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According provided by Nikon AF-S lens Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF many thanks to the reader of Radozhiva - Ruslan Ruzhansky.

Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VR2 lens and camera Nikon D3200

Navigation

1. In short
2. History
3. Main Specifications
4. Enlightenment 'N' (Nano Crystal Coat)
5. Assembly
6. Tripod foot
7. Aperture
8. Stabilizer
9. Focusing
10. Rare switch 'A / M - M / A - M'
11. Compatibility and Features
12. Image quality
13. Sample Photos
14. My personal experience with the lens
15. Prices
16. Alternatives
17. Results
18. User Comments
19. Add your review or question on the lens

In short

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF (abbreviated as Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII) Is a very good lens. It belongs to the TOP line of Nikon lenses and should not fail in any situation. This is one of the best Nikon lenses I've ever shot. Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is fast, reliable, fast, sharp and useful.

First of all, Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is used in reportage and portrait photography. It is well suited for sports photography, street photography, wedding photography, and even landscapes. The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is strong where a fast telephoto lens with stabilizer is needed. At the time of this writing, I'm sure the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is best Nikon Nikkor telephoto range up to 200 mm.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII enters'Holy Trinity Father Nikon ':

1. Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm 1: 2.8GN Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Aspherical
2. Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm 1: 2.8GN NanoCrystalCoat SWM IF Aspherical/ Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm 1: 2.8E VR N Nano CrystalCoat SWM IF Aspherical
3. Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII VR N Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF (from this review) / Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF

Nikon marketers recommend sinful whale-lens photographers to pray, fast and raise money for this triptych.

Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VR2 lens with camera Nikon D3200

History

Nikon was the first to create an 80-200 / 2.8 class lens. Over time, such lenses became very popular and later evolved into models of the class 70-200 / 2.8.

List of manual lenses Nikon Nikkon 80-200 / 2.8:

• Nikon Zoom-Nikkor * ED 80-200mm 1: 2.8 (MF, AI-S), a prototype introduced in 1978, but has not yet received mass production. 12 elements in 9 groups (with 1 ED element).
• Nikon Zoom-Nikkor * ED 80-200mm 1: 2.8 (MF, Ai-s) - from February 1982 to September 1992 (according to other sources, to May 1985). 15 elements in 11 groups (with 1 ED element).

A complete and accurate list of all Nikkon Nikkor class 70(80)-(180)200/2.8 autofocus professional lenses:

1. Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) - November 1987 to September 1992, 16 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED elements)
2. Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII) - from September 1992 to 1997, 16 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED elements)
3. Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKIII) - January 1997 to present, 16 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED elements)
4. Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D Silent Wave Motor (MKIV, AF-S) - from December 1998 to 2003, 18 elements in 14 groups (with 5 ED elements). There are two colors: black and gray.
5. Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G Vibration Reduction SWM IF (MKV, VRI) from February 2003 to January 2009, 21 elements in 15 groups (with 5 ED elements). There are two colors: black and gray.
6. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF (MKVI, VRII) - July 2009 to present, 21 elements in 16 groups (with 7 ED elements).
7. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat (MKVII, E) - from October 2016 to the present, 22 elements in 18 groups (6 ED, 1 FL, 1 HRI element). There is a rare subversion Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat Nikon 100th Anniversary (100th Anniversary) - April 2017 to present, features a metallic gray finish with the Nikon 100th Anniversary logo).
8. Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm 1: 2.8 VR S (MK VIII, Z, S-series) - from January 2020 to the present day. Nikon Z mirrorless version, 21 elements in 18 groups (6 ED, 2 ASP, 1 FL, 1 SR)
9. Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm 1: 2.8 (MK IX,Z) - from June 2023 to the present day. Version for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, 19 elements in 14 groups (5 ED, 3 ASP, 1 SUPER ED), diagram from Tamron 70-180mm F / 2.8 Di III VXD Model A056

The list shows how the optical circuits became more complex, especially how the number of ED elements increased. Also, you can see that the line of these lenses is updated every 5-6 years.

Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VR2 lens on the camera Nikon D3200

Main technical characteristics of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF:

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Assembly

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is manufactured in Japan. The build quality is very high.

On the mount side, the lens has a special rubber skirt that protects the lens from dust and moisture. There is no exact official data on the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII security. I tend to think that because of this rubber seal, the lens has a base dust and moisture protection. In more detail, the security issue of Nikon Nikkor lenses I have described here.

The focus and zoom rings are rubberized, large and comfortable. Near the front lens there is another rubberized ring, which does not rotate, but only serves for a more comfortable grip. The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII uses standard professional 77mm color filters. The outer part of the case frame near the front lens is rubberized, which is a kind of protective bumper.

