The NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens from Nikon strikes an ideal balance between exceptional optics, advanced lens technologies, and a range of popular focal lengths. Designed for full-frame Nikon FX-format cameras, this G-series lens is also compatible with Nikon's cropped DX-format cameras. When attached to a cropped sensor camera, it turns the 70-200mm focal length into the 35mm equivalent of a 105-300mm zoom - with a maximum f/4 aperture throughout the zoom on either FX- or DX-format. Several advanced Nikon technologies combine to provide this lens with exceptional optical quality, and helpful features for low-light shooting, including Vibration Reduction (VR), three Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Elements, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), and several optical glass coatings.
Arguably the most helpful of these technologies is its Vibration Reduction technology, which prevents camera shake and allows for handheld shooting in low-light conditions. With this technology, you can shoot at shutter speeds up to five times slower than you otherwise could - producing much sharper photos and HD videos as a result.
When shooting in less than desirable conditions, you need to know that you can count on your shots to be focused quickly, precisely and quietly. Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides all of these, with a quick and seamless manual override as well. This is all done within the lens barrel, thanks to the Internal Focus design of this G-series lens, so that the length of the lens remains constant as you zoom or focus.
Focus as close as 3.3' so you can zoom in on your subjects, big or small, from a comfortable working distance. When you don't want or need autofocus, switch it off with the Manual/Auto (M/A) focusing mode that allows for almost zero lag time by simply turning the focusing ring on the lens. This means you won't have to move your eyes from the viewfinder in order to switch from quick AF, to refined manual focus.
Going deeper into the lens, we find it has a total of 20 elements in 14 groups, three of them being Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements, as well as anti-reflective Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated multilayer Coating. The ED elements provide better sharpness and color correction by minimizing chromatic aberration - even at the widest aperture, and the Nano Crystal Coat prevents internal lens reflections, ghosting, and flare.
With a great telephoto zoom range, 5-stops of vibration reduction, and high quality optics, the NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR lens provides sharp and clear images in bright sunlight or dim twilight.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
70 - 200 mm Comparable DX Focal Length: 105 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4.0 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View |
34° - 12° DX Picture Angle: 22° - 8° |
| Tilt/Shift | None |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.28' (1.00 m) |
| Magnification | 0.274x |
| Groups/Elements | 14/20 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Optional |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | Front: 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.1 x 7.0" (7.87 x 17.78 cm) |
| Weight | 1.87 lb (.85 kg) |
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I was looking for a companion to my 24-70 f/2.8 lens for my D800 and the 70-200 f/4 seemed like a perfect fit. I was convinced when I read the DxO Mark review of lenses for the D800 and this lens came in just one point below the f/2.8 version at a much lower cost.I'm usually on the trail or scrambling up and down hillsides in the national parks, and the lighter weight of this lens is great - especially for someone like me who isn't a youngster anymore.The images I've gotten are stunning and the vibration reduction really makes it hand-holdable for those times when a tripod is inconvenient or not allowed (like many public air & car museums).I also suggest the RT-1 Tripod Collar ring. I love that I can spin the lens from landscape to portrait without messing with the ball head.I feel like my D800 bag is now complete.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Used it out in the field for 3yr old portraits. Fast, sharp, lightweight, cannot ask for more. F/4 produces nice bokeh.
Great up close shots, should have bought this sooner!
Will be taking this to a wedding shoot in June, cannot wait to put this through the grind. It will make life much easier.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I have 70-200 2.8, but this baby almost the same or sometimes I think even better !
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I thought my 85 afd was my best lens, and for DOF it is... But the colors out of this lens and contrast is amazing. Trust me, I was worried about the extra stop but it's not that much of a deal. The VR is amazing. I had a 1/2 SECOND shot of a product I was doing and it was quite sharp. I was amazed. Very light, zoom and focus rings are butter like, colors and contrast is amazing, and so is the VR... Get it!
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I use this lens for nature and advertizng photography. What I like over the f/2.8 version is weight. Carrying the f/2.8 on a 15 mile hike into the backcountry can be draining. This one feels like half the weight, yet IQ is very close. You lose one stop compared to the f/2.8, BUT the VR II does a really great job. I have actually taken several sellable images hand held at 200mm at 1/60sec. Try that with the f/2.8 version.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This lens is long speculated, and anticipated, thus comes as no surprise, but when Nikon bring in a new lense, they do it right. It has everything the photographer would ask for (minus the tripod collar), it's lighter, cheaper than its F2.8G stablemate, but in terms of performance its closest focus to 38 inches make this lense very useful, while in the past one may have to dismount their 70-200mm F2.8G (whichever version) and switch to the 24-70 F2.8g instead.
