AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200

SEP 2003 - MAR 2004

Professional Photographer March 2004
In its March 2004 edition, Professional Photographer magazine gave the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED-IF lens a glowing review. According to reviewer Stan Sholik, its state of the art ability to reduce vibration gives you superior image quality. He was impressed with its great design and various modes.

PC Photo September 2003

In this review by Bill Campbell, he discusses at length the Vibration Reduction capabilities of the lens, and describes it as a significant addition to Nikons line of lenses. Bill found the size and weight of the 70-200mm f/2.8G VR Zoom-Nikkor to be great for travelers, and with the ability to use the lens with a host of teleconverters, and still maintain fully functional VR capabilities, described the lens as a perfect action lens.
Outdoor Photographer September 2003
Described as pretty incredible stuff the 70-200mm f/2.8G VR Zoom-Nikkor lens was reviewed by Bill Campbell for Outdoor Photographer. He found the lens to be ideal for nature photography, and raved about the Vibration Reduction system exclusive to Nikon lenses. He discussed how Vibration Reduction works, was impressed with the light and thinner feel to the lens, and the new design compared to other lenses.

Nikon AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8G Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photogr. Seite 1 von 3

1. Introduction

Nikon AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G review Andy Westlake, May 2008
Nikon first announced the development of the AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF in February 2002, with the lens becoming available to buy in April 2003. Billed by Nikon as a 'compact, lightweight' fast telephoto, the lens features a complex optical design of 21 elements in 15 groups, including no fewer than 5 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements for the correction of aberrations. It improves on its predecessor, the AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8G, mainly by incorporating an optical image stabilisation unit (or in Nikon speak, 'vibration reduction'), allowing hand holding at shutter speeds up to three stops lower than normal without image degradation due to camera shake. The 70-200mm f/2.8 class of fast telephoto zoom is (along with the fast standard zoom) one of the key workhorse lenses for the working photographer, and is used for a huge range of applications. From weddings and portraits, though events and journalism, to sports and wildlife, this lens will be a mainstay of many a professional, and therefore needs to perform impeccably across almost every imaginable situation. And naturally this lens is not just the preserve of working pros; keen (and well-heeled) amateurs will also value the flexibility and sheer optical quality promised by a top notch fast telezoom. Of course back in 2002, Nikon were riding the crest of a wave due to the success of the revolutionary D1, the first 'affordable' DSLR (at least for money-making professionals) which kick-started the seismic shift from film to digital, and introduced the world to the new 'DX' sensor size standard. The AF-S VR 70-200mm F2.8 therefore aimed to provide professional photographers with a lens whose imaging qualities were optimally matched to the new demands of digital imaging and the DX sensor, whilst adding the highly desirable features in ultrasonic focusing and image stabilization. Fast forward six years and the situation is not entirely dissimilar; Nikon are again arguably top dogs in the high end DLSR market, with their D3/D300 double act, but have now re-introduced their users to an old favourite format in FX (that's full-frame 35mm, in anyone else's language). This has refocused attention on the lens lineup, and especially those models introduced since Nikon shooters last used the 35mm format en masse with the F5 film body. So does the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR stand up to this latest examination of its abilities?

Headline features

70-200mm focal length range; fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture Optical image stabilization 3 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)
http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/nikon_70-200_2p8_vr_n15/

01.03.2010

Nikon AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8G Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photogr. Seite 2 von 3
70mm (DX; 105mm equivalent)
200mm (DX; 300mm equivalent)
Nikon AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G specifications
Street price Date introduced Maximum format size Focal length US: $1700 UK: 1150 April 2003 35mm full frame 70-200mm

35mm equivalent focal length 105-300mm (APS-C) Diagonal Angle of view (FF) Diagonal Angle of view (APSC) Maximum aperture Minimum aperture Lens Construction 34 - - 8 F2.8 Felements/15 groups 5 ED elements 9, rounded 1.5m 0.16x at 200mm Ring-type ultrasonic Full-time manual focus Internal Internal 3 stops Auto panning detection Active mode 77mm Does not rotate on focus Front and rear caps HB-29 Hood CL-L2 Soft Case 1470g (51.8 oz) 87mm diameter x 215mm length (3.4 x 8.5 in) Nikon F only Dust and moisture sealing Reports focus distance information to camera body Three AF stop buttons
Number of diaphragm blades Minimum focus Maximum magnification AF motor type Focus method Zoom method Image stabilization
Filter thread Supplied accessories
Optional accessories Weight Dimensions Lens Mount Other
* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

Foreword / notes

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read some of our Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used). Conclusion / recommendation / ratings are based on the opinion of the author, we recommend that you read the entire review before making any decision. Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of them, click to display a larger image in a new window. To navigate this article simply use the next / previous page buttons or jump to a specific page by using the drop-down list in the navigation bar at the top of the page. You can support this site by ordering through the affiliate links shown at the bottom of each page (where available). This article is protected by Copyright and may not be reproduced in part or as a whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author.
Nikon AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8G Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photogr. Seite 3 von 3
Dpreview use calibrated monitors at the PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally also A, B and C.