Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S vs Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens
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 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S 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.
Choose the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 695g (1.53 lb) it's lighter than the 1440g (3.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.2x.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is 70-200mm, Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is 24-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is $2,448, $251 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is 695g (1.53 lb) vs 1440g (3.17 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S or the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens 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 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S 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.
Who should choose the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens?
Choose the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 695g (1.53 lb) it's lighter than the 1440g (3.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.2x.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is 70-200mm, Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is 24-70mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 70-200mm | 24-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 18 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 34° – 12° | 84° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | XD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm | 21 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.32x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,699 | $2,448 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 89mm | 87.8mm |
| Length | 220mm | 119.9mm |
| Weight | 1440g (3.17 lb) | 695g (1.53 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
