I am selling all my Nikon gear, the last photo is the shutter count on my Z6ii to show how little I used it. The glass is in perfect condition and this lens creates incredible images. It comes with both lens caps.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a professional-grade telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon's mirrorless Z system. Although it was initially announced in January 2020, shipping delays pushed its availability to later that year. Let's explore its features and performance:
Optical Performance:
- The lens features a complex optical design, including newly developed SR (Short-Wavelength Refractive) glass, ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements, aspherical lenses, and hybrid aspherical lenses. These components work together to achieve outstanding image quality.
- The lens exhibits minimal chromatic aberration, excellent sharpness, and impressive resolution across its focal range.
Aperture and Bokeh:
- With a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm VR S excels in low-light conditions and allows for creative depth of field control.
- The nine-blade aperture diaphragm produces beautiful, creamy bokeh, making it ideal for portraiture and isolating subjects from their backgrounds.
Build Quality:
- The lens construction combines metal and plastic elements. The tripod collar and foot are made of sturdy metal.
- All six buttons on the lens are weather-sealed rubber, ensuring durability in challenging conditions.
- The zoom and focus rings are covered in rubber, while the control ring (closer to the lens mount) is exposed metal.
- There's also a "false control ring" at the very front of the lens, which provides a grip but doesn't rotate.
Weight and Handling:
- Weighing approximately 1440 grams (3.17 lbs) with the tripod foot, the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is comparable to its F-mount counterpart, the 70-200mm f/2.8E VR.
- While some Nikon Z fans might have hoped for a lighter lens, it's still manageable, especially considering its performance capabilities.
- For reference, Canon's RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L lens is lighter at 1200 grams (2.65 lbs).
Image Stabilization (VR):
- The lens features Nikon's advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) mechanism, providing up to 5.5 stops of stabilization (CIPA standard).
- This ensures sharp handheld shots even at slower shutter speeds.
Coatings:
- Nano Crystal Coating and Arneo Coating effectively reduce ghosting and flare, even when shooting with strong light sources within the frame.
Performance Comparison:
- The Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S competes with other high-end telephoto zooms like Sony's FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM and Canon's RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L.
- Its optical quality, build, and features justify its price point (around $2600).
In summary, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a top-tier lens for Nikon's mirrorless system, offering exceptional performance and build quality. Whether you're capturing portraits, events, or wildlife, this lens delivers outstanding results.