The F4.0 aperture in general does not detract from its 2.8 sibling, in that viewfinder is crisp and sharp. Very hand holdable and much easier on people who have smaller hands. The zoom ring is smooth and focus is right on the money. The real difference is how much money you will save for your next lens, or any useful accessories.
A smaller aperture also means a much smaller package, thus carrying it attached to camera body is not burdensome. the picture quality throughout the zoom range is outstanding.
The next question perhaps is, will Nikon seriously considering upgrading its very popular 70-300mm lens to this standard? Given nano coating and ED glass is now standard on newer mid to upper end of Nikon lenses, this will give tremendous appeal to photographers who want better reach on the upper end.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Wonderful lens for street photography. Excellent build, sharp as a tack, especially from f/5 to f/8, just where you want it. Focuses in an instant. Internal zoom and internal focusing. Silky smooth zoom ring. VR3 is incredible and absolutely not to be believed. Using it on a D800 - wouldn't leave home without it.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Seems like a good all-around lens. So far, I've taken it out to a lake near my house to photograph ducks, the local zoo, and some botanical gardens. It's a very good lens for less timid animals that will let you get closer. For the gardens, the lens focuses close enough to get some "almost but not quite" macro shots at the 200mm end.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I had considered getting the 70-200 f/2.8 VRII while it was on rebate but after testing it one last time at B&H I realized I would just leave it at home due to its weight. The 70-200 f/4 gives me the same reach at almost half the weight. Sure you are giving up 1 stop and when shooting wide open there is some vignetting but it is and extremely sharp lens. I carried it with me for 3 days with my family in 3 different Florida amusement parks. It was never once a burden and I was happy to have it with me. A lens is only good if it spends time on your camera. This one's going to spend a lot of time on mine.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I've used the 80-200mm f2.8 AF-D for quite some time...probably my most used and favorite lens. What I didn't like about it, weight and AF was a pain at times. The 70-200mm f4 solves both of those issues, is a very sharp lens and minimum focusing distance is much less, too!
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
A great improvement over my 80-200 2.8.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This lens will go down in Nikon's archives as one of the best. No doubt about it!
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Super sharp, lightweight, and easy to handle. I'm using this as a supplement and backup to my 70-200 f/2.8 and I'm very pleased with it. It is just as sharp or sharper than the 2.8 at f/4 and much more light weight. The VR is also very good.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I am shooting with a Nikon D7000. The main reason I selected this over the the 70-200 f2.8 is its size and weight. I also have a Nikon 17-55 DX f2.8 and the 70-200 f4 is sharper. It performs as advertised.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Such a great lens, totally replaced my 70-200 F/2.8. can't tell the slightest difference between the two. Maybe i'm uninformed but to me i couldn't go wrong. This lens goes out with me daily to shoot Surfers, Pair this with a 70-200 Port and you lose pound out in the water.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Another very well designed optic from Nikon. After owning the 2.8 version this one shows me it is a fine replacement. Sharp ,bright and much lighter in weight. Would suggest anyone seeking less carrying pain to give this one a try. With the new higher pixel count cameras a f4 is only of minor concern to me .The efficient VR also helps to equal the two optics in use.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Great lens, the new Nikon 70-200 @ f/4 is a gem. Lighter weight than its bigger brother but with all the punch. I was worried about the loss of a stop from 2.8 to f/4 as I shoot a lot of sports and action, however I was pleasantly surprised at how quick the lens will focus and the sweet bokeh it produces. This is a nice, nice, lens and for almost a[$] less than the 2.8 it is a worthy addition to anyone's collection.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This is a light easy to use lens. The third generation "VR" is amazing. The lens is very sharp at all focal lengths. There may be times when you would prefer to use a faster lens; however this lens is ,ore than adequate most of the time. I prefer this lens over the F2.8 version because it is lighter, easier to use, and equally as sharp if not sharper than the 2.8 lens.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This lens is great, I upgraded from the 18-200 model, but really am missing the wide angle shots. Great build, love the heft of this lens.
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Comments about Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Lighter, sharper and easier to handle than 2.8 version. This is a keeper.