Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED Imported
Nikon's AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED features an innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system that allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions. The VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 3 stops (8 times) faster. The lens offers a natural viewfinder image even during VR operation and also detects automatically when the photographer pans. It is ideal for candid, portrait, sports photography and more.
It is fully compatible with all Nikon SLR models that include a built-in aperture control Command Dial. It will also operate using Shutter Priority and Program Mode operation in many Nikon models that do not have a built-in aperture control.
Included camera models:
* Sold exclusively in the USA
*1 P includes AUTO (General-Purpose Program) and Vari-Program System
*2 Manual (M) is not available
*3 This lens is not compatible with the F3AF
Note! There may be some restrictions or limitation for available functions. Refer to your camera's instruction manual for details.
-
Vibration Reduction (VR) minimizes image blur caused by camera shake (cancelable). Two available VR modes :
Two vibration reduction modes are available: (1) the NORMAL mode for reducing camera shake, and (2) the ACTIVE mode for reducing camera shake when taking pictures from a moving vehicle.
The following cameras are useable:
35mm SLR Cameras:- F6, F5, F100, F80-Series/N80-Series, F75-Series/N75-Series, F65-Series/N65-Series Digital SLR Cameras:
- D1, D2, D3 series
When using the lens with cameras other than those listed above, set the vibration reduction mode switch to OFF to cancel the vibration reduction mode.
With the Pronea 600i/6i camera, in particular, battery power may become depleted quickly if this switch is left ON.
- With this lens, you can take pictures at shutter speeds approx. 3 stops slower than you ordinarily could without using a VR lens, expanding the range of usable shutter speed options and making telephoto shooting much easier without a tripod.
- New G-design incorporates distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes.
- New G-design enables apertures to be selected from select Nikon AF SLR camera bodies.
- Optical design incorporates five ED glass elements for superior optical performance throughout the entire zoom range.
- Built-in A/M switch enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus (Lock mechanism provided).
- Resistance to water drops equivalent to those of telephoto AF-S lenses.
- New cosmetic design identical to current AF-S Nikkor lenses
- Detachable tripod mounting collar provided
- Filter attachment does not rotate during focusing or zooming
- 9 Aperture blades
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| f/Stop Range | 2.8-22 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 5' (1.5 m) |
| Magnification | 1:6.1 |
| Zoom/Focus Control | Two-touch |
| Angle of View | 34 to 12° |
| Groups/Elements | 15/21 |
| Tripod Collar | Yes (detachable collar foot); has two 1/4-20" thread sockets |
| Length | 8.5" (215mm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 3.4" (87mm) |
| Weight | 3.20 lb (1.5 kg) |
| Usable Nikon Teleconverter | TC-20E II, TC-17E II & TC-14E II (with full Autofocus) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 404 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (341)
- Strong construction (231)
- Durable (199)
- Consistent output (175)
- Rugged (167)
Cons
- Heavy (169)
- Heavy / bulky (15)
- Expensive (3)
- Pricey / poor value (3)
- Tough to attach (3)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (224)
- Wildlife (166)
- General purpose (140)
- Portraits (117)
- Shooting outdoors (85)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (122), Semi-professional (86), Professional (48), Tech savvy (32), Film professional (15)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Simply the Ferrari of lens
When I got this lens in the mail it was like Christmas. I had read the reviews and have so many different systems to shoot with. I put the lens on my Nikon D300 ...Read complete review
When I got this lens in the mail it was like Christmas. I had read the reviews and have so many different systems to shoot with. I put the lens on my Nikon D300 and went to paradise. I had to test it. I first shot in almost total darkness. It passed that test really fast. Then shooting a moving object. The portrait, it passed all of the test with flying colors. I can't find a lens in my studio to out do it. For the money, and I am so happy I bought it before the price went up from [$], its the best lens you can buy in the Nikon system. You only need this lens & a 2.8 zoom wide angle to have a system. Sure you can buy so many other lens,just these two lens will make anyone happy who is shooting a wedding or a public event. This lens can make a portrait look like it was done in photoshop, without all of the work. I look at my lens and say "how have I made it all of these years without you". My sister wanted to upgrade from the lens she bought with her camera. I told her to buy this lens & she did. After buying the lens she was shocked by the reaction to all of the wonderful comments. She is not a professional, or should I say she wasn't a professional before she purchased this lens. Believe me this lens can turn an non-pro into a pro over night. My sister has changed her attitude about her skills in only a few months. What ever it takes get this lens, this is the main lens that most professionals use in their arsenal. I will never be left without this lens for the rest of my life. Its that essential. A must for anyone who seeks fine quality or simply the picture that you never could get before. The price just went up on this lens. Most equipment goes down after you buy it. This lens went up. I have never encountered this price jump with photographic equipment in my life time except with the rarest of cameras. Get it quick before it goes up again. You will thank yourself for it!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
great, but could be better in QC
I have owned and tried 4 samples of that lens in the past 4 years.
