Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
Announced July 30, 2009
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II delivers sharp imagery across both DX and FX formats with highly effective vibration reduction and smooth autofocus performance. While the lens offers significant improvements over its predecessor, it exhibits noticeable focus breathing and a reduced field of view at close distances.
Weighted from 11 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent sharpness and image quality at all focal lengths
- Reliable autofocus with manual override
- Highly effective optical image stabilization
- Smooth bokeh and well-controlled aberrations
Cons
- Significant focus breathing and reduced effective focal length at close distances
- Ineffective or poorly designed lens hood
- Increased weight and physical size
- Removal of functional AF-lock buttons
- Launch price $2,399.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 70-200mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Nikon F Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 1.4 m (0.12x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Ultrasonic
- Weight & size 1540g (3 lb 6.3 oz) · 87 x 209 mm (3.43 x 8.23 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 11 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 85/100
Nikon's 'Mark II' 70-200mm telezoom fixes the problems suffered by the previous version on full frame bodies, while updating to the latest and greatest VR system. It's an equally accomplished performer on both DX and FX that will satisfy the most demanding of photographers.
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The Nikon 70-200/2.8G VR II delivers very good overall performance throughout the zoom-range with a graceful decline in sharpness/contrast in the corners. But nothing that a little stopping down can’t heal.
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There may be minor issues but the Nikkor is, nonetheless, highly recommended!
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The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II is clearly a better lens than its predecessor. [...] The overall performance of the lens is outstanding and the Vibration Reduction II system clearly helps in getting shake-free images at low shutter speeds.
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[A]ny professional photographer should consider its purchase without a moment's hesitation.
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The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II is the go-to lens for many an event photographer, and it's a good one.
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Thanks to a recent price-drop Nikon's new lens can almost be considered a bargain at the moment, albeit an expensive bargain.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
The review lens turned in a sterling performance in our Imatest tests, which showed it to be a good match for the D610’s 24-megapixel sensor, where it exceeded expectations for the sensor’s resolution (no mean feat).
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An excellent allrounder lens and great at picking a subject matter out of the background and giving you that excellent pickup shot. Really a great lens.
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If you're a pro or serious amateur, this is Nikon's best evers. While the many incremental improvements are nice, the close-focus ability makes it a must-have for full-time pros.
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It makes balancing on gimbals easy thanks to the internal zoom mechanism, and offers improved focus breathing. The focus system is better than anything Nikon has made previously, and it incrementally updates vibration reduction, image quality and overall handling.
