A fast 70-200mm is a staple lens in a camera manufacturer’s lineup. Michael Topham tests Nikon’s latest example

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 S Nikkor Z VR Lens
Highlights
- Lens is suitable for: Nikon Full Frame Mirrorless (Z)
- Fitting: Nikon Z
- ZOOM
- Telephoto ZOOM
- Filter Size: 72mm
- Lens/Image Stabilisation: Yes
Product code: 7282 (4960759902191)
Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 S Nikkor Z VR Lens
£2,599.00
No used versions available
Product Details
- Z-Mount Lens/FX Format
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- ED, SR, and Fluorite Elements
- ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings
- S-Line Quality
- OLED Display
Always be ready. With its 70–200mm focal length range, advanced optics, and extensive weather sealing, this fast, full-frame mirrorless lens covers all the bases. Whether you shoot sports, events, or reportage, the exceptionally compact build frees you to go the distance.
Mission ready
Whether you’re covering the action with stills or video, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S delivers. Focusing is smooth, fast, and silent, and every component of a scene is rendered with exceptional clarity. You can control shooting parameters directly from the lens, and the build is tough enough to withstand the rigours of daily professional use.
Beautiful bokeh
The wide Z mount and constant f/2.8 rounded 9-blade aperture enable thrilling performance in any light. This telephoto zoom also gives you natural-looking bokeh, which is smoothly graded to the edges of the frame.
Beyond sharp
Sharpness is outstanding throughout the frame—even when shooting at the widest aperture or at close distances. Minimum focus distance is just 0.5 m at the telephoto end of the zoom range, and 1 m at the wide end.
Goodbye lens flare
ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings combat ghosting and flare. Nikon’s ED and SR glass counter chromatic aberration, with SR glass compensating for hard-to-control blue light. You get sharper images and better contrast.
Ready for video
When the story calls for video, you get smooth, precise control over your shots. The lens panel features a depth-of-field scale, so you can easily determine the minimum and maximum distances at any given f-stop. Focus breathing is all but eliminated, and stable aperture control delivers natural exposure changes throughout the scene.
Endure everything
This lens is fully weather-sealed and ready to withstand use in the most challenging locations. A fluorine coating repels water, dust, and dirt without compromising image quality.
INSTINCTIVE
The zoom and focus rings adjust with just the right amount of torque. The silent control ring can be used for aperture control, ISO, or exposure compensation.
ADAPTABLE
From AF lock to metering, bracketing, and more. You can assign as many as 21 different functions to the lens’ Fn buttons.
FOCUSED
An OLED information-display panel lets you quickly confirm aperture, focus distance, exact focal length, ISO, and depth of field right on the lens.
Product Reviews
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Pro photographers using the Nikon Z mirrorless system will be happy with the Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S lens, but will pay a premium for the privilege.
Nikon is on a mission to prove the worth of its newest lens mount and the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a persuasive argument. It has fast, quiet focusing, a delightful build and absolutely superb image quality. The level of detail and sharpness across the frame is excellent.
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S may not be much better than its F-mount predecessor, the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f2.8E VR. But that is good news: the F-Nikkor was simply the best 70-200mm f2.8 zoom lens for Nikon cameras and still is an excellent lens.
The competition is strong if you're willing to use an FTZ adapter, but among mirrorless 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses,
As to be expected of a lens that’s made for high-end, professional use, this fast telephoto zoom is as advanced as it gets. Optically it’s superb, combining high levels of sharpness with effective suppression of aberrations.
My first outing with this lens was a studio portrait session. I found the lens to be very sharp but with pleasing bokeh. For examples the eyes being pin sharp with the ears going to a soft and gentle slight blur. Skin rendered in a lovely way.
My first outing with this lens was a studio portrait session. I found the lens to be very sharp but with pleasing bokeh. For examples the eyes being pin sharp with the ears going to a soft and gentle slight blur. Skin rendered in a lovely way.
I am a semi professional portrait and family picture photographer. I have been shooting Nikon for over 20 years and have the following gear Z7 since it came out. 14-30 f4, 24-70 2.8,70-200 F2.8, 35 F1.8, TC 2.0. I own this lens for a year now and can say it is my favorite lens.
I am a semi professional portrait and family picture photographer. I have been shooting Nikon for over 20 years and have the following gear Z7 since it came out. 14-30 f4, 24-70 2.8,70-200 F2.8, 35 F1.8, TC 2.0. I own this lens for a year now and can say it is my favorite lens.
Fantastic lens. My absolute favorite lens for my Nikon Z7II. Incredible sharp and works well under low light.
Fantastic lens, enabling fantastic new realms of detailed telephoto images with gorgeous bokeh, in low light with the intense color that Nikon is famous for! The perfection of this lens has fundamentally transformed my motivation to get out and find those precious moments waiting to be captured in...
My first images were just amazing in clarity and sharpness. I was really taken aback. I had used a third party lens on my D810 that I was never satisfied with and balked at this one's price. I jumped in after reading some reviews and glad I did.
My Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens is by far the best telephoto zoom Nikon has ever produced! It is incredibly sharp and far supassses the F-Mount 'E' version of this lens.
I have been shooting NIkon for over 50 years, and now with the new Z cameras and lenses, I will remain a loyal...
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