Nikon Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Lens

Product Rating
5 of 5
5 reviews

Price Range
$1799 - $2855

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Product Description

Summary

I fell in love for the first time about 6 years ago when I met my, now, wife.

I fell in love a second time upon taking delivery of my wonderful Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR lens.

I've used this lens for all of 2 days and right from the moment I shot off my first test picture, I knew I was holding pure quality in my hands. Nearly every picture I've taken during this 'test' period has amazed me at the clarity of the image. The only weakness to date is the photographer!

When I take a shot with this lens attached to my D200 I know, even after a short period of ownership, that my success rate of 'keepers' is very, very high compared to my previous lens (Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 - nice lens, but just not in the same league as the Nikon).

Ok we all know its expensive (escpecially in the UK where we always seem to pay lots more than anywhere else in the world) and when you've made the purchase, you think 'goodness, what have I done', but when you see what this lens produces, you can certainly justify the cost.

I'm not an expert at photography as yet, but I do know that this lens produces extraordinarily high quality images.

Probably my greatest lens purchase to date and, probably, forever.

Strength

Every single thing is perfect.

Weakness

With such perfection, I cannot see the weight and price as weaknesses - so I would say no weaknesses at all.

Summary

The AF-S VR 70-200/2.8 G replaces my older 80-200/2.8 lenses (AF-D and -S).
When buying the 70-200, the main reason was VR, so I was quite excited to also get far better image quality.
VR is still the most important new feature, allowing me to capture good images in situations where I was typically lost before. Another, very important feature for me is the ability to use teleconverters along with this lens and still get good images. On a journey, a 300/2.8 lens is one thing I definitely don't want to carry.

Strength

* Very good image quality
* Fast AF, but not the fastest though
* Still very good imaging with teleconverter TC14, almost good with TC20
* tack sharp at 4.0, 5.6; very good at 2.8

Weakness

* heavy
* quite bulky to carry (good for shooting, though)
* with TC20 don't stop down more than once!

Summary

Do you shoot sports? Do you shoot weddings? Do you shoot photographs? Then get it. Nough said! Very well balanced. Superb construction. VR. Wider than before (70mm vs. 80 previously). Sharp. Fast. There is not much to complain about here. Every wedding and sports shooter I know carries this glass. It is my bread and butter lens for the majority of my work. Coupeling it with a 2x converter gives you a 140-400mm f/5.6 AF-S VR hand held!!!! Beat that! For most photographers... if you buy one pro lens and don't need the wider focal lengths (17-55mm AF-S f/2.8 DX for that) then get this lens. It is stunning and VR works well.

Strength

Focal Range
Build
Balance
77mm Pro filter size
VR
AF-S very fast (only my 300mm AF-S f/2.8 is faster at locking)
Fast constant aperture
Professional throughout

Weakness

Price New
Weight for some (I don't mind it so much)

Summary

The 70-200 Nikon 2.8 has always been awesome but this one is amazing. The VR really works and the focusing is quiet and fast even with 1.4 1.7 and (in ideal conditions) 2x convertors. It's a long time since I used a non nikon at this focal length but I would be astonished if the independants could hold a candle to it. It is well balanced and has a good tripod support. I use it for sports if I can get close to the action and it's also very good as an outdoor portrait and candid lens. It's pin sharp wide open and throughout the zoom range and all aberations are kept well in check. Even the lens hood has a lock (unlike my old model) so it stays on.

If you are considering this lens for fast moving subjects in available light and it covers the focal lengths you need then you have to look no further. If you don't need the 2.8 then more compact better value lenses with a longer zoom range should be on your shopping list.

Strength

Image quality build quality, focusing, speed and handling

Weakness

Really nit picking but if forced I'd say the "tripod detect" doesn't seem to worm work.

Summary

Lens fits well in my hands. Well made and very sharp. Excellent bokeh due to the 9-blade diaphragm. Egronomically well-designed. Well worth the money I paid for it. This lens will probably become a Nikon classic.

Strength

VR very helpful. Actually 105-300 f2.8 on my D200. Beautifully made. I was actually able to take a shot of a bear at the edge of the woods, last week, 1/15th sec. at f2.8 ISO100, handheld out a window with the engine running, and it is very sharp. Something I could not have done without VR.

Weakness

Expensive.