Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Announced
Nikon has announced a new lens, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, which is a successor to the highly acclaimed Z 70-200 f/2.8 VR S.
The dedicated special contents page and technical specifications of the lens can be viewed here:
This lens improves on all aspects of its predecessor, whilst also bringing its weight and size down, which in my honest opinion is a huge achievement.
As mentioned in my previous article on what my expected changes for the lens, the changes are significant, albeit on the conservative side - none of my more substantial suggested changes (in the previous article) came true.
If one is using a 70-200/2.8 as a main lens, the lighter weight, faster AF and closer focusing distances might be good reasons to upgrade.
However, the increase in image quality is not as significant since the predecessor is already a higher performer in this regard, so if the aforementioned factors are not seriously impeding your photography, it does upgrading not as straightforward a choice since, especially if you consider the price bump of the new lens.
Also for new owners looking for the 70-200/2.8, I think it does pretty much boil down to budget - the older lens is definitely no slouch and can hold its own even when the new lens out, and if you take into consideration that the older lens can often be obtained with huge discounts as they try to clear their inventory, they do make for a great value to get it now if the upgrades are not really required in your shooting style.
In summary, I think they have done a wonderful job in upgrading an already wonderful piece of glass, all while making it lighter and shorter. But with the older lens getting heavily discounted now, it may make sense to get the older lens at a good bargain for those sitting on the fence on adding a 70-200/2.8 to their kit.