First Impressions: Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
Discussion
7 replies
Posted by Brad Hill on December 4, 2009 at 5:02 PM
I have spent the bulk of my "free" time this week shooting with (and evaluating images shot with) the new Nikon 70-200mm VRII lens. After about 1500 shots and way too much time in front of the computer I can say this: If there was ever a single "must-have" lens for the Nikon-using nature photographer, this lens is it!
5 December Update: - I have updated both my "Executive Summary" and my more detailed review to include mention/discussion of the "Mysterious Shrinking Focal Length" (when focusing on near subjects) issue...
I've posted an "Executive Summary" of my findings here on my blog:
Brad,
I have the earlier version of that lens and love it. I use a Canon D500 close-up lens with it and get some fantastic flora images with that combination. I haven't had the vignetting problems with it that some speak of but I don't use it with an FX body. It's a great lens for birding.
Posted by Brian Jackson on December 4, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Wow great review. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Basil Greber on December 5, 2009 at 3:26 AM
Dpreview is full of whining about the lens losing focal length at 200 mm when focused at very close subjects. What's your take on this? Is it really that bad?
Thanks for the review!
Posted by Ramamohan Pai on December 5, 2009 at 8:06 AM
Dpreview is full of whining
That is usually one complete sentence .
I know all macro lenses lose focal length at close focussing distances, so I assume depending on how much magnification can be gained on the new 70-200, it might be losing some focal length as well.
Posted by Brad Hill on December 5, 2009 at 8:50 AM
Hi Basil,
Yes, it loses focal length when close focused and it's noticeable. Interestingly, when my other Nikon lenses do this (and it's found on other IF Nikon zooms, like the 18-200), the "real" focal length shows up in the metadata, but with the 70-200 it doesn't appear to (it still says "200mm"). So it's hard to say "how bad" it is. For what I use this lens for it will be a non-issue for me (and if I do have to do some real close focus work I'm likely to be using my 200mm micro anyway). So FOR ME I don't even think of it as a problem, but more of simple characteristic of the lens. I realize that others - who have different uses/needs for the lens - might legitimately think otherwise. I'll add a few lines about this to my review...
Hi Brad,
Okay, I'm convinced. It'll be my next lens purchase too. Now... I see that Nikon has released a new 2.0X teleconverter, the TC20EIII. If it works just a little better than the current 2.0X it could be a big deal. Hope springs eternal.
I agree, Brad. The 70-200 vr II is a fabulous lens. Just bought it and took it birding. Been using the 80-200mm 2.8 since 1998, and I gotta say its a pleasure to have this vr II in my hands.
I posted a shot in the Avian gallery using the 70-200 and 1.4 TC. http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=139076
Discussion
7 replies5 December Update: - I have updated both my "Executive Summary" and my more detailed review to include mention/discussion of the "Mysterious Shrinking Focal Length" (when focusing on near subjects) issue...
I've posted an "Executive Summary" of my findings here on my blog:
http://www.naturalart.ca/voice/blog.html
If you're into more details and specifics, check out my more complete account here:
http://www.naturalart.ca/artist/cameragear2.html#anchor_70-200mmVRII
Cheers...
Brad
I have the earlier version of that lens and love it. I use a Canon D500 close-up lens with it and get some fantastic flora images with that combination. I haven't had the vignetting problems with it that some speak of but I don't use it with an FX body. It's a great lens for birding.
Thanks for the review!
That is usually one complete sentence
I know all macro lenses lose focal length at close focussing distances, so I assume depending on how much magnification can be gained on the new 70-200, it might be losing some focal length as well.
Yes, it loses focal length when close focused and it's noticeable. Interestingly, when my other Nikon lenses do this (and it's found on other IF Nikon zooms, like the 18-200), the "real" focal length shows up in the metadata, but with the 70-200 it doesn't appear to (it still says "200mm"). So it's hard to say "how bad" it is. For what I use this lens for it will be a non-issue for me (and if I do have to do some real close focus work I'm likely to be using my 200mm micro anyway). So FOR ME I don't even think of it as a problem, but more of simple characteristic of the lens. I realize that others - who have different uses/needs for the lens - might legitimately think otherwise. I'll add a few lines about this to my review...
Cheers...
Brad
Okay, I'm convinced. It'll be my next lens purchase too. Now... I see that Nikon has released a new 2.0X teleconverter, the TC20EIII. If it works just a little better than the current 2.0X it could be a big deal. Hope springs eternal.
I posted a shot in the Avian gallery using the 70-200 and 1.4 TC. http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=139076