Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm 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

NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S compared with NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
NikonNIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018March 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionEleven elements in nine groups18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo 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 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/2.8–22 throughout zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded blades11 blades with rounded aperture
Angle of viewFX 63°; DX 44°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 distance0.25 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification–0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two AF drive units, according to Nikon's launch announcement; UK page identifies stepping-motor driveSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailRear focusing system according to Nikon UK; minimum 0.25 m; 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 detail–Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR, as Photography Blog confirms; compatible camera bodies provide in-body VR. Nikon's original system claim of up to five stops is under CIPA conditionsMaker 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 near-silent focusing, suppressed focus breathing and smooth aperture control for exposure transitions–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter62 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter73 mm90 mm
Length86 mm208 mm
Weight370 g (better)998 g
ControlsProgrammable focus/control ring and A/M switch; UK page identifies exposure-compensation control in AF and speed-dependent manual-focus response; 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 detail62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch–
Weather resistanceNikon states sealing of the whole lens, including moving parts, against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof guaranteeDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 73 mm maximum diameter × 86 mm extension from lens mountApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 370 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-89 includedHB-119 with filter-adjustment window
In the boxLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-89 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 August 2018 announcement gives September 27 availability; this is the original f/1.8 S model, distinct from the later f/1.4 and f/1.2 primesUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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