Nikon 70-200 mm AF-S, VR Review

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Conclusions

Nikon's 70-200 AFS VR lens is a stunning optic and follows in the long line of 80-200 mm zooms, building on these previous designs with the inclusion of Vibration Reduction. The outer appearance of the lens has changed greatly in contrast to the previous 80-200 mm AFS design and while the optical quality has remained consistently high the user interface is considerably improved thanks to the ergonomic improvements that Nikon have introduced.

Economics

This lens has a huge opportunity cost (i.e. I could have bought a lot of other things with the money). My main consideration was whether to choose a second D200 body rather than this lens as they would have cost the same. My decision to opt for the lens, even though it replicated a similar focal length in the 80-200 AF ED was because I thought the 70-200 would open up new opportunities to me. With a second body I'd have the flexibility to have a wide angle zoom and a telephoto mounted at all times, but my 80-200 AF ED would still have let me down when I needed fast AF.

The lens is very expensive but consequently Nikon haven't restricted themselves to a price point where they've had to compromise quality or material choice for the sake of economics.

The responsiveness of this lens and the ease of control it allows have allowed me to snatch fleeting moments that otherwise I'd have missed

The improved level of control has opened up new ways of working with subjects that I would previously rejected due to equipment limitations

Control counts

The 70-200 has been a revelation over my 80-200 AF ED zoom. Focal length differences aside, the image quality of these two lenses is indistinguishable in most real world shooting situations (beyond f/4). However, the control over the advanced features of the 70-200 maximizes image quality with ease and this is what makes the difference! I always feel in total control over this lens and if I do miss a shot then it's down to my error rather than the lens interface.

Closing Remarks

The bottom line is this lens has improved my photography. Images that I'd tried and failed to take successfully in the past with my 80-200 push-pull zoom are now obtainable thanks to the far faster AF speed and VR. This has opened up a whole new avenue of subjects and creative possibilities for my documentary photography.

For me this lens is a very expensive luxury that I was glad I could find the money for. From a commercial point of view, there should be no problem in recouping the initial outlay due to a higher image success rate.

This combination of focal length, maximum aperture, AFS and VR are unique and this lens rightfully deserves its accolades. Though it's not perfect, it is worth the high cost for the potential it gives to deliver in a huge range of operating situations.

Advantages

◆ Same image quality as 80-200 zooms but better user interface
◆ Covers DX and FX sensors and 35 mm film
◆ Solid build quality
◆ Superb optical quality and CA resistance
◆ Excellent handling and ergonomics
◆ Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture when you really need an extra stop
◆ Vibration Reduction

Disadvantages

◆ Expensive compared to Nikon's (non AFS) 80-200 AFD
◆ Heavy and larger than many of Nikon's 80-200 predecessors
◆ Added power drain of VR runs down batteries fast
◆ Lens hood release that is easily depressed in transit
◆ Lack of an aperture ring if you are used to non "G" lenses
◆ Lack of compatibility with older bodies due to being a "G" lens
◆ Focus lock buttons are difficult to reach

Future Equipment Reviews

If there is a lens or piece of equipment that you are interested in please email me and I'll let you know my thoughts - if I get enough interest in a particular piece of equipment I'll consider getting hold of a sample and doing a review on it in the future. You can contact me at eyeswitching@googlemail.com as always I'll respond to your messages in person as quickly as I'm able.

Note on impartiality

Please note that eyeswitching.com is a non commercial site, I have no connections with Nikon or any other manufacturer in the photographic industry. These reviews and user experiences are independent and represent my own opinion of the equipment tested and nobody pays me to do any of this.