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Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S IINikonNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2026September 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length70–200 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical construction18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusingTwelve elements in eight groups
Special elementsOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR elementTwo ED elements
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coatingNano Crystal Coat
Aperture detailf/2.8–22 throughout zoom rangef/1.8–16
Diaphragm11 blades with rounded apertureNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°FX 28°30′; DX 18°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX camerasNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX cameras
Image circle detail–Physical 85 mm focal length; 127.5 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view on DX, as Photography Blog notes
Teleconverter supportCompatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.38 m0.8 m
Maximum magnification0.3×–
Optical stabilisationYes–
Autofocus detailSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing driveNikon Multi-Focus System with quiet focus motors
Focus distance detailDistances 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 mmInternal focusing; minimum 0.8 m from the focal plane; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notes
Magnification detailMaximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published–
Stabilisation detailMaker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on cameraNikon's launch announcement confirms compatibility with the in-body five-axis VR in the Z6 and Z7
Video features–Reduced focus breathing and quiet autofocus; control ring can adjust aperture smoothly
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter90 mm75 mm
Length208 mm99 mm
Weight998 g470 g
ControlsAF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmwareA/M focus switch and programmable ring for manual focus, aperture or exposure compensation; no distance scale
Filter detail–67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch. Photography Blog's 62 mm reference conflicts with Nikon's specification and is not used
Zoom designInternal zoom maintains barrel length and balance–
Weather resistanceDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situationNikon states sealing of moving parts against dust and water droplets; this is not a waterproof claim
Dimensions detailApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flangeApproximately 75 mm maximum diameter × 99 mm from the lens mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with itApproximately 470 g
Tripod mountRemovable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included.–
Lens hoodHB-119 with filter-adjustment windowHB-91 bayonet hood included
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective coverLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-91 hood and CL-C1 case
Release detailUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retainedNikon USA's July 2019 announcement states September availability. Earliest exact global and first UK retail day are unconfirmed, so month precision is retained

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