Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G review

For the provided lens Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF) many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including similar Nikon lenses.

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF). increase.

Navigation

  1. In short
  2. History
  3. Main Specifications
  4. Assembly
  5. Tripod foot
  6. Stabilizer
  7. Focusing
  8. Image quality
  9. Sample Photos
  10. My personal experience with the lens
  11. Prices
  12. Alternatives
  13. Results
  14. User Comments
  15. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review, I will abbreviate the Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF) lens - Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1... Please note that there are three more similar lenses, they are abbreviated as VR 2, VR E / VR FL, VR Z / VR S.

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

In short

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is a fast telephoto lens from the TOP line of Nikon Nikkor lenses.

First of all, Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is used in reportage and portrait photography. It is good for sports photography, street photography, wedding photography. For its time, this was the peak of Nikon's technology and capabilities. Nowadays Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 may not be very expensive used equipment. decision.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VR enters'Holy Trinity of Father Nikon', that is, in a set of three high-aperture zoom lenses, with which you can solve almost any photo problem in the life of a photographer: 14-24 / 2.8, 24-70 / 2.8, 70-200 / 2.8. Nikon marketers recommend sinful whale-lens photographers to pray, fast, and raise money for this triptych.

The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is generally not bad and can still be a balanced solution for such a lens, but the new lenses that replaced it are even better.

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

History

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is second lens from Nikon with built-in image stabilization... Nikon's first stabilized lens was Nikon ED AF VR-Nikkor 80-400mm 1: 4.5-5.6D Vibration Reductionpresented in February 2000.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 was introduced in February 2003.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 and Nikon 80-400 / 4.5-5.6D VR are single lenseswhich are called VR-Nikkor (inscription on the case). All other VR lenses included 'VR' just as an attachment like 'ED', 'D', 'G', 'AF', etc. VR-Nikkor similar to writing on old lenses Zoom nikkor, which was also abandoned over time.

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 ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G Main Specifications:

Review Instance Name Gold plate: Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G Made in Japan

Front Body: VR Vibration Reduction

Back: Nikon SWM VR ED IF ø77

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
  • M / A (autofocus with manual override) - automatic focus with manual override priority
  • 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 ∞-2.5m)
  • Tripod foot (partially removable)
  • F / 2.8 over the entire range of focal lengths
  • Ability to use a large number of teleconverters
  • Bumper near the front lens
  • Teleconverters TC-14E, TC-14EII, TC-17EII, TC-20E, TC-20EII supported
  • Instructions
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
  • window with focusing distance in meters and feet
  • focal lengths for 70, 80, 105, 135, 200 mm
  • bayonet mount mark
  • Hood installation and fixation mark
  • three point marks for the tripod foot 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)
  • 1.5 meters over the entire focal range with autofocus
  • 1.4 meters over the entire focal range with manual focus

maximum magnification ratio of 1: 6.25 available at 200mm

The weight 1470 grams
Optical design 21 elements in 15 groups. The scheme includes:

  • 5 low dispersion elements (shown in yellow on the optical diagram). The presence of such elements is indicated on the housing by the abbreviation 'ED'

Optical design Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G

The image of the optical circuit is clickable.

Lens hood Nikon HB-29 (supplied)
Transportation With soft case CL ‑ L2 (included in delivery)
Manufacturer country MADE IN JAPAN
Period From February 2003, in 2009 replaced by Nikon 70-200/2.8 G2/VR2
Price

EGF lens for Nikon DX cameras is 105-300mm. There is no complete analogue of the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 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 / 2.8G VR1 works wonderfully on cropped cameras and does not cause much inconvenience due to recalculation EGF. In the case of telephoto lenses, crop factor Nikon DX cameras, in most cases, are only beneficial.

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Assembly

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is manufactured in Japan. The build quality is very high. Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 lens dates back to the era when a 'gold' plate with the lens name was put on super-quality lenses.

It's important: Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 exists in white body color.

On the bayonet side, the lens has a special rubber skirt that serves to protect the lens from dust and moisture. Accurate official data on the security Nikon 70-200 / 2.8 VRII is not found. I tend to think that because of this rubber seal, the lens has a basic dust and moisture protection. In more detail, the security issue of Nikon Nikkor lenses I have described here.

The focusing and zoom rings are rubberized, large and comfortable. Focus ring is non-standard, with a step, which gives a distinctive appearance to the lens.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 uses standard professional 77mm color filters.

The outer part of the frame near the front lens is rubberized, which is a kind of protective bumper.

