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 sy ...
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