Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8S Mark II Speculations and Opinions
Ever since the Z 24-70/2.8S II was released last year, many of us speculated that the next lens to get updated would be the Z 70-200/2.8S.
While no concrete leaks have occurred, recently rumors of it have started gaining more traction, and I personally also agree that its update (or replacement) would be happening sooner than later - that is if the chips needed for the circuitry are not affected by the current chip/wafer shortage woes.
And given the recent generous cashback promotions here in Japan (and I believe at most other major markets too), it definitely does seem like they are trying to move inventory to make space for its successor.
As I had previously covered in my post on the Z 24-70/2.8S II’s announcement, prior to its official announcement I was wondering what updates to an already highly acclaimed lens could possibly be, and am in fact glad to find that the Mark II is indeed a worthy upgrade after the official announcement.
With that as a basis, I think we can pretty much assume that the Z 70-200/2.8S II would at least include the following updates:
AF motors updated to SSVCM
Click-declick switch
Filter window in lens hood
Improved flare resistance with meso amorphous coating
Removal of the OLED display
So, what else could be updated for the lens?
If I were playing it conservative, I would think that the lens would remain an internal zoom but made to be smaller and lighter, with improvements in minimum focus distance and magnification ratio for more versatility.
However, to be honest, if these were the only updates, it is hard to impress a current Z 70-200/2.8S user, unless the weight/size savings are really significant or the magnification ratio goes into the half-macro realm.
Which got me thinking, how else could they update an already well-loved lens to appeal to current users to upgrade their lens?
Excluding weight/size savings and magnification ratio improvements, I think some other changes could be:
Increased focal length range. I am quite sure that Nikon would like to keep the 77mm filter diameter, which means that the lens could only be made to go wider and not more telephoto. I guess a possible candidate in this case would be a 50-200mm f/2.8?
Internal TC. Similar to the previous point, to keep the 77mm filter diameter but to increase the telephoto reach, they could have designed it with an internal 1.4x TC so it can go to 280mm f/4 with the TC activated. Given how most super telephotos have internal TC these days, it would be a great option to have on the 70-200mm without sacrificing the 77mm filter size.
Wider aperture, like a 70-200/2-2.8. I think this is highly unlikely though, as most users would just use it as a f/2.8 constant so as not to deal with exposure changes with the variable aperture. While I know the Z6III, Z8 and Z9 have the custom function for ISO compensation with variable apertures, unfortunately the other bodies do not have it, so unless it becomes available to all bodies a variable aperture 70-200 does not sound highly likely.
I think with either of these improvements, it would make the lens stand out in a league of its own, and provide a very compelling reason for current owners to update (as well as new users to get one).
Whatever reality is, I am quite hopeful it would be an interesting and meaningful upgrade to the current 70-200mm lens, and definitely looking forward to learning about it on announcement day.
Oh, and just in case, please remember these are my own thoughts and speculations (or wish-list if you like), and are by no means rumors of any sorts. Though I would definitely like either option of expanded focal length range to be true since it would add a lot of value to owning the lens.