There is a bayonet mount mark on the body and a mark for quick installation of the hood. The lens uses a large plastic hood, HB-26, which automatically locks into grooves located near the front lens of the lens. 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.

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 / 2.8G VR1 collar and body have three marks for quickly setting the horizontal or vertical position of the lens and camera. The desired clamp position is fixed with an additional clamping screw. The clamp can rotate 360 ​​degrees freely.

The zoom ring rotates too tightly, but you can get used to it.

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Stabilizer

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 has Nikon VR Image Stabilizer ('Vvibration Reduction '- Vibration Suppression), which is 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 / 2.8G VR1 refers to the first generation.

To enable / disable the stabilizer on the lens there 'VR ON / OFF' switch. There is a 'Normal / Active' switch to select a mode. The stabilizer 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 on the move. This mode does not track camera movement to create panoramas.

I was able to take pictures of stationary subjects without blur and great effort at 200 mm focal length and 1/80 of a second. The stabilizer performs significantly worse than the next generation lenses. In the area of ​​200 mm in real shooting conditions, the stabilizer compensates only in the area of ​​1 stop. Around 70mm focal length, the gimbal feels much better.

The stabilizer should be turned off when shooting with a tripod.

It's important: The stabilizer is noisy enough. When it is turned on and off, the stabilizer emits a characteristic sharp pounding sound.

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Focusing

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 focuses thanks to 'SWM'-motor (Silent Wbird Motor is a quiet wave / ultrasonic focus motor) and refers to 'type lensesAF S'(with built-in motor focusing), and therefore it will automatically focus on any Nikon digital SLR camera... The lens uses a large annular SWM motor.

The lens will automatically focus on all Nikon DSLR cameraseven on amateur series models Nikon DXthat do not have a built-in focus motor: D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600as well as mirrorless cameras Nikon Z with adapter FTZ / FTZ II.

During auto focus, the motor does its job quietly enough, but still noise from the focus motor is clearly audible in videos recorded using the camera's built-in microphone.

Auto Focus Speed ​​- high. I want to note a good tenacity of focus. On cameras Nikon D700, Nikon D850 and 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.

There are no problems with accuracy and tenacity.

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'.

The front and rear lenses remain stationary while zooming - 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 / 2.8G VR1 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 / 2.8G VR1 has an optional 'Full ∞-2.5m' switch that acts as a focusing distance limiter.

  • In the 'Full' position, automatic focusing is available over the entire range of distances - from ∞ to 1.5 m.
  • In the '∞-2.5m' position, autofocus is available in the range from 5 meters to ∞.

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

The minimum focusing distance depends on the focusing method:

  •  150 centimeters in auto focus mode
  •  140 centimeters in manual focus mode, while you can shoot with a maximum magnification of 1: 6.25.

During auto focus, the focus ring remains stationary. In manual focus mode, the ring rotates approximately 100 degrees, when the extreme positions are reached, it does not rest, but continues to slide, without affecting the focusing. Sighting manually is quite comfortable.

On the lens housing you can find focus switch 'M / A - M'. In the 'M / A' position, auto focus works with constant manual focus priority. The 'M / A' mode is very convenient and useful - for manual focusing or focus correction, you do not need to additionally switch the lens to the 'M' mode.

The front of the lens has 3 dedicated buttonsauto focus momentarily stops and locks when pressed. In version VR 2 these buttons have been removed.

Focus Features:

  1. Present very strong 'Focus Breathing' effect (changing the angle of view during focusing). When focusing towards MDF, the angle of view decreases
  2. The lens has a scale with a focusing distance in meters and feet in the form of a window. There are values ​​only for the infinity mark, 0.4, 0.25, 0.2 meters. In fact, this scale is useless.
  3. The lens does not have a hard infinity mechanical stop for fast and accurate aiming at infinity in all operating temperatures.
  4. Focus Shift (shift focus, changing the focus distance due to iris) is missing.
  5. The lens must be well compatible with the Nikon FTZ adapter for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras and with a Nikon FT1 adapter for cameras Nikon 1
  6. When used on cameras Nikon D3200, D40, D700, D850 the green dot confirming correct focusing is working correctly.
Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Image quality

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 has been in development since 2002 and was released in early 2003, when there were only a few DSLR cameras and they were all Nikon DX series, the highest pixel density was observed exclusively in Nikon D100, which was equipped with a 6 MP sensor. Only a year and a half later appeared Nikon D2x with 12 MP APS-C CMOS sensor. For older digital cameras, the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 was just super-sharp, surpassing the capabilities of existing sensors. Of course, Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 was also used for full-frame film cameras. Nowadays, when 24MP for APS-C sensor or 50MP for Full Frame sensor is the most common thing, Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is not that good. The main problem is the drop in sharpness in the range of 150-200 mm, especially at the edges and corners of the frame. I've even heard rumors that the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 was primarily designed with an emphasis on Nikon DX cameras (which cut off the peripheries of the frame that a full-frame lens projects).