True, despite the entire super-assembly of the lens, the rubber on the zoom ring of the specimen from this review greatly stretched and interfered with comfortable work. For a lens costing about 2000 USD this is an invalid puncture. Moreover, the copy from the review was used quite rarely. Replacing gum (they change all three at once) costs about 40 cu

The inside of the body rim, on the bayonet side, is covered special dust collecting velor or flock. While changing the focal length, the rear lens remains motionless, this lens is not afraid of the effect of a 'vacuum cleaner'.

There is a bayonet mount mark and a mark on the case for quick installation of the hood. Lens uses small plastic hood HB-48, which is automatically fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the objective. The hood has a button for removing it from the lens. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the focusing ring is lost. Why such a small hood is used for a telephoto lens is a mystery.

The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII comes with a CL ‑ M2 soft case, and the lens itself comes in a huge cardboard box with a characteristic Nikon paint job.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Tripod foot

The tripod foot consists of two parts: a non-removable clamp and a removable leg. The leg snaps into place on a clamp and is secured with a special clamping screw. To remove the leg, additionally press the 'PUSH' button. The leg has two identical connectors for mounting on a tripod.

The clamp has a regular connector for mounting a tripod, and the leg is attached to it. When the leg is removed, the lens can still be mounted on a tripod through the connector on the clamp itself. I think this solution is very convenient.

The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII collar and body have markings for quickly setting the horizontal or vertical position of the lens and camera. The desired clamp position is fixed with an additional clamping screw.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Stabilizer

The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII has the Nikon VR Image Stabilizer ('Vvibration Reduction '- Vibration Suppression), which according to the instructions can compensate 3 stops by shutter speed... In numerical terms, this means that you can shoot at shutter speeds 8 times slower than required by a lens without a stabilizer. The stabilization system of the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII refers to second generation and this is the main reason why this lens is called 'VRII ' instead of more correct 'GII'.

The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII lens manual states 3 stops (measured by Nikon), and the official website 3.5 feet (measured by CIPA). In any case, the stabilizer works well.

To enable / disable the stabilizer on the lens there 'VR ON / OFF' switch... There is a 'Normal / Active' switch to select the mode. The gimbal can operate in two modes: 'Normal' and 'Active'.

• 'Normal' mode designed for most scenes and avoids movement when camera shake. Theoretically, the 'Normal' mode can still track the movement of the camera to create panoramas.
• Active Mode most suitable for shooting when the camera can not only shake, but also move in different directions. Most often, it is advised to use this mode when shooting in motion.

I was able to take pictures of stationary objects without blur and strong efforts at 200 mm focal length and 1/15 of a second (an example is in the gallery). And if you try hard, you can get a sharp shot even on shutter speed 1/8 s and 200 mm focal length. In real shooting conditions, the stabilizer feels very good.

I have only seen a better stabilizer so far Nikon 70-200 / 4G.

When shooting with a tripod, the stabilizer should be turned off. When the AF-ON button is pressed (on those cameras on which it is), the stabilizer does not turn on, which is not very convenient.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Enlightenment 'N' (Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII in its full name has the letter 'N'. The letter 'N' means 'Nano Crystal Coat' - nanocrystalline antireflection of optics. This enlightenment allows you to cope well with glare and flare, and also creates excellent color reproduction. Most likely, only one of the lenses of this lens has' N'-enlightenment. The rest of the lenses have a classic SIC enlightenment (Nikon Super Integrated Coating - Special Super Integral Coating).

It is unfortunate that Nikon does not indicate the number of lenses in the optical circuit that have such enlightenment. I, like some other users, believe that the letter 'N' is put more for marketing.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Focusing

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII focuses quietly enough thanks to 'SWM'-motor (Silent Wbird Motor - quiet wave motor) and refers to the lens'AF S'type (with built-in motor focusing), and therefore it will automatically focus on any Nikon digital SLR camera.

The minimum focusing distance is 1.4 meters over the entire range of focal lengths, while 200 mm of focal length can be shot Macro with 1: 8.3 magnification. One of the minor drawbacks of the lens is the very large MDF, this drawback is especially felt during the use of 70 mm focal length.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII has a window with distance scale in meters and feet. There is no depth of field scale, as well as marks for working in the infrared spectrum.

The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII has an optional 'Full ∞-5m' switch that acts as a focusing distance limiter.

• In the 'Full' position, automatic focusing is available over the entire range of distances - from ∞ to 1.4 m.
• In the '∞-5m' position, autofocus is available in the range from 5 meters to ∞.

Note that during manual focus, the limiter does not work.

Auto Focus Speed ​​- high. I want to note a good tenacity of focus. On cameras Nikon D700 и Nikon D3200 the lens rarely refocused or was unable to focus exactly. Of course, during testing, I encountered focusing errors, but their number was insignificant.

