Interview with Nikon on the new Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 Mark II lens
Phototrend published their CP+ 2026 interview with Nikon that was focused exclusively on the development of the new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens. Here is a recap:
- Interviewees: Nikon engineers Satoshi Yamada (development), Akino Kondo (optical design), Takahiro Sakai (optical engineering), and Akiyuki Usui (UX planning).
- Development starting point: Began with in-depth user feedback on the original 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S. The #1 request was for a significantly lighter lens with no loss in optical performance. The team started from scratch, exploring many different optical and mechanical configurations before finalizing the new design.
- Major weight reduction: Dropped from 1,360 g to 998 g (27 % lighter). This was achieved by:
- Optical redesign (fewer moving groups during zoom, new element shapes, fluorite glass, front element changed from concave to convex).
- Complete mechanical overhaul using advanced machining (thinner parts refined in 0.1 mm / 0.1 g increments with extensive impact testing).
- Optical simplification: Reduced from 21 elements in 18 groups to 18 elements in 16 groups while improving performance. Advances in aspherical ED glass and specialty materials now allow high correction with fewer elements. Optical corrections remain primary; software is used only for fine color balance adjustments, not for correcting major aberrations.
- Autofocus upgrade: New Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) motor + improved control algorithms + new ABS optical encoder. AF is approximately 3.5× faster with better tracking of erratic subjects. The lens is deliberately future-proofed to work with upcoming higher-performance camera bodies.
- Aperture change: Increased from 9 to 11 blades for rounder bokeh highlights and smoother, more natural defocus transitions (despite added mechanical complexity).
- New user-focused features:
- Shorter minimum focusing distance.
- Click on/off switch on the control ring.
- Filter adjustment window.
- Innovative removable tripod collar with two interchangeable rings: one with Arca-Swiss mount (for quick tripod use) and one as a protective barrel ring (for users who remove the collar to keep the lens compact).
- S-Line philosophy: This lens represents the new “second-generation” balance of top optical performance, reduced weight, and compactness that Nikon plans to apply across the S-Line lineup where possible.
Check for Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens availability at:
Hands-on photos of the new Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens (now shipping)
Comparing the new Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens with the previous version
New Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens officially announced, available for pre-order