Sharpness

  • confident sharpness at open aperture in the center of the frame in the range of 70-150
  • slight drop in sharpness in the range of 150-200 mm
  • very high resolution at f / 5.6-f / 8 across virtually the entire focal length range
  • there is a significant drop in sharpness in the corners of the frame at F / 2.8, especially at F / 2.8

Distortion

  • the overall level of distortion is at a level typical for such high-quality lenses
  • 70 mm barrel distortion, after 135 mm pincushion distortion, even slightly mixed / complex (barrel-shaped center, pincushion corners edges)

Vignetting

  • the overall level of vignetting is at a level typical for such lenses
  • vignetting is strongest when focusing to infinity at open apertures
  • the strongest vignetting occurs at 200 mm focal length

Aberration

  • lens suffers from a small amount of chromatic aberrationthat show up most strongly in the corners and edges of the frame

Rest

  • in the backlight, you can easily get a strong backlight, in this lens this drawback is significant (example)
Nikon's state-of-the-art cameras and state-of-the-art software that have been released since the announcement of this lens can easily automatically correct distortion and vignetting. Many cameras are able to automatically correct some of the chromatic aberrations. Sometimes software functions that improve the original image from the lens can greatly improve the final result.
Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Full frame sample photos

Converting raw RAW files from Nikon D700 the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility.

Original RAW ('.NEF' 12-bit) photos can be download from this link (15 photos, 130 MB).

Sample photos on Nikon D40

I love contrast kits with a cheap camera and a quality lens, it's kind of fun for me. Examples without processing. Converting original RAW files (12-bit) with the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility.

Original RAW ('.NEF' 12-bit) photos can be download from this link (20 photos, 100 MB). Photo processed here.

Sample photos on Nikon D3200

Examples on Nikon D3200 with 24MP APS-C sensor with AA filter. Examples are shown without treatment. Easy conversion of source RAW files using the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility. Standard Picture Control SD (with default settings, 3, 0, 0, 0, 0). The 'Auto' function is enabled. distortion control'. Active D-lighting also included.

Original photos in RAW format ('.NEF', 12-bit) can be downloaded at this link (21 photos, 400 MB).

My experience

At 200 mm focal length JVI or via Live View (most likely via EVI modern mirrorless cameras) it is noticeable how the picture stabilizes, but after releasing the shutter at shutter speeds longer than 1/100 of a second, there is a very high chance of getting a slightly blurry picture. At first, it even seems that the stabilizer does not work at all in this focal length range (especially when I got used to the high-quality operation of the stabilizer on other lenses). As a result, I tried to shoot at 200mm focal length at shutter speeds no longer than 1/200 second to get 100% sharp shots. But in the 70 mm range, you can easily shoot at shutter speeds of about 1/20 of a second (of course, this applies to stationary objects). It still feels like the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is one of the pioneers of Nikon VR lenses. Stabilizer of the subsequent model Nikon 70-200/2.8 G2/VR2 works a cut above.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 was replaced by Nikon 70-200/2.8 G2/VR2which is better than the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 in many ways.

Anyone looking for an inexpensive lens of this kind, I advise you to pay attention to Nikon 80-200 / 2.8 MKIIIThis is a legendary, classic lens that is still highly regarded and excellent for many photographic tasks. For me personally Nikon 80-200 / 2.8 MKIII I like it much more than Nikon VR1 / VR2. The Nikon 80-200 / 2.8 MKIII outlived many of its brethren and is still being produced and sold today.

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is generally not bad and is also very interesting as a relatively inexpensive solution.

The 70-200 / 2.8 is a very important lens in the life of many photographers. The Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is still a very powerful tool. For many years I looked closely at this lens, but after Nikon 70-200/2.8 G2/VR2 the Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 feels a little behind.

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

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)
Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)

Results

Nikon 70-200 / 2.8G VR1 is a professional lens, a little outdated, 3 similar solutions were released to replace it (VR 2, VR E, VRZ), but at the same time it is still a very attractive solution that can produce very good results.

