a nice ridged surface. Focal lengths are marked 70mm, 85mm, 105mm, 135mm and 200mm, and there are hard stops at each extreme focal length range. This, combined with less than 90-degrees of rotation, makes it easy to zoom from 70mm to 200mm very quickly. Nearer the lens mount is the focus ring, which is narrower but includes the same ridged surface.

At 2.99 pounds (1,360 grams), the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor is a bit lighter than the latest-generation F mount 70-200mm lens, which weighs 3.15 lbs. (1,430g). Size wise, the two 70-200mm lenses are roughly the same size. The Z version is a bit longer, however, at 8.66 in./220mm versus 7.97 in./202.5mm. Both lenses have a 77mm filter thread.

An area where I feel the new lens comes up a bit short is with respect to the included case, which is a flimsy lens pouch. This is the same deal as the 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens I recently Field Tested. The pouch is a far cry from the awesome cases Nikon ships alongside the 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR F mount lens.

Overall, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor lens is a nicely designed lens. The build quality is very good, and the lens is up to professional build quality standards. The OLED information panel is great, and the controls on the lens are useful.

Image quality and performance

Sharpness

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor lens has 21 elements in 18 groups. Among the 21 elements, there are six extra-low dispersion elements, two aspherical elements, one fluorite element and one short-wave refractive index element. Regarding the short-wavelength refractive (SR) lens element, it's a recent innovation for Nikon.

Nikon says:

"Nikon's original, newly developed SR lens is a high- and specialized-dispersion glass lens featuring characteristics to greatly refract light with wavelengths shorter than that of blue. By controlling short-wavelength light that is difficult to compensate, light of various specific wavelengths can be more effectively collected achieving highly precise chromatic aberration compensation. Because this lens can be used in the same way as normal glass lenses, more flexible optical design is attained without limitations in lens layout. While realizing high optical performance, a compact and light lens can be designed."

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 200m, f/2.8, 1/200s, ISO 125. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

The high-tech glass inside the new 70-200mm f/2.8 lens results in excellent performance across the board. While it's not perfect – no lens is, for a variety of reasons – the Nikkor lens comes relatively close. Let's take a deeper dive into image quality.

Shot on a Nikon Z5. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/4, 1/400s, ISO 400. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

All the crops seen below are 100 percent crops from raw image files converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings and built-in lens correction profiles enabled. I have selected specific images to show, but you can download the full-size raw files for each focal length/aperture combination I tested (70mm, 135mm and 200mm) in the Gallery.

70mm

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 70mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, full scene at 70mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Looking at performance in the center of the frame at 70mm, the lens does well even at f/2.8. There's good detail, sharpness, color and contrast. Aberrations are also well controlled. When stopping down to f/4, f/5.6 and even f/8, optical performance remains nearly identical. There's little to separate f/2.8-f/8 from one another, which is a testament to the engineers at Nikon. Having shot with multiple F-mount iterations of Nikon's 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, the Nikkor Z's performance is uniquely consistent.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 70mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 70mm, f/4, 1/640s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Diffraction becomes noticeable at f/11, although the image remains usable, albeit with a slight blur across the frame. At f/16 and f/22, the lens is very soft.

Corner performance is very good. At f/2.8, the extreme top left corner of the frame, seen below, delivers good detail. You can see a bit of purple fringing, although it's barely noticeable. An area where the lens comes up a bit short, and it's most evident in the full image at the top of this section, is with respect to vignette. There's quite a bit of corner darkening at f/2.8. It's easy to correct during post-processing, but stopping down to f/4 also mostly addresses the issue.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 70mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% top left corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

135mm

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 135mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, full scene at 135mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Unlike at 70mm, at 135mm you can see the impact of stopping the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens down from f/2.8 to f/4. That's not to say the lens is bad at f/2.8, it's not, but it is noticeably softer than at f/4. At both f/2.8 and f/4, the lens renders good contrast, color and clarity. Beyond f/4, performance remains strong until f/11, which is a bit soft. Image quality at f/16-f/22 is very soft.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 135mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 135mm, f/4, 1/640s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Corner performance is pretty good at 135mm f/2.8, although there is some visible vignette and some softness relative to the center of the frame. At f/4, the vignette has been addressed and there's a bit more visible detail and crispness in the image.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 135mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% top left corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 135mm, f/4, 1/640s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% top left corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

200mm

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 200mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, full scene at 200mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

At 200mm, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor is an impressive performer. While there is some slight softness at f/2.8 when viewing the image at 100%, the image quality looks great at more typical sizes. Aberrations are handled very well, and the image is clean and clear. By stopping down to f/4, you see an increase in both detail and clarity. At f/5.6 and f/8, performance is basically identical.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 200mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 200mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

The extreme corners of the frame are perhaps slightly softer at 200mm than at 135mm, but the performance is quite close. Like at 70mm and 135mm, there's some vignette at f/2.8, but it's reduced at f/4 and nearly gone at f/5.6.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 200mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% top left corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 200mm, f/2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% top left corner crop. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

1.4x teleconverter

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/4, 1/640s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, full scene at 280mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Alongside the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor, Nikon also offers a pair of compatible teleconverters. The 1.4x teleconverter turns the lens into a 98-280mm f/4 zoom lens.

