Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 810g (1.79 lb) it's lighter than the 1250g (2.76 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 24-70mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is $2,599, $400 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 810g (1.79 lb) vs 1250g (2.76 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 810g (1.79 lb) it's lighter than the 1250g (2.76 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 24-70mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 70-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 16 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 34° – 12° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.34x | 0.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,599 | $2,999 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 89mm | 89mm |
| Length | 126mm | 206mm |
| Weight | 810g (1.79 lb) | 1250g (2.76 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
