Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II: Review

Posted to Lenses 2009-12-06

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II review:

Built to compete with the high end L Series by Canon, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II gives impressive focal length and aperture to match, albeit with an equally large price tag. Nikon recommends the use of this lens for sports photography or photojournalism and with the added stabilization from the Vibration Reduction system, unfocused images in this type of environment should be minimal.

Through the use of a Nano Crystal coat on the lens glass, the appearance of flaring and ghosting on your images is reduced even further, giving a higher quality shot at any setting you can choose. The lens is made up of 7 Extra-low dispersion (ED) elements within its construction to give better sharpness and an increase in overall color. This lens uses an internal focus system, so it will not extend beyond its original dimensions, making it easier to use on the fly.

Rating:

4.2 out of 5

Quality

Nikon has gone to great lengths with this lens to ensure that a number of high quality factors make up the construction. The 9 blade rounded diaphragm gives a more natural appearance to photos and the 7 ED elements helps give extra quality to any shot. With the inclusion of Nikons patented Super Integrated Coating (SIC), light transmission to the camera is further increased, while helping to eliminate any flare that may occur.

Features

The fast f2.8 zoom features Nikon's VR II image stabilization. The lens also supports a 77mm filter size so you can add a variety of filters to enhance your photography experience and it comes with an auto focusing Silent Wave Motor (SWM) which enables a quieter autofocus. Distance information is available on the top of the lens and it also has internal focus for ease of use by maintaining the same length of the lens.

Summary

This is a professional designed lens for an advance amateur or professional photographer, with features and performance that do hit the mark. For anyone interested in purchasing their first or replacement high quality lens, the price should not be a deterrent, because the overall construction of the lens is for the advanced amateur and professional photographers. There is a lot of competition in this area, but the advanced photographer would do well by taking advantage of this Nikon zoom.

Pros

Internal Focus
70-200mm focal length
Auto Focus Silent Wave Motor
Vibration Reduction (VR) II

Cons

Pricey