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

As a former owner of Nikon’s 70-200f2.8 VRII, I well knew the positive and negative characteristics of this iconic lens. In 2013 I sold this lens in favor of the f4 model. The smaller, lighter and less costly Nikon 70-200f4, exceeded its big brother in every way except for maximum aperture. I felt I could live with F4 until I saw the specs and read the reviews of the newest offering from Nikon, the 70-200 f2.8E FL ED VR. Nikon’s claims for this were phenomenal. Not only did they seem to fix what we all disliked about its predecessor, but added several other improvements as well. So numerous were these improvements, I decided to make a list. I came up with 20 items! (1) closer focus, (2) minimal focus breathing, (3) better contrast, (4) less flare, (5) less weight, (6) better front to rear weight balance, (7) much shorter in the middle of the zoom range of 135mm, (8) sharper in the corners at all focal lengths, (9) Improved rock steady VR, (10) “sport” mode option on VR, (11) faster VR response times, (12) faster focusing, (13) four new memory buttons, (14) better bokeh, (15) better lens hood that allows for standing the lens on end, (16) electronic aperture, (17) metal filter threads, (18) better dust seals, (19) fluorite coatings on front and rear, (20) better with the TC-14EII, TC-17E11, and the TC-20EIII??????? Most all these claims have been verified in various reviews except for the tele-converter claim. And that is an important requirement for me. I do nature photography with an emphasis on birds. I own all three of Nikon’s tele-converters. These work extremely well on my Nikon 400mmf2.8 as one would expect. They also work well on my Nikon 300mmf4PF and decently on my Nikon 70-200F4. They were a mixed bag on the Nikon 70-200f2.8 VRII previously owned. When the new 70-200 lens arrived last week, I quickly set up some tests to see if, indeed, the newest version would not have the problems the older model did. I am very happy to report that all three tele-converters work very well with this newest offering. On my D500, this lens equaled or outperformed the following lenses at all possible focal combinations from 70 to 400mm. My tests were of distant steep wooded hills, and involved the following combinations: Nikon 300mmPF with and without all three tele-converters (this lens was slightly sharper when no tele-converter was attached) Nikon 80-400 f4.5,5.6 - A close second at longer focal lengths, equal at shorter focal lengths. Sigma 150-600 Contemporary - Same story as the Nikon 80-400 Nikon 70-400f4 with and without tele-converters - just ever so slightly less sharp over longer focal lengths. The newest 70-200f2.8E with and without tele-converters - equal or better than any of the above combinations with the exception of the 300mmf4 PF when no tele-converter was attached. What is really amazing is how all close all the above were in overall image quality. However, they do represent some of the best glass out there. Last but in no way the least: Nikon 400mmf2.8 - Don’t even think any of the above equaled the quality of this lens. (though they got amazingly close!) Not only do the tele-converters work well at the maximum telephoto range for 200mm but quite decent results occur throughout the 70-200mm range. Of course, one does not want to normally use tele-converters other than at the maximum zoom but it can be forced upon one, if there is no time to remove the tele-converter. In summary, this is a costly lens, but it does represent the state of the art, and is one of Nikon's best attempts to give us the ultimate in quality. This lens is like owning a Ferrari. Beautiful to look at but meant to be driven by someone who understands what it really can do, and has driven lots of other sport cars in the past.

Nikon/Nikkor always deliver with the highest quality glass. The lens is super sharp throughout the focal range and focusing is exceptionally fast. I put it through its paces shooting sports and it delivers every time.

Just got it. I can tell from just looking through it that it will be very sharp, bright and the focusing will be extremely fast and quiet. Amazon software assigned a bad tracking number to the "track package" button on the orders page with the result that it was impossible to track the order for this very expensive lens while it was four days late.. Felicia in the concierge department went all out to help me resolve the issue. I wish all Amazon employee were as helpful as she was. UPDATE: The reviews of this lens claim that angels will sing when you mount this lens on your Nikon; that fairy dust will sprinkle; that the photographer with enter a state of nirvanic optical bliss upon gazing at the pictures this lens produces. Yeah right! --- But guess what? Its all true! Just looked at some pictures and I am floating a foot off the ground. The lens is beyond phenomenal. I can't help thinking that this lens can produce major works of art without even taking the lens cap off. I have a friend who is an accomplished painter. We pointed the camera at random and snapped the shutter a few times. We agreed that the pictures were beautiful. Ah, but the price, especially if you are not rich or a big time pro, neither of which I am. How can I justify 3K for a lens? The answer lies in a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay. “My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends— It gives a lovely light!”

Make no mistake about it, this is not a budget lens. And there are plenty of sharp lenses that cost a fraction of this lens. However, there is a reason why just about all Nikon professionals have this in their camera bag and that is because there is not much this lens cannot do. I currently only own two lenses (this and the 24-70 f/2.8E VR) and they cover all my needs. In the past, I've tried to save money here and there - basing decisions on things like lab tests (hey, this 24-120 scored as high up to 70mm as the 24-70 and costs half the price). Guess what, I ultimately lost money as I wound up upgrading anyway. Lab tests don't tell the story, when I switched the difference was night and day. Okay, this is not about the 24-70mm, but both belong in the same category. One of my biggest needs comes in challenging light scenarios, often during sunrise and sunset shoots. Stop this down to f/2.8 and you can easily focus without needing external light in all but basically pitch black scenarios. Images are pin sharp from corner to corner. About the only complaint I have would be that it can sometimes be tougher to find compositions that call for a 70-200mm lens. With that said, it can be a great choice to "compress" scenes (think woodland). One other tip, if you do a lot of tripod work, invest in an after market tripod foot as the Nikon one can be a bit underwhelming. I use the Really Right Stuff version and it plants the lens firm on the ball head.

Easily my favorite lens and tack sharp.

This lens is very sharp and crisp. It is a quality build and matches all the professional reviewers' opinions on performance. I am an amateur photographer and I can tell the difference in focusing speed and quality of image right out of the box. The most surprising feature is how close this lens focuses. I would say it is a replacement for a Macro lens, but it is not a Macro lens. It gets pretty close. I personally enjoy using the lens for fashion photography and nature photography. It is big but well balanced. Only one complaint, the focus ring, and the zoom ring our flipped. Not sure why Nikon did this, but it can be confusing. after switching lenses. I saved for a year to get this beauty and it is a MUST BUY for your collection.

The focus speed is easily 5x faster than the Tamron 24-70 2.8 I normally shoot with. It stays clear to the edge as expected. The focus speed made all the difference in the world when I was taking photos at an air show. I had missed some shots the year prior using other lenses that didn't focus nearly as fast. It could focus on a plane in the time it took me to spot the blur in the lens, then held easily for zooming in for the shot. I have it paired with a D750 body. It is not a great walk around lens, being a telephoto and all, however, if you are looking for a sports lens or longer distance portrait option. This lens is worth the money.

The lens has never taken a good picture. I sent it to Nikon who claim it is not covered under warranty. The lens is 3 months old.