Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S compared with NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
NikonNIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 SNikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedApril 2019March 2026
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length14–30 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionFourteen elements in twelve groups18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsFour ED and four aspherical elementsOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front elementMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating
Aperture detailConstant f/4 maximum; f/22 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/2.8–22 throughout zoom range
DiaphragmSeven rounded blades11 blades with rounded aperture
Angle of viewFX 114°–72°; DX 90°–50°FX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter support–Compatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification–0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailNikon describes a multi-focusing system and virtually silent stepping-motor autofocusSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.28 m from focal plane at all zoom positionsDistances from focal plane; 0.38 m at 70/85 mm, 0.5 m at 105 mm, 0.6 m at 135 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailUses compatible cameras' in-body VR; Nikon quotes up to five stops under CIPA conditions for its original camera system, not optical stabilisation in the lensMaker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on camera
Video featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing and focus shift while zooming, quiet autofocus and silent aperture control–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter89 mm90 mm
Length85 mm208 mm
Weight485 g (better)998 g
ControlsZoom ring, programmable focus/control ring and A/M switch; no focus-distance scale. Control ring supports exposure compensation in AFAF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmware
Zoom designRetractable barrel, extended by turning the zoom ring; must extend to a shooting focal length before useInternal zoom maintains barrel length and balance
Filter detail82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch; flat front accepts filters without a dedicated ultra-wide filter holder–
Weather resistanceNikon states sealing of moving barrel parts against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof guaranteeDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 89 mm maximum diameter × 85 mm from the lens mount flange when retractedApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 485 gApproximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with it
Tripod mount–Removable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included.
Lens hoodHB-86 includedHB-119 with filter-adjustment window
In the boxLC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-86 hood and CL-C1 caseLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective cover
Release detailNikon School UK states on sale April 2019. Photography Blog still described pre-orders on April 29; a confirmed first retail day was not found, so the maker's month precision is retainedUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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