And I have to say that 3 of them had some sharpness border problems, the last o...Read complete review
I have owned and tried 4 samples of that lens in the past 4 years.
And I have to say that 3 of them had some sharpness border problems, the last one shows a strong "backfocus" at 200mm !
About the border sharpness problem : most people won't even notice it...
But, if like me, you're going make some precise tests with the Nikon D2X, lenses on a heavy tripod, focus at infinity ...shooting wide open (at 2.8) a far landscape (or focus on an orthogonal wall at medium distances) you will notice that :
At short end (70mm) the left border is slightly blur, then when zooming, from 115 to 200mm the right border is getting blur too (left becomes sharp !).
Two of my samples behaves like that, the third sample tested was the exact opposite (right border slightly blurred at 70mm...)
A kind of slight ramp misalignment when zooming !?
Activating the VR can be sometime be worst, border sharpness getting even lower.
Of course, if your are shooting : action, event's, photojournalism, etc... don't mind...
But, if like me, you're shooting landscapes and architecture and production enlargements, this could be a real problem : your have to stop down to F:8.0 or F:11 to get an acceptable sharpness allover the frame.
My fourth sample was almost well balanced between borders and corners at all focal.
But I had to ask Nikon Europe to provide me a perfect sample (they tested it on a FTM machine before sending it to me.)
Unfortunately, later, I've discovered that images produced at 200mm are not so sharp... And found that my last sample has a slight "backfocus" !
So, to get perfect sharp images at 200mm, I had to make the focus point on some subjects slightly in from of my main subject !!!)
So, Am I unlucky ?...
No !
In the previous 15 years I've owned 3 or 4 samples of the 80-200's 2.8 and all were really good. With a special mention to my 1994's "one touch" 80-200 2.8 AFD, who was unrivalled (slightly slower autofocus that the 2 rings models, but AF much more precise)
Also, my present 300mm, and other lenses are super-sharp everywhere.
So, it's just that there is some kind of "large" tolerance in the lenses glasses alignment with that 70-200 VR's resulting a slight sample to sample variations..
Last year, just for fun, I've purchased the new AFS 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR... And guess what : My sample is really better that any of my "PRO" 70-200 2.8VR 's
---
My request to Nikon Could be :
Please, make a new version called : AFS 70-200 VRII, build with are more precise productions machines, or QC testing.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 404 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Bulky Design
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I use this lens a my everyday walking aroung lens.
It take great pictures and allows me to be the best photogerapher I can be. This lens gives me freedom and creativity to photograph my vision.
I hope this helps. Just buy it you will love it. It is the best lens out there is its class. Hands down. It is however a little heavy, but you get what you pay for...quality!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
This lens is quite versatile. While my primary use for it is sports, day or night, it is a stellar portrain lens as well. Images are tack sharp, the SWM focusing is quick and very quiet. You may need a larger camera bag to carry it, but well worth the extra space required. Don't think twice about it, just get it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Close up action
- Easy To Use
- Fast accurate auto-focus
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Shooting indoor sports
- Shooting Outdoors
- SportsAction
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I bought this lens to make pictures of my kids playing indoor sports. I tried less expensive options, a 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4; but could not capture the facial expressions I was looking for. Finally a good friend said, "you know you want it, and you need it, so you might as well make the investment." She was right.
I saved $700 by purchasing the VRI instead of the new VRII. I am using a D5000. My research led me to believe I would be plenty happy with this lens and I am!
This lens is heavy enough that I usually shoot on a monopod in the gym. After the first weekend of shooting volleyball I had two of my photos published in the local paper. My investment certainly paid off!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
A very well made lens. Fast focus speed. Using this on a DX camera so no real concern about the soft edges.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I will use this lens for photos of performers on stage and for nature photography. 200mm is long enough to get intimate photos of performers and animals without disturbing them. The speed allows for flashless photography during performances.
Vibration reduction is a must on a lens this size. You can truly hand hold it and get crisp clear shots.
