Last January, Nikon announced their long awaited Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and the reviews have started coming in! We’re still waiting to get hands-on with the lens ourselves here at SLR Lounge, but we did get to demo it during WPPI and I can honestly say I’m impressed!
Initially, I was surprised that it was about the same size as the DSLR version, having expected something smaller (like the Canon Mirrorless Counterpart). Once I got to fire a few test frames I quickly got over that feeling. The lens has its own built-in optical VR (Stabilization) rated for 5.5 stops of improvement which is the largest in any Nikon Lens, has an ultra close focus (1.6′ at 70mm and 3.3′ at 200mm), and has Nikon’s first use of SR Glass to reduce spherochromatism. Basically, it’s a MASSIVE improvement over its DSLR predecessor, which was already reviewed as the sharpest 70-200mm ever made.
As of yet, every lens we’ve tested out for the Z series has pretty much out-performed every one of its DSLR counterparts, and we’ve got no doubts the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S lens will be just as outstanding once we put it through some testing!
Nikon Z 70-200mm F/2.8 VR S Specs:
- Focal Length – 70 to 200mm
- Maximum Aperture – f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture – f/22
- Lens Mount – Nikon Z
- Format Compatibility – Full-Frame
- Angle of View – 34° 20′ to 12° 20′
- Minimum Focus Distance – 1.64′ / 50 cm
- Maximum Magnification – 0.2x
- Optical Design – 21 Elements in 18 Groups
- Diaphragm Blades – 9, Rounded
- Focus Type – Autofocus
- Image Stabilization – Yes
- Tripod Collar – Removable and Rotating
- Filter Size – 77 mm (Front)
- Dimensions (ø x L) – 3.5 x 8.66″ / 89 x 220 mm
- Weight – 2.99 lb / 1360 g
- Price – $2,597 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 Reviews
Like I mentioned above, we’re very excited to get our hands on it and complete our original review in the near future. Until then, here are some of our favorites from around the web from other respected sources:
Camera Electronic Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S Review
digiDirect Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S Review
Ricci Talks Quick Look at the Nikon Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S
Ken Rockwell Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8
Alina Rudya – First Impressions & BTS of the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Conclusion
From what we’ve seen the only negative feedback about this lens has centered around three things:
- The price – It’s a bit more expensive than the DSLR version, and yes, slightly more expensive than its mirrorless name-brand competition
- The size – It’s bigger/heavier than the DSLR version.
- No VR Switch – This means you’ll have to disable/enable it via a menu in the camera, or program it to a control button/ring on the lens.
Given the quality and design of the glass, i’m no longer surprised at both price tag nor the weight of this beast of a lens! It’s designed to outperform the competition which i’m sure it will. Each of these issues are more matters of convenience than an actual “problem” with the lens. So i’m very intrigued for us to get hands on with it ourselves to see if it truly is as good as it seems!
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