Customer Reviews

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

5 star:		(80)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This lens has only two "faults." First, it is big and heavy--quality construction often yields a heavy lens. Second, once the photographer has seen the results that this lens can produce, there is a likelihood that he or she will be unhappy with the other lenses in the camera bag.

Results first: the images are razor sharp with this zoom mounted on my Nikon D70s. I can get shots that I never could get before because this lens is so crisp that subjects taken at a distance nevertheless can be cropped to produce an acceptable close-up image. Subjects taken at more normal distances are breathtakingly sharp--as if shot with an excellent prime lens. This is a fast lens (F/2.8 throughout its entire zoom range). Almost more importantly, this lens has the best "Bokeh" that I have ever experienced in a lens. "Bokeh," to the extent that I understand the concept (it is a Japanese word meaning roughly "unfocused"), is a word describing whether the out-of-focus portion of an image (i.e. a blurred background in a photo in which only the subject is in focus) has a pleasing look to it. This lens produces wonderful, creamy Bokeh. The sharpness and Bokeh, combined with the excellent bright color rendition of this lens, makes this one a true classic.

I have occasionally experienced minor ghosting on this lens when shooting into a very bright subject, i.e. the sun reflecting off of the ocean. This is a normal shortfall of a zoom lens comprised of a multitude of elements, and I have sometimes experienced this. But such occasions are rare.

The autofocusing action of this lens is very good. Even birds at very long distances usually produce a quick, snappy autofocus lock on my Nikon D70s. Very seldom does it "hunt" for an AF lock, and these occasions are likely due to operator error rather than the lens. This lens also features Vibration Reduction (VR) which enables it to produce acceptable images below what an F/2.8 lens would otherwise be suitable for. The VR really works, too, although it is by no means a panacea for dim lighting.

This is one of Nikon's professional lenses, and the quality of construction is excellent. The critical mount is metal, and the entire lens is built like a tank. The lens comes with a nice squeeze-style lens cap, and a very good lens hood that can be easily reversed for storage.

The reader can see that I am extremely enamored with this lens. The reason is that, notwithstanding its bulk and weight, this lens produces the best nature shots that I have ever managed to take, by far.

Yes, this lens is already legend, and no, it's not just a bunch of people trying to justify spending a whole lot of cash on a lens. Make no mistake, this lens is BIG and expensive. It's not fitting into your travel bag nor is it at home at a friend's party. For that bring the 18-70mm, 28-200G or just bring a cheaper P&S type camera in case you spill beer on it!
The 70-200 VR is a pro level lens that gets almost everything right. It's size is the byproduct of an optical design that really makes few, if any compromises. This lens is SHARP...as sharp as my 50mm prime and sharper wide open that you might believe or expect. On a D70 the focus is lightening fast and quite exact. Color rendition is the best I've seen. I do much less post processing when this baby is on the D70.
On the problematic side, this lens is BIG. It's heavy and in the way, though reasonably easy to grasp. I added a Harbortronics portrait grip and the handling/balance is improved. It needs a big bag and focuses down to a bit under 5 feet. While it's a fantastic portrait lens, you need room to get the most out of it. My first shots with this lens put my more experienced lenses to shame. The bokeh, or quality of out-of-focus areas were creamy and pleasing. Subjects had a 3D quality to them.
The VR system is exactly what you'd expect. I sat on my couch, framed the text on my DVD player about 8 feet away and shot at F/2.8 ISO 200 for a 1/2 second exposure. At 200mm (300mm on the D70) the image was sharp. Without VR I got a big blur.
The real question is: Do you need a 1700 dollar lens?
Answer: Only if you want it. The quality is all there at a level that has people talking about this lens like it's magic. I have friends who shoot pro with Canon and Nikon. Even the Canon users say the 70-200VR is the best of it's kind. Sell a kidney and buy one!

I have used this lens for over 6 months now and have over 1k shots through it. It is as fantastic as others note herein. The 2.8 through the focus range is really great. Superb. The VR function is really a neat trick. It is super fun to play with.

The drawbacks are size and weight. After a 1/2 hour of shooting, your arms will get tired. Remember to be careful and hold the lens and not the camera. This lens is definately heavy enough to bend/warp the camera body.

Jan 07 update
This lens still gets a lot of action and I am still very happy. I have been using it for some portrait work with the VR turned off and it seems to produce some very high quality images with nice bokeh. I used it at a large wedding and it allowed me to get a variety of shots that would have ordinarily required lens changes. The 70 to 200 is a very nice range to get some very nice shots. A really right stuff modified foot (lcf-10? I think) is also useful. Have fun.

I love this lens. This is an excellent complement to my Nikon 28-70 2.8. It is well balanced on D200 and F100 (with MB Grip). Just last weekend used in a Family Wedding. It is really not a lens for casual photography. If you are not willing to tolerate heavy equipment, sincerely, you will take much better pictures with PS digital cameras, as I sometimes do. After all taking pictures is about capturing moments and if this lens will get into your way, it has no use.

I personally only prefer fixed 2.8 apertures across the zoom range. This is very important for me since I like to use mostly Aperture Priority especially taking people's pictures. That is why I love this lens. This is a very expensive lens. If VR is not important to you, go with more reasonably priced with almost identical optical qualities Nikon 80-200 2.8. To me VR is very important since I cannot afford to use Tripods when I am moving around and taking pictures of my kids or friends.