During focusing, the front and rear lenses remain stationary, as the lens uses internal focusthat is indicated on the case by the letters'IF'-'Iinternal Focus' - 'Inner Focus'. During zooming, the front and rear lenses remain stationary - the lens has internal zoom. Thus, during focusing and changing the focal length, only the internal parts of the lens move. You can easily use any filters, for example polarizing or gradient.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII suffers greatly 'Focus breathing'- change in viewing angle when focusing. This effect is even indicated in the instructions for the lens. At 200 mm, during focusing on MDF, in terms of viewing angles, the focal length of the lens is approximately 135 mm. This is not a flaw, but a common feature of lenses with an internal type of focus.

Also, the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is very close to parfocal lenses, which do not knock out focusing during focal length changes. They say that the previous version of VRI was a real parfocal, and the version of VRII has become worse in this regard.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Rare switch 'A / M - M / A - M'

The lens has a rather rare focus mode switchA / M - M / A - M'. Typically, these lenses have a more common switch.M / AM'.

If you look, in the 'A / M' position, automatic focusing works with the constant possibility of manual adjustment / focus adjustment, but with the priority of auto focus. It means that 'A / M' mode avoids canceling the autofocus mode due to accidental rotation of the focus ring.

To cancel it during auto focus and switch to the manual focus method, you need to turn the focus ring some distance. The length of this distance is known only in practice.

'ModeM / A'disables automatic focusing immediately after the start of rotation of the focus ring, and the' A / M 'mode disables automatic focusing only after some prolonged rotation of the focus ring.

Nikon has made a distinction between 'A / M' and 'M / A'very fine. If we maximally generalize the difference between these modes, it all comes down to how sensitive the focus ring is to turn off the automatic focus and switch to manual focus mode. I advise you to leave the 'A / M' mode on and forget about this switch forever.

The 'A / M - M / A - M' switch for focusing modes is mostly found on Nikon's 'longest' telephoto lenses, and it is not clear how such a short (70mm) lens got into this list.

A focus mode switch 'A / M - M / A - M' is mainly found on Nikon's 'longest' telephoto lenses:

1. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 200mm 1: 2G II ED VR
2. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 4E PF ED VR [overview]
3. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR [overview]
4. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 400mm 1: 2.8G ED VR
5. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 400mm 1: 2.8E ED FL VR
6. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 500mm 1: 4G ED VR
7. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 500mm 1: 4E ED FL VR
8. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 500mm 1: 4E ED PF VR
9. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 600mm 1: 4G ED VR
10. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 600mm 1: 4E ED FL VR
11. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 800mm 1: 5.6E ED FL VR
12. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR [overview]
13. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED VR
14. Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6E ED VR
15. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm 1: 4.5-5.6G ED VR [overview]
16. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm 1: 2.8E FL ED SR VR [announcement]
17. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm 1: 4E FL ED VR TC 1.4
18. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm 1: 4G II ED VR

You can see the various types of switches that use Nikon autofocus lenses. here. In general, Nikon likes to confuse users with various obscure autofocus modes.

The focus ring rotates 135 degrees. When extreme positions are reached, the focus ring does not rest, but continues to slide, without affecting the focus.

On the lens that I visited, the focus ring, during rotation, rubs against something inside and creates an unpleasant rough sound. Developers apparently did not succeed in achieving the oil stroke of the focus ring.

Unfortunately, unlike the Nikon 80-200 / 2.8 MKIV and Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRI versions, three additional buttons were removed from the lens body in the new lens, which used to allow more effective focus control.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Diaphragm

Diaphragm lens consists of 9 rounded petalsthat form a flat hole. Diaphragm closes to F / 32 over the entire range of focal lengths. The lens does not have an aperture ring (G - lens type).

Maximum diaphragm F / 2.8 is available over the entire range of focal lengths.

One of the implicit advantages of 1: 2.8 telephoto lenses is that they can be used with teleconverters without too much trouble. So, Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is compatible with teleconverters TC-14EII / TC-17EII / TC-20EII (possibly others). When used with a 2x teleconverter, the lens converts to '140-400 / 5.6', which allows autofocus on all Nikon DSLR cameras. When using teleconverters with darker telephoto lenses, autofocus can cause problems.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Image quality

With Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII image quality, everything is fine. I don’t even want to go into details about the image quality from this lens. But, to be objective, still the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII has a small unified distortion, which changes from barrel-shaped to pillow-shaped with increasing focal length. On open diaphragms there is a slight vignetting. Chromatic aberrations well designed.

Excellent sharpness deserves special attention. Even on camera Nikon D3200, which at the time of writing the review had the highest pixel density of all the central control rooms NikonThe sharpness and detail, at any focal length and f / 2.8 aperture, were simply impressive.

