Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S Nikon's just-announced Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S looks like a powerful option for Z-series photographers, joining the Z 24-70mm F2. 8 S as the second part in Nikon's 'holy trinity' of F2.
8 zooms for Z mount. We got our hands on an early working sample at CES. Click through for some initial impressions and a breakdown of the key features.
Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S
Physically, the Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S is very similar to the older AF-S 70-200mm F2. 8. Its external dimensions are about the same, as is its weight. But while the optical design bears some relation to its F-mount forebear, this is a very different, and very advanced design.
Featuring 21 elements in 18 groups, the Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S is Nikon's most ambitious Z-mount zoom yet, featuring no fewer than six ED (extra low-dispersion) elements, two aspherical elements and one fluorite element.
It also includes a new 'SR' (short wavelength refractive) element, which is, in Nikon's words, 'a specialized-dispersion glass lens featuring characteristics that greatly refract light with wavelengths shorter than that of blue. ' This appears to be a comparable technology to Canon's Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR) found on lenses such as the EF 35mm F1. 4L II and RF 85mm F1. 2L.
This should mean that chromatic aberration is kept to an absolute minimum, something we want to test as soon as possible. Nano crystal coating and Nikon's new Arneo coating also help keep contrast high and flare low when shooting into, or just off-axis, from bright light sources.
Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S
This view shows the standard A|M switch for focus and a simple focus limiter, to stop the lens from hunting through its entire range for distant subjects. Close focus (should you need it) is 1m at 200mm, and 0. 5m at 70mm - a nice improvement over Nikon's previous 70-200mm designs for DSLRs.
The Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S offers an impressive built-in VR system, capable of 5 stops of correction, Nikon's highest-ever rating (per CIPA). So what's missing? The Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S does not feature the familiar VR mode switch found on many Nikon lenses; instead, VR is toggled and controlled via the camera body.
Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S
Twin Fn buttons on the barrel can be customized to fulfill various other requirements, basically matching the options available in-camera for the Z6 and Z7's own Fn buttons. The tripod collar is fixed, but the foot can be removed when not required.
Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S
As we've seen on the Z 24-70mm F2. 8 S (as well as the new Noct) the 70-200mm features a small display on the barrel itself, which can be switched (via the 'DISP' button) to display aperture and focus position.
This shot also shows the zoom and focus ring arrangement, which matches that of the AF-S 70-200mm. Some photographers love having zoom positioned towards the tip of the lens, and some photographers hate it, but hopefully all Z-series shooters will appreciate the customizable control ring, positioned at the opposite end of the Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S, which can be used for quick control over exposure compensation and/or aperture.
Videographers will also appreciate that this lens provides parfocal support. In other words, the focus position doesn't shift when the lens is zoomed. It's not clear at this point whether the lens is optically parfocal or if it makes a real-time focus adjustment to provide a parfocal effect, but either way it should negate the need to pull focus during or after zooming.
Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S
As we'd expect, the Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S is sealed against dust and moisture incursion. You may just be able to make out the slim rubber sealing ring around the lensmount in this shot.
Notice too the relatively recessed rear element, which is unusual in Nikon's current Z-mount lens lineup.
Hands-on with Nikon Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S
The Z 70-200mm F2. 8 S features a nine-bladed aperture for circular bokeh at wide apertures, and a 77mm filter thread. It will be available next month for $2,599. 99.
. dpreview.com2020-1-10 17:00
