Nikon 200mm f/2G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 4.9 x 4.9 inches ; 6.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00065QRI8
• Item model number: B00065QRI8
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 21, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Nikon 200mm f2G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor super-telephoto lens offers professional photographers the latest innovations in lens technology and optical design. The lens offers unprecedented image quality, responsiveness, and versatility along with new features such as Nikon's VR II Vibration Reduction technology and Nikon's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat. This lens is designed for use with Nikon's FX and DX format digital SLR cameras.

This new super-telephoto lens is equipped with Nikon's VR II Vibration Reduction system that minimizes image blur caused by camera shake and offers up to four stops of compensation for clean, crisp images. When using Nikon's VR function, photographers can view a stabilized image through the viewfinder and therefore are able to compose their pictures naturally and with greater accuracy. A Tripod mode in the camera reduces vibration that may occur at shutter release when shooting with a super-telephoto lens attached to a tripod.

The new optical design features three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration, producing consistently high-quality images. Nikon's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat--an extra-low refractive index coating--virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections across a wide range of wavelengths and is particularly effective in reducing ghosting and flare. A meniscus protective glass element also minimizes the ghosting that occurs when light reflected from a digital camera's image sensor is in turn reflected off an ordinary flat protective glass element.

The lens also features ergonomically arranged controls that enable easy access and comfortable operation. The Focus Preset function instantly recalls a focal point preset with a simple push of a button while the Focus Limiter switch restricts AF-servo movement to a controlled shooting distance range. The lens also features an AF-L switch that makes it possible to lock focus from the lens, and AF-ON engages autofocus from the lens.

By employing magnesium die-cast in construction of the lens barrel, Nikon has achieved considerable weight reduction advantages without sacrificing rugged field-proven construction that's resistant to both dust and moisture.

Features:

• Fast f2.0 capability which effectively allows subjects to be given more emphasis by throwing background elements out of focus.
• Exclusive Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation.
• VR (Vibration Reduction) operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed three stops faster. In addition, active vibration mode selection possible for use in active situations such as a moving boat, car, or plane. VR automatically detects panning, and it has an available on/off mode.
• New Super ED glass excels at eliminating secondary spectrum and correcting chromatic aberration and offers low refractive index and lower dispersion. Also Super ED Glass is more resilient to rapid temperature changes.
• M/A mode enables instant switching from autofocus to manual with virtually no lag time even during AF servo operation.
• Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing.
• Electronic Focus Preset operation.
• Rounded diaphragm blades (9 blades) for natural blur.
• High Performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior color reproduction and minimizes ghost and flare.
• New G design enables aperture selection from select 35mm AF SLR and DSLR camera bodies and incorporates distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes.
• Fully compatible with Nikon TC-14E II, TC-17E II, and TC-20E II teleconverters.
• Focuses as close as 6.2 feet.
• Detachable hood (HK-31) and rotating tripod collar.

Product Description

Fast f/2.0 capability which effectively allows subjects to be given more emphasis by throwing background elements out of focus. Exclusive Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation. VR operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 3 stops faster. In addition, active vibration mode selection possible for use in active situations such as a moving boat, car or plane. New Super ED glass excels at eliminating secondary spectrum and correcting chromatic aberration and offers low refractive index and lower dispersion. Also Super ED Glass more resilient to rapid temperature changes. M/A mode enables instant switching from autofocus to manual with virtually no lag time even during AF servo operation. VR performance with Automatic detection of panning VR On/Off mode available Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing. Electronic Focus Preset Operation Rounded diaphragm blades (9 blades) for natural blur. High Performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior color reproduction and minimizes ghost and flare. New G design enables aperture selection from select 35mm AF SLR and DSLR camera bodies and incorporates distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes. Fully compatible with D1X, D2H, D100, D70, F5, F100, N80, N75. Fully compatible with Nikon TC-14E II, TC-20E II and New TC-17E II Teleconverters. Focuses as close as 6.2 feet. Detachable hood (HK-31) and rotating tripod collar.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth every pound (of the 2.9kg) - feedbacks vs the 300mm f/2.8, December 17, 2009

By 

Shawn Chen "shawnbert" (Cupertino, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon 200mm f/2G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

It weights as much as the af-s 300mm f/2.8 (gen 1) but is about 2.5" shorter in length. The primary lens is the same size, and it's a chore to lug around. 10lbs to be exact with a D700 and a battery grip. The personality of the lens, e.g. sharpness, bokeh, is similar to the 105mm DC Nikkor f/2, except it has faster focus, able to shoot a couple of stops faster with VR, and has a 200mm focal length.

It's sharp wide open at f/2 and insanely sharp from 2.8 and beyond under non-challenging lighting conditions. The quality of the optics makes it somewhat more bearable to lug around, but it's dimension is unconventional--stubby and shorter than the other Nikon super telephotos. Ironically, it doesn't balance as well as the af-s 300mm f/2.8 for me. Without a tripod or monopod, I tend to shoot with the camera on my shoulder and arm extended. The 'stubby' 200mm f/2 is harder to grip and balance, but optically it creates the same creamy bokeh as the 300mm albeit a tad sharper. To the very point, it's more comfortable to balance the camera with a 300mm on my shoulder and arm (w/o tripod/monopod) than the 200mm.

I seldom shoot sports, instead I shoot a lot of candid shots of people, particularly children, and the 200mm is absolutely a marvel. Once you're a believer, you can't settle for anything less. Few lens I own can get the level of sharpness I like wide open, and the 200mm f/2g is the sharpest of the lot. (85mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 60mm f/2.8, 105mm f/2, 300mm f/4, 300mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8)

33 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the best, April 27, 2008

By 

Felix Gumby "Quirrell" (kearney, ne United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon 200mm f/2G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I purchased this lens in order to take advantage of the 2.0 f-stop in horribly lit hs gymnasiums. This lens paired with my D2Hs is outstanding. It has to be the best volleyball lens in existence.

The only drawback is that it weighs a TON (better start doing your push-ups!). But, when you see the shots it produces, the weight is no longer a problem. I used a 70-200VR prior to this purchase, and it is/was a great lens, but it isn't even in the 200's class.

If you shoot basketball or volleyball this is a great lens. . . if you can afford it. If you can't, . . well, you only need one kidney.

Update, I have now paired this lens with a D3. . . OUTSTANDING.

1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the earlier version, December 15, 2010

By 

Grant Corban "www.grantcorban.com" (Malaysia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon 200mm f/2G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

this is the cheaper earlier version of the lens. if you want the latest one keep looking. Amazon sell it but the price is higher.