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

The Nikon 70-200m F2.8 VR is built to withstand the rigours of daily professional use, and the quality of construction is impeccable. From the super-smooth zoom and focus rings to the finely designed and engineered tripod mounting foot, everything about this lens exudes quality. Construction appears to be primarily of metal, and the lens is environmentally sealed, including a rubber gasket around the mount to prevent dust and water ingress into the camera. As is standard for this class of lens, both zooming and focusing are internal, which leads to a distinct impression of solidity to the 'one-piece' construction, and maintains the balance of the lens on the camera regardless of focal length.

In comparison to other 70-200mm F2.8 zooms, the Nikon is unusually long and slim in design, indeed unexpectedly so for a full-frame lens (especially given the fact that Nikon's engineers have had to squeeze in an optical stabilization unit). Overall it rather gives the impression that the glass is concentrated towards the front of the barrel, indeed the narrow tubular section immediately adjacent to the lens mount is purely air space (and we'll see the likely consequences of this on its optical performance in due course). Aside from that, it's quite similar in size to other lenses of this type, and potential upgraders should be aware that it is significantly larger and heavier than consumer telezooms such as the 70-300mm F4-5.6 VR. It's a serious photographic tool, but quite possibly not one you'll want to carry around all day on vacation.

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

Street price	• US: $1700 • UK: £1150
Date introduced	April 2003
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/15 groups • 5 ED elements
Number of diaphragm blades	9, rounded
Minimum focus	1.5m
Maximum magnification	0.16x at 200mm
AF motor type	• Ring-type ultrasonic • Full-time manual focus
Focus method	Internal
Zoom method	Internal
Image stabilization	• 3 stops • Auto panning detection • Active mode
Filter thread	• 77mm • Does not rotate on focus
Supplied accessories	• Front and rear caps • HB-29 Hood • CL-L2 Soft Case
Optional accessories
Weight	1470g (51.8 oz)
Dimensions	87mm diameter x 215mm length (3.4 x 8.5 in)
Lens Mount	Nikon F only
Other	• Dust and moisture sealing • Reports focus distance information to camera body • Three AF stop buttons

from Dpreview