Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S Lens

Curated from 116 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 26, 2025

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S Lens

Brand: Nikon
Price: $2696
Snoop Score:
8.8
Sentiment
8.3
Popularity
9.0
Technical
9.0

Snoop's Take

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S is a professional-grade large aperture telephoto zoom lens designed for Nikon's Z series mirrorless cameras. It is engineered to deliver exceptional image quality, making it ideal for various photography genres including portraits, wildlife, and sports. Consumer sentiment highlights the lens's excellent low-light performance with one user stating, "The Z6II is one of the best cameras for low light photography." Many users appreciate its impressive autofocus accuracy and the unique features that enhance usability. Additionally, the compact and sharp design has been praised, with comments like, "It’s incredibly capable in a very compact package. A real gem." Overall, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S is highly recommended for photographers seeking a versatile and high-quality lens for their mirrorless systems, particularly due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its performance and usability.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Mirrorless Camera Lenses

The Z6II is one of the best cameras for low light photography.

Positive Feedback

Strange, I’ve had my Zf hunt a bit even on single-point.

Negative Feedback
Product
8.8
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S Lens
Low-Light Photography
9 / 10
Portrait Photography
9 / 10
Travel & Landscape
7 / 10
Video Recording
9 / 10
See how this compares to all Mirrorless Camera Lenses