10 main advantages

  1. high-quality assembly, protected body (with rear seal and front bumper)
  2. Detachable, cleverly designed tripod foot, bayonet hood included
  3. built-in 3-stop IS (but in practice the efficiency is much lower)
  4. built-in SWM focusing motor (critical for owners of Nikon DX cameras from a younger lineup)
  5. internal focusing, fast, support for M / A mode, focusing distance window
  6. focusing distance limiter, three focus lock buttons
  7. special optical elements in the optical scheme (5 ED)
  8.  professional lens
  9. nine aperture blades
  10. generally good optical performance

10 main disadvantages

  1. perceptible noise from the stabilization system (clicks when turning on / off, a slight buzz during operation)
  2. slight noise from the focus motor
  3. on MDF the lens focuses only manually (1.5 meters with AF, 1.4 meters with MF)
  4. heavy weight (for example, modern Tamron 70-180mm F / 2.8 Di III VXD Model A056 weighs almost 2 times less)
  5. the longest lens barrel of any such lens 70-200 / 2.8
  6. low stabilizer efficiency in the area of ​​200 mm focal length
  7. strong 'Focus Breathing' effect
  8. the zoom ring rotates too tight
  9. slight drop in sharpness in the range of 150-200 mm across the entire field of the frame, very weak detail in the corners of the frame in the range of 150-200 mm
  10. strong vignetting, especially at 200mm focal length

For the provided lens Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF) many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including similar Nikon lenses.

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: wj

 

 

Comments: 40, on the topic: Review of Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G

  • Ruslan

    Hello Arkady. I have this lens in a light version. I want to note that my vr works when focusing with the AF-ON button and the zoom ring moves quite easily, the effort is the same as on 80-200mk3. It's a pity your review did not come out a little earlier. When thinking about replacing 80-200)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Thank. As far as I remember, all lenses include a stub when you press AF-ON

      • Ruslan

        And regarding the comparison of 70-200 and 80-200 mk3, the optically 70-200 is almost the same, except that the 80-200 is more soapy at 200mm at f / 2.8. And the 80-200 has worse enlightenment, in my opinion it has a loss of contrast with side and backlight. The 70-200 is doing better in this regard + still a good, large hood. Nikkor 80-200 seems to be more fragile (probably because of the body material) but lighter and more compact. And the bokeh of the 80-200 is softer and more interesting, again in my opinion.

    • Dmitriy

      If the ring runs tight, the zoom mechanism is worn out. Or from old age, from abrasion of rubbing surfaces, or from impact.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I'm sorry, this is my jamb, I understand what the mistake is. Fixed.

  • Vadim fedorov

    Outstanding weight performance. Compact camping telephoto camera. :)

    • Dim

      Such interesting photographs are obtained from such objects that weight is no longer so important. I have 80-200 2.8 and I preferred to take it and fix 50 1.8, and not something else. The past cannot be brought back.

  • Alex.

    I have been using this lens for 5 years on my Nikon D750. Until now, the size and weight are embarrassing, you are thinking how to take it for a walk, but the picture, speed and focusing tenacity are amazing, for this I can not part with it. By the way, the focusing ring rotates normally without much effort. In the work of the stabilizer, I also noticed such a feature that it is better to always turn it on in the active mode, I did not notice any lubrication when using it. I also took the vr2 version for testing, it gives a sharper picture at an open aperture across the entire field of the frame and much less vignette, but for me these two parameters are not so important because I mainly use it for portraits. The only time it upset me was when I used it on Nikon D850 (I took a camera for a week for a test drive). On the 850, it no longer pulls 45 MP. permissions unfortunately. For cameras with a higher resolution matrix, it is better to take the 2nd or 3rd version of this lens.

    • US6IBD

      Usually already for D810 VR2 take. Otherwise, it is difficult to avoid micro-lubrication.

  • Jankowsky

    Finally this review came out. How long have I been waiting for this. From the first shots I recognize this gross reportage karinka. I have a white 70-200 VR I and a 70-300VR. So, when I received 70-200 and shot them, it seemed to me that either something was wrong with a copy, or it was normal and they were all like that. My 70-300VR produces an extremely sharp picture, uniform in all corners - even 300 \ 5.6 stars in the center, round dots. And this 70-200 is simply terribly comatose at 135-200 \ 2.8 in the center with hardly noticeable doubling of the contours along the edges. This is most annoying at infinity. And from 70 to 100 sharpness at 2.8 is simply flawless. Was in the set 80-200 \ 2.8 MK III - so he slightly softened to 200 \ 2.8, but there was no coma in the center at all! Can someone tell me - is it possible to align the lenses at the long end and what it depends on. The lens looks completely new without any signs of falling or extraneous interference. Arkady writes about a tight zoom ring, perhaps there was an old worn-out copy in the review - my zoom rotates very smoothly and smoothly without jamming.
    There are also rumors that white Nikons underwent particularly strict quality control - so I can't explain the reason for the axial coma at 200/2.8

    • Ivan

      White lens bodies (Canon, Nikon) - in which fluorite lenses are present. This material has better transparency, but more fragile. Therefore, in order to minimize mechanical damage when the metal case expands when heated (direct rays of the sun), a light color is used for this.

