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

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 70-200F2.8VR2

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

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 70-200F2.8VR2

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:

Review Instance Name Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF 20309839
Basic properties
  • FX (for Nikon FX) - lens designed for Nikon FX full-frame cameras
  • AF S (built in Auto Focus motor) - built-in focusing motor
  • G (Gelded) - no aperture control ring, focus distance transmission to the camera
  • ED (Extra low dispersion) - the use of special low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • SWM (Silent wave motor) - silent wave (ultrasonic) focusing motor
  • IF (Internal focusing) - internal focusing
  • Internal zoom
  • A / M - M / A - M, advanced switch of focus modes (details in the review below)
  • N (Nano crystal coat) - nanocrystalline optical antireflection
  • DIH (Nikon Super Integrated Coating) - special integrated enlightenment of optics
  • RD (Rounded Diaphragm) - rounded petals aperture
  • Golden ring - gold ring near the front lens
  • VR (Vibration reduction) - built-in image stabilizer with two modes of operation.
  • Normal / Active - switch of the stabilizer operation mode for its effective use
  • Rubber basket (Rubber lens mount seal) - dustproof and waterproof mount seal
  • Limiter focusing distance (Full ∞-5m)
  • Listed professional equipment Nikon NPS
  • Tripod foot (partially removable)
  • F / 2.8 over the entire range of focal lengths
  • Ability to use a large number of teleconverters
  • Extra rubber ring for a comfortable grip and a rubber bumper near the front lens and dust cover near the rear lens
Front Filter Diameter 77 mm, metal thread for filters
Focal length 70-200 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 105-300 mm
Zoom ratio 2.86 X (usually just talking about XNUMXx zoom)
Designed by for digital cameras Nikon FX
Number of aperture blades 9 rounded petals
Tags a window with a focusing distance in meters and feet, focal lengths for 70, 85, 105, 135, 200 mm, a bayonet mount mark, a mounting and fixing mark for the hood, and the tripod foot has a mark for horizontal / vertical orientation.
Diaphragm from f / 2.8 over the entire range of focal lengths to f / 32. The lens does not have an aperture ring (G - lens type)
MDF (minimum focusing distance) 1.4 m over the entire range of focal lengths, a maximum magnification ratio of 1: 8.3 is available at 200 mm
The weight 1540 g
Optical design 21 elements in 16 groups. The scheme includes:

  • 7 low dispersion elements (shown in yellow on the optical diagram). The presence of such elements is indicated on the body by the abbreviation 'ED'.
  • N element / elements with nanocrystalline enlightenment. Unfortunately, the position of these elements / element and the side of their enlightenment are not indicated on the optical scheme.

Optical design Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR The image of the optical circuit is clickable.

Lens hood Nikon HB-48 (supplied)
Transportation Using the soft cover CL ‑ M2 (supplied)
Manufacturer country MADE IN JAPAN
Period From July 30, 2009 to October 19, 2016. Subsequently replaced by a model Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF
Instruction (multilingual) Download
Price
Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII

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. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Arkady Shapoval

 

 

Comments: 206, on the topic: Review of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF

  • THE

    “Even a photographer I know who shoots with Nikon D3s and Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII once said: 'If it were possible, I would shoot everything with 70-200 / 2.8 and not bother.” _________________________ Mike Titarenko: :) ?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      No. Oleg Shamin http://www.scham.in/index.

      Mike, by the way, also responds well to this lens, he uses it along with 85 1.4, but at the same time believes that the MK3 has a more artistic picture (if I did not forget our last conversation).