Having used teleconverters many times over the years, you come to accept that there's a tradeoff when using a TC. In addition to losing a full stop of light-gathering capabilities, you also give up a bit of autofocus performance and image quality to get the extra reach. In the case of the 1.4x, when shooting at 280mm and f/4, it's noticeably softer than the lens without a teleconverter at 200mm and f/2.8. However, performance isn't too bad.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/4, 1/640s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop at 280mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

If you can afford to lose another stop of light and set the lens to f/5.6, you end up with a very crisp image. Performance here is only slightly worse than the lens without the teleconverter.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/5.6, 1/400s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop at 280mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

2x teleconverter

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 2x teleconverter, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/320s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, full scene at 400mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Unsurprisingly, when using the 2x teleconverter, performance is worse. In this case, you're doubling the lens' effective focal length range to 140-400mm and the maximum aperture becomes f/5.6. At f/5.6, performance is not great. The lens is soft. On the plus side, aberrations remain practically nonexistent.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 2x teleconverter, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/320s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop at 400mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Stopping down to f/8 does help quite a bit, although you're simply never going to get a crystal-clear image using the 2x teleconverter. Of course, to get fair image quality at f/8, you're exchanging considerable light gathering capabilities.

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 2x teleconverter, 400mm, f/8, 1/160s, ISO 64. Sharpness test image, 100% center crop at 400mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Overall

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor lens has fantastic overall image quality. From 70mm to 200mm, the lens delivers strong overall performance, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8. The lens also exhibits great control over aberrations and fringing. It's a sharp lens, simply put. The only real knock on it is that it has noticeable vignette at f/2.8, which is a minor issue and very easy to correct when editing, if it's even problematic for you. In-camera Vignette Control is also available and works well for JPEG files.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 120mm, f/8, 1/3s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

The lens is yet another example of what the Z mount allows Nikon's engineers to accomplish. The lens is very consistent, and performance is impressive when shooting wide open. Nikon's F-mount 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses are great, and I think the new Z iteration lives up to its pedigree.

Autofocus

The Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S utilizes a multi-focus autofocus system and includes two stepping motors. Nikon promises fast, quiet autofocus performance, and the lens delivers in spades. It's very quick to acquire focus throughout the focus and zoom range, and I had no issues with AF performance at all. My expectations for the lens were high, and they were met.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 200mm, f/2.8, 1/4000s, ISO 1800. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

If you require manual focus, the lens supports full-time manual focus override as well. You can use the OLED display to show focus distance and a depth of field indicator, which is a nice inclusion. The focus ring has nice rotation as well, and on the Z6 II and Z7 II, the user can reverse the focus ring rotation to suit your preference.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 2x teleconverter, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 1100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

In terms of minimum focusing distance, the 70-200mm focuses as close as 1.64 ft. (50cm), which results in a maximum magnification of 0.2x. This is almost identical to the close focus performance of the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens, which has a maximum magnification of 0.21x.

Overall, the lens has excellent autofocus capabilities and performance. It's a pro-oriented lens, and its AF performance is up to the task.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 200mm, f/2.8, 1/100s, ISO 5000. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

In the Field with the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S VR Nikkor Lens

The Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens is a joy to use. While it's not the lightest lens, it's reasonably light for a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. The well-designed zoom has great build quality, and I had confidence using it in adverse conditions. The lens is also easy to use while wearing gloves, which is important to me here in Maine.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 70mm, f/8, 8s, ISO 220. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 150mm, f/8, 1/4s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

When shooting in low light, the autofocus proved to be very good. The bright aperture certainly helps, but I also think that Nikon's multi-focus AF system is in large part to thank for the impressive AF performance.