      • wj

        Ivan, fluorite lenses are also used in black lenses. For example, in the new 120-300mm f / 2.8E FL ED SR VR (read the description - https://www.nikon.com/news/2020/0107_lens_01.htm).
        And in white (although it's actually more of a light gray) there were lenses such as the 70-200 / 2.8 VR I, which did not use fluorite lenses.

        • Ivan

          This means that the new one has already been made in a black case. I did not specifically track it, but I was interested in light cases several years ago. But about the 70-200 / 2.8 VR I did not understand, this 70-200mm f / 2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR NIKKOR, because it is in black.

          • wj

            @ Ivan
            No, the 70-200mm f / 2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR NIKKOR also existed in a light gray version. Just google “white nikon lenses” and you'll see right away. There are a lot of them. For example: http://regex.info/blog/2006-11-06/275

            • Ivan

              So Canon made a light body based on technical requirements, and Nikon based on fashion, marketing and imitation?

              • Pokemon

                The White 28-70 / 2.8D was indeed a rare limited edition.

              • Roman

                Canon also made black lenses with fluorite. And then white ones without fluorite - like 70-200 / 2.8. So it's a lot more marketing than technical.

  • Maria

    Thank. Finally, we wrote a review, where we mentioned almost the entire line of zooms with these focal lengths. It is pleasant for them to photograph in motion and to photograph birds. And for portraits, fixes are still better.

  • wj

    My 5 kopecks. Somehow I had a chance to shoot one portrait session with this lens. An unpleasant surprise was a rather strong exposure (hares) from the backlight. I usually use AF-S 85 / 1.8 for portraits, so it holds back light much better.

  • Maria

    For those who change their mind, take it, no (and it costs quite acceptable for light glass, you can get Russian for 20 rubles) - on D90.
    Taking pictures of animals and twigs with it is a pleasure. It has already been written about portraits - everything is ambiguous.
    https://vk.com/id636784?z=photo636784_457249184%2Fphotos636784
    https://vk.com/id636784?z=photo636784_457247945%2Fphotos636784
    https://sun9-68.userapi.com/WHzcmxYIsJMvs3O68C1EF0Iy2lMBgPD_sP2c0g/1rBtghib5hc.jpg

    The last one is noisy - oversight

    • Ivan

      For these purposes, and 70-300 is not bad.

      • Maria

        Maybe it's hard for me to match.

        In St. Petersburg, everything is so bad with lighting that the priority was the aperture ratio when there was a choice.

        • Ivan

          I've been to St. Petersburg twice. Once there was a beautiful sunny weather. I shot a bunch of great shots.

          • Maria

            Lucky. When you work here, you can't get out on those very fine days.
            In the evening I go from work from the side of Nakhimovsky and the historical center is just against the sun, those same lights are constantly pursuing, only Aurora and have time to photograph in different perspectives. And vacation - summer cottage, forest, twigs, berries)

            So I love to look at my hometown of photography professionals and amateur guests)

  • Dmitriy

    I downloaded the photos, Arkady would like to wish you to take more shots at 200 / 2.8 and it is better to shoot with a tripod, because in all portraits, "blur" is visible or shot with poor light and it is not clear what is the sharpness of this lens.

  • Ali

    Great lens. I like it more than 80 - 200 and 70 - 200 vr2. And by the way, at 2.8 at all focal lengths in the center in terms of sharpness, it is more stable than these two. It was developed specifically for 36 mm film cameras, taking into account the future digital sight, in terms of compatibility. Nikon's first FX-format digital camera, the d3, came out four years later. Therefore, the label “Designed for Nikon FX digital cameras” in the table is incorrect. Bokeh is also subjective. I like VRI more. At 45 pixels I did not try, but at 36 there were no problems. Coped with a bang. Of course, if you are a fan of pixel-by-pixel sharpness, then this is not your option. I compared head-to-head on the d800 all three lenses. VR2 is sharper for sure, but ringing sharpness is not the main thing in a good photo. But in terms of color reproduction, VRI, in my subjective opinion, is better than the other two listed above. I don’t know, maybe someone got it with a defect, but on my open one, unlike 80 200, there were no problems with sharpness in the entire focal range. Yes, somewhere from 180 to 200 mm, the sharpness in the center sags a little, the picture becomes softer, but the sharpness is sufficient for 4+ out of five. But at 80, sharpness in the open from 200 to 170 sags and significantly. Stub clicks louder than modern ones, but not critical. It works quite acceptable. And yes, this VRI is a true parfocal lens.