      • Raven

        Lindbergh shoots with this lens. Do you think he has a factory copy or could they make an exclusive for him, without the use of "special edishon"? because it does not erase the exits, these zooms flicker on the video. great advertising

    • A.N. Onim

      Ha ha))) I have the same story with 80-200 / 2,8 on D3s

    • Mike Titarenko

      There would be a choice between 70-200 and 85mm - I would leave 85m at 1.4
      70-200mm can do a lot, but aperture 1.4 is too steep ::)
      In general, I'm now a fan of 24mm at 1.4 + 85mm at 1.4

      ZY 80-200mm on 2.8 MK III - I like the drawing more, Arkady remembered everything correctly ::)

      • Arkady Shapoval

        Thanks for your feedback. 24 / 1,4 is truly divine! By the way, Mike means exactly on 85 / 1.4D

        • Sergei

          But the picture is 24 mm?

  • anonym

    Well, duck and how is it compared to 70 200 L? Does it make sense to change the system?)))))))))))

    • Arkady Shapoval

      No idea.

    • Lynx

      Well, he’s black, and Elka is white. I think the black one will be abruptly.

    • Pastor

      I compared. Minimum differences. The focus on MDF in Nikon is greatly reduced, as it is written in the review, in Canon it is easier. Well, the Canon itself has a smaller MDF. And so, quite similar glass. And the build quality and image quality are about the same, which will depend more on skill and processing than 70-200 on Nikon or Canon. Because of the little things described, he left himself Canonical, but if he had only sat on Nikon, he obviously would not have changed the system only for the sake of 70-200.

  • anonym

    eh, he would be 17-35 and a steel spine prosthesis - it would be happiness))))

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Two cameras with two lenses 17-35 and 70-200 and 90% of the photo tasks for an ordinary photographer working with people will be solved.

      • Lynx

        One camera with a good 35mm or 50mm (ff), and 80% of the problems are solved.

  • Sergei

    Thanks for the review, good lens. THE FIRST

  • Sergei

    Did NOT refresh the page, not the first one …….

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Well, since this is so important, then one of the first :)

  • anonym

    This monster with a tiny D3200 looks very funny and ridiculous.

  • Ruslan

    Arkali, in your plate, at the beginning of the post, in the aperture column, values ​​from 4 to 32 are indicated ... I think it's still from 2.8

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fixed

  • varezhkin

    "Nikon marketers recommend that sinful whale-lens photographers pray, fast and raise money for this triptych." :)

    • Yana

      ... and listen to radio "Radonezh".

  • dt1951 Anatoly

    Thank you for the review. I’m just a fan of taking pictures of what’s beautiful. I have a Nikon d7100, after one of your reviews I got a burning desire and still found Sigma 50-150mm 1: 2.8 APO DC HSM EX Optical Stabilizer AF for Nikon. Your reviews help you navigate the selection of photographic equipment.
    Yes, and in this review in the technical specifications the diaphragm is indicated from the F / 4-typo

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fixed

  • Edward A.

    Thanks for the review! He was so lacking !!!

  • Lynx

    But how is it compared to the Canon 70-200 / 2.8L and Fujion 50-140 / 2,8 ????

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Accordion.

      • Lynx

        Not a button accordion, but an accordion!

    • Dmitriy

      This one is better than Boot. In everything. Not fatal, of course, but with a good increase it is noticeable.

      • Pastor

        Thick :)

        • Dmitriy

          I do not understand

  • Lynx

    ** When using the built-in flash, especially with the hood attached, photographs may have a black shadow. ———— When using the built-in flash, especially with the hood installed, the surrounding photographers will simply die laughing.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Or maybe the built-in flash will set fire to 100500 external light sources. Although, then what does it matter to the shadow of the hood.

  • Lynx

    let the beaver out!