Shot on a Nikon Z5. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/5, 1/640s, ISO 500. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z7. 2x teleconverter, 400mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 64. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Likewise, the VR system works well and does a great job. The system works very well with respect to keeping the viewfinder stable when framing, especially at 200mm, and it allows for good flexibility when needing to shoot with the slower shutter speeds.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 190mm, f/2.8, 1/800s, ISO 400. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

The 70-200mm f/2.8 lens has a 9-bladed aperture diaphragm. Generally, I was very impressed with the bokeh performance, with out of focus areas having a pleasing, smooth appearance. When looking at out of focus points of light, bokeh is not perfectly round, but it doesn't look bad either. In the image below you can see that when out of focus areas are near the center of the frame, they're circular and look great. As you move toward the edge of the frame, however, you see a noticeable cat's eye effect. It's not unusual, but I thought it worth pointing out.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 165mm, f/2.8, 1/200s, ISO 800. Bokeh test image. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

As a wildlife lens, the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is a solid choice. When paired with the 1.4x teleconverter, and in some cases even the 2x teleconverter, it's an even better option. The autofocus, both with and without the 1.4x teleconverter is quick and accurate. The 2x teleconverter and its maximum aperture of f/5.6 slows autofocus down noticeably, but the real issue here for wildlife is that you need to stop down to f/8 to get decent clarity and f/8 is quite a dim aperture for many situations.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/4.5, 1/400s, ISO 640. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/4, 1/500s, ISO 800. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z5. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/4, 1/500s, ISO 160. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Shot on a Nikon Z5. 1.4x teleconverter, 280mm, f/4, 1/500s, ISO 640. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

For portraits, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is a great lens. The soft, pleasing bokeh helps, of course, and the decisive autofocus is a nice bonus. Importantly, the lens is very sharp where it matters, and it presents nice depth and offers good subject separation.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 165mm, f/2.8, 1/800s, ISO 500. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor Field Test Summary

An awesome addition to the native Z lens catalog

What I like most:

• Great build quality
• Useful OLED information panel
• Excellent sharpness overall
• Nice bokeh overall
• Good control of aberrations and fringing
• Impressive autofocus performance

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 200mm, f/2.8, 1/4000s, ISO 1800. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

What I dislike:

• Although not heavy, the lens is still pretty large
• Lens doesn't come with a nice case
• Some issues in the corners
• Expensive

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 70mm, f/8, 1/8s, ISO 100. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor lens rounds out the company's Z mount f/2.8 zoom trifecta. It has a very impressive pedigree to live up to, and it succeeds. It's a great lens, with impressive performance, reliable autofocus and pro build quality.

Shot on a Nikon Z6 II. 200mm, f/8, 1/5s, ISO 100. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

• • •

 

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Overview

Editor's Note: An earlier version of Nikon's press release stated that the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens was parfocal. This is not the case, however Nikon states that the lens offers "reduced focus beathing." We have updated the text below to fix the error.

(From Nikon lens literature) An essential pro-level telephoto zoom lens re-imagined to take advantage of the optical potential of the Z series, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the latest addition to Nikon’s rapidly growing lineup of mirrorless lenses. The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 represents a pivotal lens for the Z series and a must-have for those shooting action, weddings, events, news, wildlife and portraits. Equipped with a versatile focal range, fast f/2.8 aperture and an impressive 5 stops of built-in optical VR image stabilization¹, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm gives mirrorless shooters the flexibility to capture astoundingly sharp images and videos in a variety of scenarios. Additionally, multimedia and content creators using the lens will appreciate the stepping motor (STM) for extremely quiet autofocus operation and reduced focus breathing.

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S demonstrates the technological benefits of the Nikon Z mount to reinvent a classic lens, while including new features to make this photographer favorite even more superior for Z series users. A reduced minimum focus distance (0.5m wide, 1.0m telephoto) vastly increases versatility for photos and video. When used in combination with the in-body stabilization of the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 promises unparalleled stability with additional optical stabilization. Like other S line lenses, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 boasts a premium optical design complete with a 9-blade diaphragm as well as Anti-Reflective Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings for maximum image quality in any light, with a Fluorine coating that resists dirt and smudges. In addition to a rugged weather sealed design the lens is ready to tackle any assignment with a dedicated Info Panel, two customizable Function buttons and an additional custom control ring.

The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (and AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR) are the first Nikon lenses to feature the newly developed SR (Short-Wavelength Refractive) lens element, a specialized-dispersion glass lens featuring characteristics that greatly refract light with wavelengths shorter than that of blue. By controlling short-wavelength light that is difficult to compensate, the lens can more effectively collect light of various specific wavelengths and achieve highly precise chromatic aberration compensation.

Price and Availability 

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens will be available in February for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $2,599.95².

1. Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to an FX-format digital camera, with zoom set at the maximum telephoto position.
2. SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer