Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

As a former owner of Nikon’s 70-200f2.8 VRII, I well knew the positive and negative characteristics of this iconic lens. In 2013 I sold this lens in favor of the f4 model. The smaller, lighter and less costly Nikon 70-200f4, exceeded its big brother in every way except for maximum aperture. I felt I could live with F4 until I saw the specs and read the reviews of the newest offering from Nikon, the 70-200 f2.8E FL ED VR. Nikon’s claims for this were phenomenal. Not only did they seem to fix what we all disliked about its predecessor, but added several other improvements as well.So numerous were these improvements, I decided to make a list. I came up with 20 items! (1) closer focus, (2) minimal focus breathing, (3) better contrast, (4) less flare, (5) less weight, (6) better front to rear weight balance, (7) much shorter in the middle of the zoom range of 135mm, (8) sharper in the corners at all focal lengths, (9) Improved rock steady VR, (10) “sport” mode option on VR, (11) faster VR response times, (12) faster focusing, (13) four new memory buttons, (14) better bokeh, (15) better lens hood that allows for standing the lens on end, (16) electronic aperture, (17) metal filter threads, (18) better dust seals, (19) fluorite coatings on front and rear, (20) better with the TC-14EII, TC-17E11, and the TC-20EIII??????? Most all these claims have been verified in various reviews except for the tele-converter claim. And that is an important requirement for me. I do nature photography with an emphasis on birds.I own all three of Nikon’s tele-converters. These work extremely well on my Nikon 400mmf2.8 as one would expect. They also work well on my Nikon 300mmf4PF and decently on my Nikon 70-200F4. They were a mixed bag on the Nikon 70-200f2.8 VRII previously owned.When the new 70-200 lens arrived last week, I quickly set up some tests to see if, indeed, the newest version would not have the problems the older model did. I am very happy to report that all three tele-converters work very well with this newest offering.On my D500, this lens equaled or outperformed the following lenses at all possible focal combinations from 70 to 400mm. My tests were of distant steep wooded hills, and involved the following combinations:Nikon 300mmPF with and without all three tele-converters (this lens was slightly sharper when no tele-converter was attached)Nikon 80-400 f4.5,5.6 - A close second at longer focal lengths, equal at shorter focal lengths.Sigma 150-600 Contemporary - Same story as the Nikon 80-400Nikon 70-400f4 with and without tele-converters - just ever so slightly less sharp over longer focal lengths.The newest 70-200f2.8E with and without tele-converters - equal or better than any of the above combinations with the exception of the 300mmf4 PF when no tele-converter was attached.What is really amazing is how all close all the above were in overall image quality. However, they do represent some of the best glass out there.Last but in no way the least:Nikon 400mmf2.8 - Don’t even think any of the above equaled the quality of this lens. (though they got amazingly close!)Not only do the tele-converters work well at the maximum telephoto range for 200mm but quite decent results occur throughout the 70-200mm range. Of course, one does not want to normally use tele-converters other than at the maximum zoom but it can be forced upon one, if there is no time to remove the tele-converter.In summary, this is a costly lens, but it does represent the state of the art, and is one of Nikon's best attempts to give us the ultimate in quality. This lens is like owning a Ferrari. Beautiful to look at but meant to be driven by someone who understands what it really can do, and has driven lots of other sport cars in the past.

Just got it. I can tell from just looking through it that it will be very sharp, bright and the focusing will be extremely fast and quiet. Amazon software assigned a bad tracking number to the "track package" button on the orders page with the result that it was impossible to track the order for this very expensive lens while it was four days late..Felicia in the concierge department went all out to help me resolve the issue. I wish all Amazon employee were as helpful as she was.UPDATE:The reviews of this lens claim that angels will sing when you mount this lens on your Nikon; that fairy dust will sprinkle; that the photographer with enter a state of nirvanic optical bliss upon gazing at the pictures this lens produces. Yeah right! --- But guess what? Its all true! Just looked at some pictures and I am floating a foot off the ground. The lens is beyond phenomenal. I can't help thinking that this lens can produce major works of art without even taking the lens cap off. I have a friend who is an accomplished painter. We pointed the camera at random and snapped the shutter a few times. We agreed that the pictures were beautiful.Ah, but the price, especially if you are not rich or a big time pro, neither of which I am. How can I justify 3K for a lens? The answer lies in a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay.“My candle burns at both ends;It will not last the night;But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—It gives a lovely light!”

The lens has been sent on time, and my daughter signed for it for me because I am going to travel abroad. The packaging is very strict. After opening it, her first impression of the lens is: it looks like new! Then she checked the appearance according to my request, especially the glass, which looks clean except for a little dust. Other aspects are also in line with the product description. Thank them for providing such a good second-hand lens! I also admire their integrity! If there is a chance to buy other products, I will consider looking here first. The performance of the lens can only be tested after returning home. I am just worried about the time limit for returns. Once unacceptable problems are found, I am afraid there will be no time to arrange a return.

I was going to send it back because it is so expensive. But, it is produces such crisp and clear images, and the f/2.8 aperture is phenomenal espin low light. Focuses fast. I actually like the focus ring toward the rear as it is easy to tweak the focus a bit with one finger if need be after you lock your focus initially. Used with Nikon 1.4 teleconverter only reduces the f stop to 4, with no image degradation. Half as heavy as my Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6, and easy to hand hold, which the other is not for me. Pricey, but you only live once

Great value, fast delivery, excellent packing, excellent condition. Lens meets exceptions.

I just didn't like this lens,,very uncomfortable!

Fast focusing and one of the shapest lens that I own.It's about tall/big as my Sigma 150-500mm, but much lighter.Excellent bokeh with nice compression at f/2.5 at 200mm.No focus breathing issue.Even at only 200mm, moon looks nice (attached is sample image of moon hand held at 1/50 sec - VR working well.This is my favorite lens along with Leica lens (I own Leica, Sigma, Rokinon (Samyang), Panasonic, and Laowa).I just wish I had this lens at my son's jr.varsity basketball games..... oh, well.