  • Alexander

    ... great review, and just a great lens. I didn’t shake the originals, so looking at the small pictures I got the subjective impression that the sharpness was slightly corrected. As well as shadows / highlights - contrast / saturation. Although, I know that the amazing qualities of this glass have long been the talk of the town, and in reduced pictures, such sharpness can be the sum of such factors as the excellent quality of optics + camera settings + interpolation result. And even if there was no post-processing, then for Nikon cameras the very fact of converting files in a proprietary utility can already be considered an “act” of post-processing, since any Nikon gadgets are automatically applied to the resulting file, be it TIFF or JPEG / D-Lighting (s), unless disabled. Therefore, in order to deserve all the splendor, I advise you to download "raw" for viewing))) ... Oh, sorry there is no money for such equipment)))

    • Arkady Shapoval

      In fact, native converters show rav files only with the settings that were set at the time of shooting, they don’t make any additional settings and almost completely repeat the imitation of receiving on-camera JPEG. If you want, I can give an archive with an on-camera JPEG from the D3200, you won’t notice the difference.

  • Peter Sh.

    The best reporting lens. Everything.
    And since it was designed for reporters, the picture is like a tenth thing.
    There is no place for high tastes for pictures.

  • Peter Sh.

    Although, the 80-200 f / 2.8 MarkIII has something very attractive, that's why I do not change it.

  • Oleg

    Does it make sense to change 80-200 / 2.8 af-s to this lens? What is the difference in drawing?

  • Dim

    A cool series of lenses, sorry for the new expensive ones.

  • Denis

    Thank you for the excellent overview of this lens.
    Will an alternative lens review be created: Tamron USD DI SP 70-200mm F / 2.8 ULtrasonic Silent Drive Model A009.
    A decent alternative, IMHO, and the price is 2 times lower.

    • Peter Sh.

      I had one. He has a vile manner of crawling back and forth in a bad light, as well as often smearing.
      However, the picture I subjectively liked more. Skinton came out warmer and more tender.
      For leisurely shooting and portraits will be just right.

      • andrei2911

        You had a problem copy, probably. I have it very fast and accurate. Faster and more precisely the same Tamronovsky 24-70. And in terms of sharpness, he is just a bomb. Sharper than almost all Nikon fixes.

        • Peter Sh.

          In extremely difficult conditions, Tamron for some reason is not at all sharp and not contrasting. I don’t know how DxoMark tested it there.
          As a reportage, he is no good. I handed it back to the store after the first competition.
          Nikon here just pulls out everything you need.

          • andrei2911

            I don’t know what happened to you. He is very fast and razor sharp. Like a newsreel, it’s just fire. He shot them sports, and conferences, and weddings, and in production, including welding and other scenes that are complex in terms of light.

      • Serg57

        My copy of Tamron 70-200 / 2.8 is fast and sharp. I like it very much.

      • Denis

        you definitely had a version with Vibration Compensation and Ultra Sonic Drive - http://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/tamron/70-200mm-f2.8-di-vc-usd-sp/review/
        Since there was an old version without all this and with a slow motor, it is good in itself, but slow - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/tamron-70-200-2p8-c16

    • andrei2911

      This is not even an alternative. He is better than Nikkor in everything.

    • Lynx

      tamron native top not an alternative in any way, except for similar markings.

      • Denis

        this is what a fright?

        • Lynx

          Tamarlinsky

          • anonym

            Very reasoned ...

            • Lynx

              Yes

  • anonym

    Glass is just space!))

  • andrei2911

    Tamron 70-200 in all respects gives Nikon's original and at the same time almost half the price.

    • andrei2911

      And by the way, in terms of sharpness, it exceeds Nikon's 85mm. :)

      • Gringo

        You, my friend, do not talk. Nikonovskaya 85ka sharpens any zoom of any company.

        • andrei2911

          What will we cover?

          • Arkady Shapoval

            I knew that you will be measured with xomark :)

            • andrei2911

              And what is there to measure? I can throw full sizes at 24mp. There is just a razor.

              • Arkady Shapoval

                By the way, on the same dxomark 85mm f / 1.4G on the same 800E it squeezes 30 P-Mpix. Given that the user with the nickname Gringo did not specify the 85 version, andrei2911 must admit defeat :)

              • andrei2911

                So you don't want to see full size? And 85 1.4 shows the result 1mp better. Considering the fixed price, hmm ...