    • Victor

      And why are you sure that the 70-200 vr1 was designed specifically for film cameras?

      D3 is not the first digital full frame camera on the nikon F mount.

      • B. R. P.

        It's not even about ff. Under the film 70-200 certainly were not designed.

      • Ali

        Because I asked this question to representatives of the company. This is first. Secondly, the lens came out four years before the first full-frame digital camera appeared. And D3 is the first digital full-frame camera from the company.

        • Victor

          “Secondly, the lens came out four years before the first full-frame digital camera appeared”

          Well, I hinted to you, but you missed it)) DSC 14n was released in the same year as the 70-200 of the first version, although this is strictly speaking not a Nikon camera, but it has a Nikon F mount and was released with the cooperation of two companies .

          • Ali

            You missed it by ear. I hinted to you that I asked a company representative a question and received a specific answer.

            • Victor

              “the lens came out four years before the first full-frame digital camera appeared” - your words?

              The first full-frame digital camera on F, I repeat, appeared in Nikon's collaboration with Kodak in the same year as the 70-200, and there is nothing to discuss here.

              • Ali

                When I wrote “Secondly, the lens came out four years before the first full-frame digital camera appeared,” I meant the Nikon brand. Moreover, in the second comment I clearly wrote it! Read carefully. But it doesn't seem to be about you. The company will never develop complex, costly (both financially and in time) equipment for someone else's pilot and very unsuccessful option. So you can fly into the pipe. The company, before the start of the production of its own cameras, was engaged in the manufacture of optical instruments. In particular, it produced lenses for Canon. No wonder that there was a joint project with Kodac. I didn't ask why the company gave the go-ahead to sharing the F mount and their optics. But I think, for testing on someone else's pilot version. Development for the future, and here there is an opportunity to test on someone else's development without damaging the image in case of failure. And so it happened, by the way. I just asked (communicated through a translator) for which system this lens was created. And how true are the rumors about its creation for APC models. I also asked why such a company has such terrible software for developing NEF files. And I received concrete answers to this. I think the representative knows more than you.

              • Victor

                Yes, think as you please.
                But a few points:

                1. The development at the beginning of the zero years of a modern progressive lens UNDER FILM TECHNOLOGY is an oxymoron in itself.
                2. “Read carefully” Speak in an accessible way if you want to be understood unambiguously, and not in the way it is now.
                3. “Never will a company develop a complex, expensive… blah blah”
                Laughed. Suffice it to recall nikon1's own pilot project, which failed with the track and closed in disgrace.

            • Victor

              And in general, Nikon could well have developed this glass to ensure normal operation with d2x / d200, for example, taking into account FUTURE FF digital cameras (by focal lengths). The very idea that high-resolution, relatively modern glass was developed for FILM is nonsense.
              But you can certainly rely entirely on the opinion of "representatives", of course.

              • Marina

                Representatives of the company probably know more than a sofa expert who relies on personal conclusions and speculation like you.

              • Victor

                Blessed is he who believes

  • Coco

    Hello,

    J'ai eu de la part de mon oncle un AF-S VR 70-200 2.8G ED que j'aimerai utiliser sur mon Nikon D7500. Je pensais que ça allait être possible, mais il semblerait que ça soit le cas seulement si je passe l'objectif en manuel ce qui est embêtant et vraiment dommage… autre possibilité, je passe l'appareil en manuel, mais dans tout les cas, je fais une croix sur la mise au point automatique, l'appareil semble bloqué au moment de declencher. Est-ce normal? Avez vous une solution ? Merci infiniment pour vos recommandations!

    • B. R. P.

      Il existe une solution. Vous devez acheter un autre appareil photo ou un objectif plus récent.

  • Kiprin Evgeniy

    Hello.
    Is it worth taking this glass in 23 for
    Z6||? There was an offer in my city for 55 tr. Or strangle the toad and take the same S -
    series.

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