New NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Review: Focus, Flare, and Portability Tested

Can the new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II truly redefine your portrait workflow, or are the gains marginal? Let's see how a professional photographer puts the new lens to the test in real-world conditions to find out if it is worth the investment.

Julia Trotti, a prominent Australian photographer, reviews the new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II in this video and takes us through a live portrait session to test its real-world performance. It is a thorough lens review that discusses many improvements made to this lens compared to its previous version, such as lens coatings to reduce flaring and the rounder bokeh produced by the eleven aperture blades.

As Julia shows through a fair comparison, there is an improvement in autofocus speed and accuracy. She notes that the transition to the new Silky Swift VCM motor makes a noticeable difference over the previous version, offering a snappy, responsive feel even when the model or subject is moving. This technical leap ensures a much higher hit rate for sharp images, which she demonstrates by comparing it directly to the older version during the shoot.

Beyond this, she also highlights the impressive 360-gram weight reduction and the remarkably short minimum focus distance, both of which contribute to a more versatile and comfortable shooting experience on location.

The improvements in focus tracking and handling make this a compelling tool for any professional, and you should watch the rest of the video for more information on the side-by-side image comparisons and to find out if it is worth the upgrade if you already own a NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S.

Mujahid Ur Rehman, known by Muji, is a professional photographer and independent filmmaker located in Cape Town, South Africa. His focus is on storytelling through his photography, short films on YouTube, and a newsletter covering life, people, travel, nature, and motivation.

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