              • anonym

                Come on! And with 85tkoy you still managed, albeit at 1mp

              • fotika

                out of all those present here…. your language - "syshsya" campaign only you. I absolutely don't care what is there on dxomark. A person who is right (sure, convinced, convinced) has nothing to prove. If your object of admiration was or is a "super duper". then rejoice that you and no one else have it. and all fools buy nikon and spend tons of money.
                but in fact I would like to look at Zinoviev or someone from his entourage with a tamron in the North Pole or where in the Arctic. and then into the desert to the sands for another year, under rain in the Amazon for half a year. and then look at the tamron tattered and the slightly poyuzanny nikon. + besides dxomark commercial cantor, their tests can be anything. there are no graphs of extensive or test photos. all under the carbon paper. I personally didn’t have 2vr but there was the first tank tank. and from a tamron in terms of eternity it is unlikely to be such.

              • andrei2911

                Clear. He was naughty himself, and then he was offended by the “pissed off”. I brought Zinoviev and others like him here. When these events are sponsored by the brand. Take Tamron 70-200 in your hands and take a few shots. You yourself will come to apologize for your rudeness.

            • fotika

              Here it’s already a no-brainer that the dude bought there, Don’t persuade us, but convinces himself that he has the same cool one as Nikon. And if you are already comparing something with 1.8, immediately align with 1.4. and you can take a hedgehog otus 85 1.4 and say that he, too, is goon)))

            • andrei2911

              Anonymous - with 85 1,4? Oh, done it. I compared the zoom with the most expensive fix. Woe, woe ...

              • fotika

                rudeness? only sarcasm) you need to be a little easier, otherwise the balconies will begin to fall))))
                why should I take an incomprehensible and heavy lens when there are wonderful 56 1.2 or 85 1.4zh and the like light and high-quality lenses. maybe the tamron will have autofocus on d3-d4, but I do not think that it will shine on d300 or d700. Well, the people who buy d800-d810 have enough money for their own 70-200.

              • anonym

                Comrades, it’s enough to measure the pip!
                Full size in the studio, and see who has longer

            • Lynx

              And again the cripples came together in a fierce Machach with crutches and prostheses. (C)

    • Lynx

      It's a question, dude. You bring paired photos taken with the same cameras in the same conditions - conversation and respect.
      Before that, we consider it a lie.

        • anonym

          Both links are not working (could not open from the smartphone)

          • andrei2911

            Open from PC.

            • Lynx

              With the PC, your crooked links are also broken, by the way.
              A dude who can't even throw a normal link - everything is clear with you, and with your tamron too.
              You can take the tamer. This one has already broken

            • Jury

              In the wedding photo, the assistant would have an octabox on the crane in order to normally expose the background and light the newlyweds.

        • Oleg

          does not work

          • andrei2911

            Try with YaF. I gave above. Now on moderation.

        • Lynx

          A guy who can afford normal optics buys a Chinese fake because of letters and numbers, and he also cites, as evidence, the most crooked links to ffkontaktik! Fkkontaktik, damn it! Why not classmates or instagrams?
          But now we know who is really poor here, both in body and mind.

          • anonym

            Lynx, your words are too unfounded and insult only you, because they are not worthy of a man ...

            • Lynx

              What a horror! )))
              On this occasion, there is an exhaustive answer: Anonymous is worse than a fagot.
              This concludes.

              • anonym

                As if an adult creature, but behaves like a child ...

              • Oleg

                Listen, let's still not get personal. And do not turn a good resource into pulp fiction. All the same, I would like something: Radozhiva-connecting people

              • Lynx

                I agree. I propose first to ban all those who get involved with a discussion of moral qualities and instructions on how to live for others.
                Then turn off the randomness of comments and link to the registration in the social network

              • Arkady Shapoval

                Ban will be after third plus. By the way, a man shot only 20.000 frames at his d750 (4-5 weddings and a couple of photo shoots), we can sincerely congratulate you on the update :)

              • andrei2911

                I have already left more than thirty-one thousand. More than a dozen weddings, several events, a landscape, at the factory. I do not hit the lines. From the same wedding for a full day, a maximum of 1200-1300 shots. Although still new, there is no year. :)

          • andrei2911

            I got drunk, or what? I gave links to full sizes in documents. If he is dumber than a baobab, then do not consider others like that.

