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Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 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

NikonNIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2020March 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length20 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionFourteen elements in eleven groups18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element
CoatingsNano Crystal CoatMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating
Aperture detailf/1.8 maximum; f/16 minimumf/2.8–22 throughout zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded blades11 blades with rounded aperture
Angle of viewFX 94°; DX 70°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 distance0.2 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailNikon's launch announcement identifies a stepping motor for fast, quiet autofocus; UK page describes a multi-focusing systemSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.2 m from focal plane; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notesDistances 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 detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.19×Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR, as Digital Camera World confirms; compatible camera bodies can provide in-body stabilisationMaker 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 smooth, quiet focus and suppressed focus breathing, with silent aperture control using the control ring–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter84.5 mm90 mm
Length108.5 mm208 mm
Weight505 g998 g
ControlsProgrammable focus/control ring and A/M switch; control ring can adjust ISO, aperture or exposure compensation; no focus-distance scaleAF/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 design–Internal zoom maintains barrel length and balance
Filter detail77 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch–
Weather resistanceNikon states extensive sealing of movable barrel parts against dust and moisture; not a waterproof guaranteeDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 84.5 mm maximum diameter × 108.5 mm from the camera lens mount flangeApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 505 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-95 includedHB-119 with filter-adjustment window
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-95 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 USA's February 2020 announcement specifies March 2020 availability; an earlier confirmed retail day was not foundUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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