If you could afford it, it is a great lens that you will never regret. If you cannot afford it just you are thinking on purchasin expensive Camera Body, don't waste your time on camera specs, D70 vs D200 vs D2Xs etc. Buy cheaper camera, but still buy this lens as long as you are willing to carry heavy equipment around and comitted to take pictures with such heavy equipment.

Bokeh is amazing, rich contrast, creamy blurring behind a subject with 2.8 is simply delicate and delicious.

This lens IS NOT intended for FX sensors. It continues to be sold that way but it is not designed for it. I got rid of mine recently thank God! Vignetting is infuriatingly unacceptable for a $1900 lens. At these prices I refuse to accommodate or compensate for design flaws or shortcomings. This lens was designed back when the FX sensor was in its infancy so its dimensions were not considered properly. Nikon knows about this of course, and is apparently working on the next iteration while fighting the Vignetting/Softness fires. As for myself. I want my money's worth in performance. Some people say" "stop it down a bit" NO!! I bought this lens to shoot it WIDE open! That's why u go up to 2.8 price right?? ...besides, any crappy lens is sharp at f/5.6-f/11. This lens has fallen from grace pretty quickly among FX shooters. Some people still say they don't have any issues with vignetting on this glass.....I say see ur optometrist at your leisure.
This lens still rocks any DX sensor out there though. As long as it's pulling from the sweet spot in the center u should get your money's worth. My suggestion to the FX community: save for what's coming next. Be patient. This is NOT it. Hope this helps at least a few of you.

I was looking for a medium range zoom for my D-70s that was reasonably fast and sharp throughout the zoom range. This lens is a first class winner in all areas. It is my first VR lens (vibration resistance) and that alone makes it worth the cost. No more tripods! It is smooth in operation and feels very solid (if not a little heavy) to use. The f/2.8 speed coupled with 8 aperture leaves gives a velvety smooth bokeh (desirable soft blurred background) that makes your subject snap right out of the shot. The len is razor sharp from 70mm to 200mm. If there is any distortion, I haven't seen it. With a lens this long, ghosting might show up if you shoot almost directly into the sun. The huge HB-29 lens hood helps a lot. Again, I have not seen any ghosting yet. This is definately a pro/pro-sumer len and its price tag alone re-enforces that fact. If you can afford it, remember the golden rule...it is the lens that makes the picture not the camera. All the pixels in the world can't make up for a poor lens. If you are ready to play with the big boys, then this belongs in your bag.

Length:: 9:08 Mins

This Nikon 70-200mm VR f/2.8 lens is the best Telezoom that Nikon makes, hands down. In this video review I give reasons why this is one of my favorite lenses, then demonstrate the lens in action on a D300 as well as give useful commentary while I handle the pair.

This lens has so many uses. Anytime I can position myself where my subject is more than five feet away, this is my lens of choice. I have the kit 18-70mm that came with the D70 and a 50mm prime (I have the 18-200 VR is on order, and if Nikon can ever get around to catching up with demand, that lens might surpass this one, due to the smaller weight - plus it is a lot cheaper).

I took every lens I own with the D70 to the British Museum in London. Shooting handheld in available light (I never used the flash) with many of the Egyptian and Greek artifacts over fifty feet away, I got outstanding results with this lens. The VR technology is amazing. Having a constant 2.8 aperture was also a major advantage. I'll grant you my arm felt like a rubber hose after four hours of site seeing, but it was worth it! I have had similar satisfaction using the lens outdoors for wildlife photography. I have even used the TC-20EII teleconverter with the lens, to shoot hummingbirds at great distance. I would have no reservations about recommending the lens, until Nikon announced the 18-200 VR. This new lens has a much broader focal length on the low end, and focuses much closer (around a foot, compared to five feet for 70-200). The 18-200 does not provide a constant 2.8 aperture across it's focal length, so the 70-200 would be better at long distances in low light. But at less than half the price, and I think less than half the size, this new lens clearly will have a premier spot in my bag. Will it totally replace the 70-200VR? I'll update my review when I finally get to try the lens on the block. Until then, the 70-200mm VR is the champ!

This is it. I upgraded from the Sigma EX f2.8 80-200. I should have spent the money for the Nikon the first time. The Sigma is a very nice lens for less, and a good alternative, but if you want it all, go for the Nikon. Leave your tripod at home when you get this glass. I don't know how this compares, but I'm shooting hand held with 1/30s shutter at full zoom (35mm equivalent of 300mm). The VR is phenomenal, the wide aperature delivers beautiful blur, and the overall fit and construction is flawless. Tack sharp images too.

I've had this 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens for about three years and have used it extensively on cameras with DX sensors. My main use has been indoor volleyball in poorly lit gyms. It has functioned with sharpness, contrast and excellent handling given its large size.
Speaking of size... this lens is not small. I know many pros that, despite the size, carry the pro 70-200 f/2.8 VR in their bags. I, however, have often opted for the Nikon 70-300 VR when I know the lighting will be plentiful (outdoors during daylight hours). The 70-300 VR is not as high in quality but is much smaller and lighter.
Now that I am using a camera with an FX sensor (D700), I have noticed vignetting in the corners in some of my photos taken with the 70-200 f/2.8. Case in point, last month I used the 70-200 f/2.8 to shoot some water polo at the local high school. The pool is VERY poorly lit. And flash is rough with the reflections off the water (not to mention it could blind the players). I've been shooting at ISO3200 (love the D700's low light high ISO capabilities), F/2.8 and a 1/250 shutter speed. The pics are almost useless in the corners. The only solution is to switch the camera to DX mode OR buy an alternate lens.
Bottom Line... I recommend this lens but the shooter must know it's limitations on a FX camera.