Nikon reveals the perfect telephoto lens for sports, wedding and video shooters

Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a second-gen overhaul of its telephoto zoom promising class-leading weight savings, a faster autofocus system and a redesigned optical formula – all while retaining the f/2.8 maximum aperture that makes this type of lens so useful in low light. The new lens will be available from March 2026, priced at $2,999 / £2,999 / AU$5,399.

The headline figure is its weight. At just 998g (with the tripod collar removed), the new lens is 362g lighter than the original Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and, according to Nikon, the lightest lens among 70-200mm f/2.8 options for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

It's also 12mm shorter than before, which should make a big difference when shooting handheld for extended periods, or even when mounted on a gimbal for video work. In fact ...