Verdict

With this second iteration of their professional f2.8 telephoto zoom lens, Nikon updated the optical formula to improve optical performance and eliminate shift in the center of gravity while zooming. They also increased maximum magnification by 50%, made the new lens substantially lighter, added a second customizable L-Fn button, upgraded the focus drive from a stepper motor to a faster voice coil drive, and applied their latest meso-amorphous coating. They also added a window to the lockable lens hood for easier use of rotating filters, made the multi-function control ring clickable and the foot of the detachable tripod collar Arca-Swiss compatible. So with full weather-sealing and fluorine coating against moisture and dust on the front element the lens is almost feature-complete except for the missing OLED display.

It performed very well in almost all of my tests regarding contrast (even under adverse contra-light situations), resolution, focus speed and reliability, colour aberrations, and coma, producing very good image quality even in demanding 180MP pixel shift shooting on a 45MP Z8 body. And its optical image stabilization working together with the IBIS of any full-frame Z camera body proved to be very effective giving the lens good handhold-ability under low light conditions.

What’s not to like, apart from the flimsy lens pouch? Well, I was a bit baffled about the meagre 10% improvement in focus speed from the new voice coil drive. I checked with a second copy and other test targets but got no better results. Close-up shots are very soft outside the center and need a lot of stopping down to expand the area of good resolution. The lens is not parfocal and there is some focus shift, but this is not a problem when you focus at the intended focal length and working aperture or use continuous AF.

Let’s put this into perspective and have a closer look at how the Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II compares to its predecessor and the Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 VC G2.

Above from left to right: Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S, Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II (with protective cover), Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 VC G2

Compared to Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S

Even six years after its introduction the Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S is still a top performer and you need to pixel-peep to see differences in sharpness between both lenses. The “old” lens is a tad sharper than its successor at some focal lengths and when using teleconverters, has a nice OLED display, and current street prices make it much cheaper. But the new Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II is 360g lighter, offers 50% increased maximum magnification, and features a second L-Fn button, a (de-)clickable function ring, a windowed lens hood, and an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot. So, if you value those features the new lens has a clear advantage. But if you’re primarily interested in top optical performance at a lower price, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR is still a very good choice.

For more details see my Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S review where the lens came Highly Recommended.

Compared to Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

The 70-180mm f2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is the second generation of Tamron’s telephoto zoom for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount. It’s 150g lighter than Nikon’s Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II, shorter too, and costs only a third of Nikon’s newest zoom lens. And optical qualities are convincing: It’s neck-and-neck with the Z-Nikkors and even produces the softer Bokeh. The missing 20mm at the long end can be easily compensated by a 1.11x digital zoom without noticeable degradation in image quality. Its biggest disadvantage is the incompatibility with teleconverters and the meagre stabilizing power of its vibration control. But Tamron’s 70-180mm f2.8 VC G2 still is a very compelling alternative to the Z-Nikkors.

For more details see my Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 review where the lens came Highly Recommended.

Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II final verdict

Nikon equipped their new Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II with an impressive set of features, including a (de-)clickable function ring, a lens hood with a window for easier manipulation of rotating filters, and an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot. The new lens is also 26% lighter and increases maximum magnification 1.5x. The Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II delivers very sharp images across the frame with a slight softening at 200mm, and has a slightly improved bokeh, minimal color aberrations, and strong flare resistance. And although the lens comes at a high price and the new focus drive should be even faster I can still highly recommend Nikon’s new Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II.

Good points:

• Very good sharpness across the full-frame sensor with a slight softening at 200mm.
• Very good image stabilization.
• Very good resistance against flare, (veiling) glare, and ghosting.
• Practically no color aberrations or purple fringing.
• Low vignetting and minimal distortions (through lens profile).
• 50% improved maximum magnification.
• 360g lighter than predecessor.
• Extensive weather sealing plus fluorine coating against moist and dust.
• Accepts teleconverters.
• Two focus set buttons, focus limiter, (de-)clickable function ring, lens hood with window, Arca-Swiss compatible foot.

Bad points:

• High price.
• New focus drive should be faster.
• Close-up shots are soft outside the center.
• Lens is not parfocal and shows some focus shift.
• Flimsy lens pouch.

Check prices or buy the Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II at B&H, Adorama, WEX UK or Calumet.de. Buy used gear from MPB. Sell your used gear to MPB. Or why not treat yourself to a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!