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Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Prime/zoom

92
/ 100
From $2,799
VS
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S wins by 3
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S — Telephoto zoom · VR · 1360 g
Nikon

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Telephoto zoom · VR · 1360 g

95
/ 100
From $2,699
Specdex verdict

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lands at 92 and Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S at 95. That puts Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S if…

  • ✓Tack-sharp across range
  • ✓Excellent VR stabilization
  • ✓Teleconverter compatible
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sharpness

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S leads on sharpness (98 vs 92).

Build

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Compared on the build sub-score

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S leads on build (98 vs 90).

Autofocus

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S leads on af (94 vs 88).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR 92
vs
95 Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Score breakdown

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
92
sharpness 92
af 88
build 90
value 86
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
95
sharpness 98
af 94
build 98
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR versus Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Mount
—
Nikon Z
Aperture
—
f/2.8
Weight
—
1360 g
Filter size
—
77 mm

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Pros
  • +Tack-sharp across range
  • +Excellent VR stabilization
  • +Teleconverter compatible
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Pricey
  • −Handholding with TC challenging

FAQ: Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Which is better, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S? +

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR worth the price? +

At $2,799, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S worth the price? +

At $2,699, Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S? +

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S — leads on sharpness (98 vs 92). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for build, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S? +

Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S — leads on build (98 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.