What To Know
- The VR S lens also has a more modern design, with a more streamlined barrel and a more comfortable grip.
- However, the VR S lens has a slight edge in terms of sharpness and detail, especially at the telephoto end of the focal range.
- This makes the VR S lens a more expensive option, but it also offers a number of advantages over the VR II lens, including better optical performance, faster autofocus, and a more robust build quality.
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II are two of the most popular telephoto zoom lenses for Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras. Both lenses offer a versatile focal length range, fast f/2.8 aperture, and excellent image quality. But what are the key differences between these two lenses, and which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S vs VR II in terms of their features, performance, and price to help you make an informed decision.
Features and Design:
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses share many similarities in terms of their features and design. Both lenses have a focal length range of 70-200mm, an f/2.8 maximum aperture, and a nine-blade rounded diaphragm. They also both feature a weather-sealed construction, making them suitable for use in harsh conditions.
However, there are a few key differences between the two lenses. The VR S lens is slightly smaller and lighter than the VR II lens, weighing 1,440 grams compared to 1,540 grams. The VR S lens also has a more modern design, with a more streamlined barrel and a more comfortable grip.
Optical Performance:
In terms of optical performance, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses are both excellent performers. Both lenses produce sharp images with good contrast and color reproduction. However, the VR S lens has a slight edge in terms of sharpness and detail, especially at the telephoto end of the focal range.
The VR S lens also has a more effective vibration reduction system, which allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without getting blurry images. The VR S lens has a 5.5-stop VR system, while the VR II lens has a 4-stop VR system.
Autofocus Performance:
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses both use a stepping motor autofocus system, which is fast, accurate, and quiet. However, the VR S lens has a slight edge in terms of autofocus speed and accuracy. The VR S lens also has a more advanced autofocus algorithm, which helps it to track moving subjects more effectively.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing:
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses are both very well-built lenses. They both feature a metal construction and a weather-sealed design, making them suitable for use in harsh conditions. However, the VR S lens has a slightly more robust build quality, with a more durable metal barrel.
Price:
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens is priced at $2,599, while the VR II lens is priced at $1,999. This makes the VR S lens a more expensive option, but it also offers a number of advantages over the VR II lens, including better optical performance, faster autofocus, and a more robust build quality.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses are both excellent telephoto zoom lenses for Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras. However, the VR S lens has a slight edge in terms of optical performance, autofocus speed, and build quality. If you’re looking for the best possible image quality and performance, the VR S lens is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget, the VR II lens is still a great option and offers good value for money.
Alternatives to Consider:
If you’re looking for a telephoto zoom lens for your Nikon Z-series camera, there are a few other options to consider besides the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses. These include:
- Nikon Z 70-200mm f/4 S: This lens is a more affordable option than the VR S lens, but it still offers excellent image quality and performance. It’s a good choice for photographers who don’t need the extra speed of an f/2.8 lens.
- Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC G2: This lens is a third-party option that offers similar performance to the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens, but at a lower price. It’s a good choice for photographers who are looking for a high-quality telephoto zoom lens without spending a lot of money.
- Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports: This lens is another third-party option that offers excellent image quality and performance. It’s a good choice for photographers who need a telephoto zoom lens that can withstand harsh conditions.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What are the key differences between the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses?
A: The key differences between the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses are the VR S lens’s slightly smaller and lighter design, more modern design, better optical performance, faster autofocus, and more robust build quality.
Q: Which lens is better for sports and wildlife photography?
A: The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens is better for sports and wildlife photography due to its faster autofocus speed and more effective vibration reduction system.
Q: Which lens is better for portraits?
A: Both the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses are good for portraits, but the VR S lens has a slight edge in terms of sharpness and detail.
Q: Which lens is better for video?
A: Both the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and VR II lenses are good for video, but the VR S lens has a more advanced autofocus algorithm, which helps it to track moving subjects more effectively.
Q: Which lens is a better value for money?
A: The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II lens is a better value for money, as it offers good image quality and performance at a lower price than the VR S lens.