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Excellent low light performance of the Z6II
The Z6II is one of the best cameras for low light photography.
Z6II has been awesome so far as you say for low light photography.
Good autofocus accuracy with proper settings
the eye detect and eye tracking works pretty well.
Impressive initial shots from new users
Very good shots, especially considering that you just acquired this camera! 👍
Good combination with other lenses
That should be good combo for a general zoom lens and a prime lens.
Amazing shots!
Compact and sharp lens
It’s incredibly capable in a very compact package. A real gem.
The DC lenses are much more than a gimmick, if you want a portrait lens they don’t get much better than those lenses.
Unique features enhance usability
wow, that is such a cool feature built into the lens.
Great quality for portrait photography
You want to compress the perspective more and isolate the subject more.
Fantastic lens for wildlife and travel photography
The 100-400 is a fantastic lens for travel/wildlife opportunities.
The Z100-400 is going to be your best bet if you're trying to balance reach, quality, and size/weight.
Great for motorsports photography
Fantastic lens though. I shoot motorsports professionally and this is my current workhorse now that the 70-200 is seeing less use than it used to.
70-300mm lens works well with Z5 using FTZ adapter
Are these lenses worth using on a mirrorless? My dad has been into photography for a long time and h
I’m a huge fan of my 70-300, that lens works great with the FTZ adapter.
Works really well. Funny, i had a D750 too, but it got submerged when I fell off my kayak.
Nikon Z lenses offer optical excellence
If you can afford new lenses, Nikon Z is at or near the front of the pack.
All the high end mirrorless glass is near optically perfect.
Nikon mirrorless systems are well-made
And as you say, mirrorless systems from the big 3 are universally well-made.
FTZ adapter enhances autofocus accuracy
I'm wondering about whether or not folks are satisfied with the performance and speed of the adaptor for legacy Nikor lenses.
The FTZ adaptor has no affect on AF speed or accuracy.
No loss of usability with F-mount lenses
there is zero loss of usability or quality.
The ftz is fine.
FTZ adapter works well for hobbyist use
Adapting works just fine with the FTZ adaptor. I haven't really experienced any major downsides -- but I'm also just a hobbyist.
High-quality video options
I like the high quality video options on my Zfc too. I never used video before, but find that I quite enjoy it now that I have it so easily available.
Mirrorless live view is a gamechanger
The mirrorless live view is a major gamechanger for me to swap from dslr to mirrorless.
Good handling and ergonomics
the Z50 felt significantly better when handling it.
Effective for portraits and slower moving sports
I really enjoy shooting with my z50 it works very well for portraits and great for slower moving sports like baseball/softball.
24-70mm f/2.8 is highly recommended
Going to Nikon mirrorless, what lenses should I buy? Hey guys I need some advice, I’m currently prep
24-70/2.8 is an awesome lens.
I think the 24-70 2.8 would be the place to start.
that thing is such a beast.
Z lenses have superior handling over adapters
They're always a compromise and they change the handling of the whole camera.
24-120mm f/4 is a versatile all-around lens
No complaints here! 👍
D500 is an excellent camera
I just got my first camera (d500) and am very excited!
D500 is an excellent camera.
Great choice for enjoyment and shooting
Great choice, it will treat you well!
D500 performs well for wildlife photography
Wild life will POP for you.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Autofocus can hunt in certain conditions
Strange, I’ve had my Zf hunt a bit even on single-point.
Sometimes the Zf still hunts for focus even in good light.
Lenses like the 28mm E series may underperform
I used the 28mm series E for years, but it’s really garbage. Ha!
DX lenses are not useful on full frame Z5
Those DX (aps-c/crop) lenses won’t really be any use on your full frame Z5.
Nikon APS-C lineup is considered subpar
Nikon full frame mirrorless is now really good, their apsc lineup is meh at best however.
Z8 is heavier than D90, may not suit weight-sensitive users
if the OP is struggling with the weight of his D90 setup, the Z8 is not really the best option as it is in fact heavier.
Preference for DSLR over mirrorless in some cases
Honestly, stay dslr in this case - you're not looking for a major upgrade in performance.
Mirrorless cameras need more time to mature
I feel mirrorless needs a bit more time to mature before I jump in.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S LensNikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S Lens$2696
8.8
DetailsBuy
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM LensCanon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens$199
8.4
DetailsBuy
Tamron 28-200 F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens for SonyTamron 28-200 F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens for Sony$649
8.0
DetailsBuy
Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD LensTamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens$399
7.8
DetailsBuy
Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD LensTamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens$649
7.8
DetailsBuy
Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 is STM Telephoto Zoom LensCanon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 is STM Telephoto Zoom Lens$349
7.5
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S LensNikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens$2396
7.5
DetailsBuy
Canon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 STM Ultra-Wide-Angle LensCanon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 STM Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens$299
7.4
DetailsBuy
Meike 25mm F1.8 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E Mount CamerasMeike 25mm F1.8 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E Mount Cameras$74
7.1
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless LensNikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens$1296
7.1
DetailsBuy
Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm Telephoto LensPanasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm Telephoto Lens$147
6.5
DetailsBuy
NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S LensNIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S Lens$2796
6.2
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro LensNikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens$1046
5.8
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S LensNikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens$626
5.7
DetailsBuy
Generic 32mm F10 Free Focus Pancake Lens for RF MountGeneric 32mm F10 Free Focus Pancake Lens for RF Mount$25
5.3
DetailsBuy
Meike 55mm F1.4 Prime Lens for Sony E Mount CamerasMeike 55mm F1.4 Prime Lens for Sony E Mount Cameras$199
4.9
DetailsBuy
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony ESigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E$299
4.8
DetailsBuy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Prime LensNikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Prime Lens$296
4.7
DetailsBuy
Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens 100-300MMPanasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens 100-300MM$447
4.3
DetailsBuy
Meike 35mm F1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E-Mount CamerasMeike 35mm F1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E-Mount Cameras$69
3.6
DetailsBuy
Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 LensTamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens$1099
3.4
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on different autofocus points and settings
are you referring to single-point af?
The Zf should outperform the Z6II in low light AF, but from my experience using f2 and f4 lenses the Z6II is no slouch at low light either.
Discussion on lens comparisons and recommendations
I was stunned by how sharp the 60mm Micro can get.
A nikkor 50 1.4; a good one.
I definitely see some reasons to upgrade with something to compare it with.
The old-school 80-200 2.8's are a screaming bargain.
Praise for the image quality and dynamic range of the D800 series
Gorgeous colors, the gentle transitions in the sky are so nice.
Discussion on CFe card benefits for speed
The faster transfer speeds save me *hours*, which more than justifies the extra cost for me.
I'd rather have a slightly wider body if it meant at least one slot was CFe.
Comparison of camera designs
My favorite camera of all time is my FM2, so I love this design.
General discussion on camera features and personal experiences
Personally, I think the upgrade was well worth it and did so. I've had zero regrets about moving to mirrorless.
Pro cameras do tend to have very good specs for when they were released, but the primary distinctions are build quality.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on hiking with different lenses
For the size and weight it has no benefits that you could really use compared to the 100-400.
Discussion on adapting vintage lenses to modern cameras
I am just wondering if it’s worth it to specifically buy a Nikon camera to fit the lenses I have, or do you think those old lenses won’t be much use at all?
That f1.2 will make for a great portrait lens on an aps-c camera.
The zFC would be a perfect match, its designed to look just like the Nikon FE and FM.
That nikon 50mm 1.2 is still worth enough to get a decent used camera body for it.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on refurbished deals and pricing
I can't recommend a used/refurb Z6 or Z7 enough to people wanting to take exceedingly high-quality images of the sorts of things most hobbyists want to take images of anyway.
It's a lot of camera for $1,000 if the Z7 is your jam.
New users find newer gear easier to use
New gear definitely makes taking pictures easier and in focus.
Comparison of deals with other camera options
This is an insane deal. Thank you so much for sharing.
Discussion about compatibility of older DX lenses with newer mirrorless cameras
For a 6.1 MP sensor, the pictures look really good to me for some reason.
The 50mm won't autofocus as mirrorless doesn't have the focus motor.
You will need a ftz adapter with which only the afs lenses will autofocus.
Personally if I was you with those lenses switching to mirrorless I would just start clean with new Z lenses.
Comparison of different lens options for specific needs
I'm most tempted by this lens.
I'm currently very tempted by the 100-400, although the new 28-400 has thrown me.
I miss my 28-300 on the F mount, It could go anywhere and do anything.
Discussion about using older lenses with newer mirrorless systems
My point being, you use what you have and upgrade as you go along.
if you have them, and they work, then yes they are worth using.
Discussion on camera weight considerations
I'm thinking to go fully Nikon mirrorless and sell my Sony or leave Nikon altogether and stick with Sony, I love both systems!
Comment on microSD slot choice
I think that's a great compromise.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about the performance and satisfaction with older camera models
I'm not ready to go mirrorless just yet when I can still get shots like this for a fraction of the price.
This is why I bought a Z8 when it came out, so far it's my FOMO-antidote.
Haha, this is exactly my story, too.
There's something with actually looking through the lens rather than at a screen that I can't describe.
Concern about SD card reliability
SD cards, IMO, are a durable workhorse.
Discussion on shooting volume and shutter concerns
The shutter is the last thing I'm worried about when my client is expecting a thousand or more edited shots from a week of 10+ hour days.
Discussion on switching from DSLR to mirrorless
Should I change from DSLR DX to Mirrorless DX?
Excitement about joining the Nikon community
very excited to be a part of the Nikon community in any capacity!

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