Pros
- Good in lower light
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Bulky Design
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I have owned this lens for years before convincing my employer that it was a must-have for the kind of scenarios we're faced with photographing.
It's not compact, and definitely not lightweight, but those cons are balanced by the quiet internal focus, vibration reduction feature, and usefullness when security keeps you back farther than your flash will reach (not that I use flash much with this lens). It's perfect for sporting events and concerts.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I am a photographer and I bought this lens for weddings and outdoor portraits. It has exceeded my expectations, and I love the VR it offers. Great lens!!!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I have only used the lens at the Zoo and downtown Nashville scenes. I will know more about it the more I use it. Seems to be going well so far. Could use a tripod for sure with this lens.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
On a cropped (DX) camera, this is 100% sharp and one of the best lenses out there.
As well documented in other reviews, on a full frame (FX) camera, the corners get soft and dark, especially at wider aperatures - too much so for a lens of this price.
Having said that, most of the time I use this lens for portraits, photojournalism or sports where there will be a definite subject and the corners almost always out of focus anyway. So about 80-90% of the time I could care less about the corners of this lens.
I do also shoot landscapes with this lens on occasion, and I will stop this lens down to f11 or more, and I've been happy with the result. The VR - as well as the awesome high-iso performance of Nikon's FX cameras make it possible to shoot like this.
I bought this before the new version came out. If I had to make the choice again today, I'd probably buy this lens again over the new one, and save the $350.
One nice bonus - if you use an R strap and like to connect it directly to the lens, you can detach the bulky tripod mount foot from its rotating ring, and underneath there is a socket on the ring for a tripod screw - so you can fasten your R strap connector or tripod plate directly to the tripod ring and still fit the lens in your bag.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
Fantastic portraiture lens. Fast, incredible clarity and sharpness. Fast. e a tank. Have not transitioned to the DX3, so for now, this lens suffices. Full frame users will need the 70-200mm VR-II.
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I am an outdoor sports photographer and use this lens to shoot motorcycle and mtn bike racing. Its super fast and clear and produces consistent output. The VR is great because I am often panning and running to my next location and have to stop quickly and focus to get the shot.
Pros
- Great build
- Great Image Quality
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- SportsAction
- Travel lens
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
It´s difficult to say something new about this lens. It´s Nikon best, only surpassed by its successor launched in late 2009. I bought mine because the new model adds little to me and it´s USD 500 mor expensive. (I don´t have the skill necessary to appreciate the difference between this version and the new)
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Panoramic Filming
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
Excellent product only downside is the lense is a little heavy but that is somewhat expected due to its size.
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
This lens takes amazing photos - I use it with a Nikon D90 and it has been on my camera since I purchased it.
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
This lens is awesome on my D90 - my favorite along with my 50mm f/1.4...worth the money
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
- Pro grade build
Cons
- A little heavy
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I am using this lens with a Nikon D90 and the results are fantastic. This is really sharp glass.
It is hefty and will wear you out if you carry it all day long. I love how fast the focus is with this lens and the depth of field you get at 2.8 is unbelievable.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Fast focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
Well put together fast lens perfect for sports. A bit heavy as a carry around lens, but works well on my D700 with just a bit of vignetting which doesn't bother me at all.
Pros
- Fast focus
- Solid
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I have been shooting indoor sports in low light conditions with this lens, no problems what so ever, great product!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I will be using this lens for all sorts of amazing photography! Already I can see how it'll be a great lens to use. For example, I'll be using it for portraits, weddings, nature and other such endeavors.
It's aperture of f/2.8 is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I already own the 17-55 f/2.8 and the "2.8" has revolutionized my photography and the pro lens' have helped me to take better pictures. Their clarity and sharpness is not to be beat! It's amazing, and I waited a long time to buy this telephoto lens. It has an expensive pricetag, but so worth it!
It is heavy. Very, very heavy. That is what I'm going to have to get used to, but that's basically my only complaint. Well, it is also big, and sometimes I'd like to have it along but hadn't wanted to carry such a big and expensive thing with me. But quality is going to require some sacrifices [like big & heavy] so really, I can't complain. =) [note: it is NOT bulky; just big...but for being a telephoto it is not bad at all]
- Similar:
- Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 lens
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED:
I have the USA version, it's as awesome as everyone says. [...] If you have put it off because of cost- the VRII is 300-400$ more. I jumped on mine 3 months ago [...] I'm glad I did. The new one would have been over the top (for me). I am sure the new one will be even better but WOW [...]
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