Also, the bokeh of the lens deserves special attention, which can produce “cream shots” in the range of 135-200 mm.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is a lens for pros who do not read blogs and forums, they are not interested in how many vignette steps or distortion percentages, they buy this lens and shoot all day long. With Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII, you can squeeze a lot. In the comments, by the way, you will surely see the question "how is it in comparison with Canon 70-200 / 2.8L?" - some photographers are ready to change the system in order to use the best 70-200 / 2.8, this lens is so in demand.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII and Nikon 50 / 1.4G

Sample photos on Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

All photos in the gallery were taken with a camera Nikon D700 FX and Nikon D3200 Dx. During shooting was used safety filter Hoya HD UV 77mm made in Japan. All photos were taken by converting the original RAW files using the original Nikon ViewNX-I utility. Photos in the gallery are reduced, with a size of 2048 pixels on the long side and adding data from EXIF. In fact, the photos are presented without processing.

RAW source photos from camera Nikon D700 can скачать здесь, in jpeg format with Nikon D700 here, in RAW format with Nikon D3200 here and jpeg with Nikon D3200 here.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Compatibility and Features

The lens will work correctly at all Nikon digital SLR cameras.

When using the built-in flash, especially with the lens hood installed, the surrounding photographers will simply die laughing.

EGF lens for Nikon DX cameras is 105-300mm. There is no complete analogue of the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII for Nikon DX cameras. The closest 'analogue', from the Nikon DX series, is Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm 1: 4.5-5.6G ED VR SWM HRI. This Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII works wonderfully on cropped cameras and does not cause any particular inconvenience due to recalculation EGF. In the case of telephoto lenses, crop factor Nikon DX cameras, in most cases, are only beneficial.

A list of all Nikon DX series lenses can be found. here. For a list of all professional Nikon DX series lenses, see here. The optical design of all Nikon DX lenses can be viewed here.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

My experience

If I were offered to leave one single lens with which I would have to shoot the rest of my life, then most likely it would be Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII. Even one of my friends photographer who shoots on Nikon D3s and the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII once said, 'If it were possible, I would shoot everything on 70-200 / 2.8 and not bother.'

I have a positive attitude towards the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII and I am not at all concerned about its heavy weight and impressive size. Practice has shown that the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is a great addition to portrait lenses with 85 mm focal length. True, replace portrait lens class 85/105/135/180/200 mm Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII alone will be difficult, it painfully different pictures. Personally, I would use Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII exclusively for reporting, wedding and portrait shooting.

Among professional wedding photographers, the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is very popular.

Want to discuss something with me on this lens? Then write in the comments, I will try to answer.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Prices

Real prices for Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF see here, or in the price block below:

Alternatives

Below is a list of all fast class 70-200 / 2.8 lenses with built-in image stabilizer:

Canon (Canon EF / EF-S / RF)

1. Canon Zoom Lens EF 70-200mm 1: 2.8 L IS USM
2. Canon Zoom Lens EF 70-200mm 1: 2.8 L IS II USM
3. Canon Zoom Lens EF 70-200mm 1: 2.8 L IS III USM
4. Canon Lens RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Nikon (Nikon F, Z)

1. Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G Vibration Reduction SWM IF (black or silver version)
2. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF
3. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF + its modification 'Nikon 100th Anniversary Edition'
4. Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm 1: 2.8 VR S

Sony (Sony E)

1. Sony FE 2.8 / 70-200 GM OSS
2. Sony FE 2.8 / 70-200 G GM OSS II, 2021

Sigma (for different mounts)

1. Sigma 70-200mm 1: 2.8 APO DG HSM EX OS (Optical Stabilizer) (for Canon EF / EF-S, Nikon F, Sony / Minolta A, Sigma SA, Pentax K, no longer available for Pentax)
2. Sigma 70-200mm 1: 2.8 DG OS HSM S | Sport (for Canon EF / EF-S, Nikon F, Sigma SA)

Tamron (for different mounts)

1. Tamron USD DI SP 70-200mm F / 2.8 VC Ultrasonic Silent Drive A009 (for Canon EF / EF-S, Nikon F and Sony / Minolta A)
2. Tamron SP 70-200mm f / 2.8 Di VC USD G2 A025 (for Canon EF / EF-S, Nikon F)
3. Tamron 70-180mm F / 2.8 Di III VXD Model A056 (Sony FE only)

Panasonic

1. Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 1: 2.8 / 70-200mm OIS (Leica L, Fall 2019)

I would try to do without alternatives and buy exactly Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR II or Nikon 70-200 / 2.8E FL VR.

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Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

Results

The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is not perfect, but still it is the best lens in the Nikon Nikkor class of fast telephoto lenses with a focal length range of up to 200 mm.

UPD: On October 19, 2016 a new similar lens was presented - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF + later its modification 'Nikon 100th Anniversary Edition' appeared

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.