Nikon’s New Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the First Stabilized FF Z Lens

Nikon today announced the new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens for its Z series full-frame mirrorless cameras. It’s a telephoto zoom lens designed for professionals and the first full-frame Z lens to offer built-in stabilization.

“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,” Nikon says.

The lens features a fast f/2.8 constant aperture and a 5-stop built-in optical VR image stabilization system. The VR system can be used in combination with the in-body stabilization of Z series cameras for “unparalleled stability.”

Inside the lens is a newly developed type of lens element that’s appearing in Nikon gear for the first time. It’s called an SR (Short-Wavelength Refractive) element.

It’s “a specialized-dispersion glass lens featuring characteristics that greatly refract light with wavelengths shorter than that of blue,” Nikon says. “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.”

For those who shoot video, the lens’ stepping motor (STM) provides quiet autofocus and reduced focus breathing.

Other features of the lens include a fixed focus while zooming (thanks to the parfocal support), minimum focus distances of 1.64ft (0.5m) on the wide and 3.28ft (1m) on the telephoto side, a 9-blade aperture, Anti-Reflective Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings (for image quality), Fluorine coating (for dirt/smudge resistance), a rugged weather-sealed design, a dedicated Info Panel, two customizable Function buttons, and a custom control ring.

Here are some official sample photos captured with the new lens:

1/15s, f/2.8, 200mm.
1/3200s, f/2.8, 200mm.
1/1800s, f/2.8, 120mm.
1/60s, f/2.8, 70mm.
1/2500s, f/2.8, 200mm.
1/1600s, f/2.8, 200mm.
1/5000s, f/2.8, 70mm.

The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S will be available in February 2020 with a price tag of $2,600.

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