Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II

Both are Nikon Z mount zooms for sports & action and telephoto — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.

Last verified 2026-08-31 · Nikon Z mount · prices change — check the retailer

Spec	Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR	Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Focal length	180-600mm	70-200mm
Max aperture	f/5.6-6.3	f/2.8
Type	zoom	zoom
Coverage	full-frame	full-frame
Mount	Nikon Z	Nikon Z

Which should you buy?

the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II opens wider (f/2.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR covers 180-600mm and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II covers 70-200mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot

Where to buy

Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRSee price on Amazon

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S II | The Lightest Professional 70-200mm Lens in Its Class with Breakthrough Autofocus Pe

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S IISee price on Amazon

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 zoom, full-frame; the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom, full-frame. Both fit the Nikon Z mount.

Which is better in low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II — its f/2.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/5.6-6.3 of the other.

Do the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Nikon Z mount lenses, so they fit Nikon Z series (Z6/Z7/Z8/Z9 full-frame, Z50/Zfc APS-C).

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-08-31. Copy a ready-made reference:

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRAffiliate linkSee price on Amazon