Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II Shipment Delayed to April — Should You Wait or Grab the Mark I?

Key Takeaways

• Nikon Japan has pushed the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II shipping date from late March to April 2026 due to overwhelming pre-orders.
• The Mark II is 26% lighter (998g vs 1,360g), has 3.5x faster AF, and adds Arca-Swiss tripod compatibility — priced at $3,199.
• The original Mark I ($2,597 at B&H) remains an excellent lens and is now available at a discount — a solid option if you don’t want to wait.
• First production batches at Japanese retailers are already fully reserved, signaling strong global demand.
• Pre-orders are still open at B&H Photo and other major retailers.

Nikon Japan has updated the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II listing on its online store with a notice that caught the attention of pro shooters worldwide: “Due to the overwhelming number of orders we have received for this product, it may take some time for delivery.” The expected shipping date has been revised from late March to April 2026.

The delay isn’t entirely surprising. The 70-200mm f/2.8 is the workhorse zoom for sports, events, and portrait photographers — and Nikon’s Mark II version promised significant upgrades. When Digital Camera World reported that the first production batch sold out at Japanese retailers before shipping even began, the writing was on the wall.

What’s New in the Mark II

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is more than a minor refresh. Nikon redesigned the internal optics and mechanics from scratch, delivering a lens that’s meaningfully lighter, faster, and optically improved. Here’s how the two versions compare:

The standout improvement is weight. Dropping 362 grams from a lens you carry all day at events or on the sideline is transformative. The new Silky Swift VCM autofocus — 3.5x faster with 40% better tracking — makes the Mark II a clear upgrade for anyone shooting fast action like sports or wildlife. The 11-blade diaphragm also promises smoother bokeh rendering compared to the Mark I’s 9 blades.

Should You Wait or Grab a Mark I Deal?

With the Mark II delayed and first batches already spoken for, this is the practical question. The Mark I hasn’t suddenly become a bad lens — it was widely considered one of the best 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms ever made for mirrorless. And with the Mark II’s launch, used and discounted Mark I units are appearing at attractive prices.

Wait for the Mark II if:

• Weight is a dealbreaker — 362g lighter is significant for all-day handheld shooting or gimbal work
• You shoot fast action and need the 3.5x faster AF tracking
• You want built-in Arca-Swiss compatibility and the filter adjustment window on the hood

Grab the Mark I if:

• You need a 70-200 f/2.8 right now — wedding season doesn’t wait for supply chains
• The ~$600 price difference matters (Mark I is around $2,597 new, often less used)
• Optical quality was already outstanding — the Mark I’s image quality is still top-tier

For portrait photographers who primarily shoot at moderate distances, the Mark I’s AF speed is more than adequate. The Mark II’s advantages really shine in demanding, fast-paced scenarios.

Where to Pre-Order

Despite the delay, pre-orders remain open at major retailers. Securing a spot in the queue now is the best way to get the lens as soon as Nikon ramps up production:

• US: B&H Photo
• US: Paul’s Photo
• DE: Foto Erhardt
• UK: WEX Photo

Featured image: AI-enhanced from official Nikon press imagery.