Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

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Outstanding lenses are something we all desire, but the hefty prices often mean they are beyond many of us. There are, however, some optics that are so worthy of the extra investment that you skrimp and save to get one in your camera bag. The 70-200mm f/2.8 is one such lens, and for Nikon owners the brand’s redesigned optic now has seven ED glass elements. The optical content has been completely redesigned to deliver a far better optical standard that meets the demands of the latest full-frame sensors. The lens also benefits from a more capable Vibration Reduction (VR) setup, which enables you to shoot at shutter speeds four steps lower than would generally be possible.

The side of this Mark II optic reveals four control options. The top control is for manual and auto AF selection, while the one directly below enables you to limit the focusing range between either full or infinity-5m, which helps reduce focus hunting. The other two controls are the enabling switch for VR and a selector for normal or active VR performance. This is an interesting control, as it selects one of two VR modes. The normal operation, as the name suggests, is for general subjects where you need to reduce the camera shake for non-moving subjects, whereas the active control is designed for action subjects.

On the inside, you have those seven ED elements that are designed to minimise chromatic aberration and there’s a Nano Crystal coating to reduce ghosting and flare. The zoom is all housed internally and the focusing ring does not rotate the 77mm front element, making it easy to use creative filters. Despite the 21 elements, the lens is actually shorter than its predecessor at 205.5mm and the construction, as you may expect, is superb. A rubber seal on the lens mount maintains the weatherproofing and like many Nikkor lenses, you get a lens hood included.
The optical performance is stunning from this lens. Edge-to-edge detail on FX sensors is very impressive and the level of detail quite superb. The lens is very easy to operate, with a smooth zoom action, and the manual focusing ring is a perfect size and offers just enough resistance. At £2000 it’s hardly inexpensive, but it is optically sound and unquestionably worthy of the price-tag.

Specification
Street price: £2000
Max. aperture: f/2.8
Min. aperture: f/22
Construction: 21 elements in 16 groups
Closest focus: 1.4m
Filter size: 77mm
Weight: 1.54kg
Size (DxL): 87x205.5mm