            • Arkady Shapoval

              [+]

          • andrei2911

            By the way, Tamron SP series is made only in Japan. Remember, the cat is torn.

      • Oleg

        a person who constantly stands up for the purity of the Russian language: "nivopros dude"

        • Dim

          This is what the transition to Fuji leads to - bile begins to pour out of a person if the equipment of the wrong firms is discussed nearby.

  • scif

    I have been using this lens for the third year, the flight is excellent, the zoom of the zoom appeared a couple of times, but disappeared by itself. the only jamb - RUBBER !!!!

    • Ruslan R.

      Do you cope with the misfortune of gum with galosh gas or are there any other ways besides replacement?

      • scif

        galosh - helps for a short time ((((((especially if the elastic is already stretched, then it is completely meaningless

      • Lynx

        Do you also repair tires on a car with galosh and glue, or do you buy new ones?

        • Ruslan

          If there is an opportunity to get out with the help of 150 grams of galoshes costing $ 2 and this elastic band (for a year) will become normal again, then I see no reason to immediately change the elastic band (especially since not everyone has this opportunity, due to the location of service centers and the availability these rubber bands, and even about the price they break, I generally keep quiet ...). I think you do not change the same wheel when it has broken through and you can glue it on any tire service for a penny. And I personally tried to clean the gum of the galoshes and everything got stuck and now everything is fine. I will order a new one on Ebay (it will be in stock), but for now, the restored one fits perfectly for a couple of months.

          • Lynx

            okay, I'm sticking the wheel ..
            But for some reason I don’t shout and groan at every corner that the manufacturer of the fret / Nissan / Porsche / minicupper is the bottom, and is not able to solve the problem of stock rubber, which, horror, wears out in several years, and you have to change it!
            This is the most common MOT. All over the world, everyone calmly admits the fact that a thing that works must be looked after and replaced or repaired in time, and only domestic "tipanikonists" every time raise the groans "ah, you need to change the rubber bands!"

            • anonym

              If we are to compare these rubber bands, then not with car tires, but, say, with paintwork. If the paint peels off from Merce in 2 years, then it will not be Merce, but Cherry of some kind ... Similarly, with photographic equipment: buying a lens for $ 2000, I have the right to expect impeccable quality in everything. If we were talking about $ 300-400, then yes, nuances are possible, but not in top technology.

              • Lynx

                Stupidity

  • Ruslan R.

    andrei2911 I didn’t see the review of your Tamron 70-200 a / 2.8 on the site. Give it to Arkady, let him write a review. After all, people are interested, suddenly it is really worth the glass.

    • andrei2911

      I would be happy to send such equipment from Russia to Ukraine these days is not an option. :(

  • Serg57

    I am the proud owner of Tamron 70-200 / 2.8 VC…. I like it very much. Experience of use - half a year. Filming - for amateur purposes. I'd love to see a review from Arkady of this lens ☺☺☺

    • Lynx

      Poor thing! (( sorry for him.

  • Eldar

    Thanks for the review Arkady! To be honest, I have been waiting for it for a long time))) Tell me, is the Nikon 70-200 VR1 very different from 70-200 VR2?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I only used VR1 “let me try”, so I can't say for sure. There is a lot of information on the net that the edges are much worse than those of VR2.

      • Eldar

        Unfortunately, I do not have it. (((I really want such a telephoto, but the price is pricked (((

      • любитель

        Arkady, I need advice. They offered to take Nikon 70-200 of the first version, or something was wrong with them, I can not find information anywhere, everywhere only the second is discussed

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