Product Information

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens For Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

 

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II was announced in July 2009, as the second iteration of the company’s professional stabilized fast telezoom. It’s the successor to the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VRwhich first appeared in 2003, and brings to the table an entirely remastered optical system designed to match the demands of the latest high resolution FX format cameras such as the D3X, accompanied by an improved vibration reduction system which Nikon claims offers up to four stops stabilization.

The optics, as we’d expect for this kind of lens, are pretty exotic, with 21 elements in 16 groups. No fewer than 7 of these are fashioned from Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass to minimize aberrations, and Nikon’s latest Nano Crystal Coating is employed to combat flare. One handling improvement is the addition of a new A/M focus mode, which prevents accidental movements of the focus ring from overriding the autofocus while it’s operating. The build quality is appropriate for a professional workhorse lens, with a barrel that’s made from magnesium alloy like the bodies of Nikon’s pro-level DSLRs, and extensive sealing against dust and moisture.

The ‘VR II’ has a high expectations to live up to, as its predecessor was considered pretty well best-in-class on DX format bodies. But with the shift to full-frame ‘FX’ sensors, its shortcomings towards the edge of the image field at longer focal lengths became somewhat exposed, with unusually soft corners even at small apertures, and heavy vignetting wide open. So the Nikon faithful (and more importantly its professional user base) will be hoping that the new model can address these issues on full frame, without significantly compromising performance on the smaller sensor format. So let’s see if Nikon has achieved this goal.

 

Headline features

• 70-200mm focal length range; fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture
• Optical image stabilization – 4 stops with automatic panning detection and ‘active’ mode
• Ring-type ultrasonic focusing with full-time manual override
• F mount for Nikon and Fuji DX and FX format DSLRS

 

Angle of view

The pictures below illustrate the focal length range from wide to telephoto, on FX (35mm full-frame) and DX (APS-C) camera bodies:

70mm (full frame)	200mm (full frame)

70mm (DX; 105mm equivalent)	200mm (DX; 300mm equivalent)

 

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

Date introduced	July 2009
Maximum format size	35mm full frame
Focal length	70-200mm
35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C)	105-300mm
Diagonal Angle of view (FF)	34º – 12º
Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C)	23º – 8º
Maximum aperture	F2.8
Minimum aperture	F22
Lens Construction	• 21 elements / 16 groups • 7 ED elements
Number of diaphragm blades	9, rounded
Minimum focus	1.4m
Maximum magnification	0.12x at 200mm
AF motor type	• Ring-type ultrasonic • Full-time manual focus – A/M and M/A modes
Focus method	Internal
Zoom method	Internal
Image stabilization	• 4 stops claimed • Auto panning detection • Active mode
Filter thread	• 77mm • Does not rotate on focus
Supplied accessories	• Front and rear caps • HB-48 Hood • CL-M4 Lens Pouch
Weight	1540g (3.4 lb)
Dimensions	87mm diameter x 209mm length (3.4 x 8.2 in)
Lens Mount	Nikon F only
Other	• Dust and moisture sealing • Reports focus distance information to camera body

* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

Nikon Europe unveils the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200MM F/2.8G ED VR II, featuring a brand new optical design for class leading levels of image quality and extended Vibration Reduction capability.

Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products at Nikon Europe, says: “The optical design has been completely re-mastered to meet the demands of today’s image sensors. It also works better at slow shutter speeds and is adapted to complement the latest autofocus technologies too.”

 

Improved low light shooting

The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200MM F/2.8G ED VR II lens features the last word in Vibration Reduction (VRII) stabilisation technology to provide users with the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops* slower than would otherwise be possible. Two modes are available; Normal for everyday shooting and Active to minimise the vibrations caused when shooting from motorcycles or aircraft. Both modes offer a stable viewfinder image, which ultimately makes focus point acquisition and framing far more comfortable and precise.

 

Brilliant image quality

The new lens is designed to deliver the best image quality in its class with excellent edge to corner quality on today’s FX format cameras. Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, and no less than seven ED glass elements, minimise internal reflections and aberrations to deliver rich, high contrast images even under the most challenging lighting conditions.

The new lens features three focus modes; A/M; M/A and M. The new A/M switch enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting.

The new optical design also enables shorter dimensions than the current version, without compromising the durability that professional photographers rely upon to get the job done. The tough magnesium body is extensively sealed to withstand the affects of dust and moisture to enable you to keep shooting whatever the conditions.
* As determined in Nikon performance tests

 

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