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Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR

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 DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2026May 2023
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm12–28 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/16–25
Optical construction18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusingTwelve elements in eleven groups
Special elementsOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR elementOne ED and one aspherical element
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating–
Aperture detailf/2.8–22 throughout zoom range–
Diaphragm11 blades with rounded apertureSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°DX 99°–53°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX camerasNikon Z DX format; 18–42 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view. Nikon's launch release limited camera-button and eleven-speed support to Z30 and Zfc, with remote software support to follow
Teleconverter supportCompatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.38 m0.19 m
Maximum magnification0.3×0.21×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing driveSTM stepping-motor autofocus, as Nikon's launch release states
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 distance 0.19 m from the focal plane at all zoom positions
Magnification detailMaximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction publishedMaximum reproduction ratio 0.21×
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 cameraLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; 4.5-stop CIPA claim on a DX camera in Normal VR at maximum telephoto
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter90 mm72 mm
Length208 mm63.5 mm
Weight998 g205 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/firmwarePower-zoom ring and silent customisable control ring. Amateur Photographer identifies manual focus, aperture, exposure compensation and ISO assignments; AF and VR are controlled from the camera
Zoom designInternal zoom maintains barrel length and balanceInternal power zoom; fixed exterior length during zoom and focus. Eleven selectable speeds cover the range in approximately 0.55–36 seconds
Weather resistanceDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situationNikon specifies dust- and drip-resistant construction, without guaranteeing protection in every condition; this takes precedence over Amateur Photographer's contrary weather-proofing statement
Dimensions detailApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flangeApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 63.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with itApproximately 205 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 window–
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 and LF-N1 rear cap; HB-112 hood sold separately
Release detailUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retainedNikon USA announced availability in May 2023

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