Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II Review

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II announced in July 2009, the second version of the fast stable telezoom professional company. It is the successor to the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8 G ED VR, which first appeared in 2003 and brings to the table fully remastered mesh designed to meet the demands of the latest high-resolution format FX D3x, accompanied with a vibration reduction system to improve Nikon acquisition offer up to four stops of stabilization.

Optics, as expected for this type of lens, quite exotic, with 21 elements in 16 groups. No fewer than seven of them are formed from extra-low dispersion (ED) to minimize distortion, and the last Nikon Nano Crystal coating is used to combat the outbreak. One of the best management focus mode is the addition of new A / M, to prevent accidental movement of the main focus as the autofocus is also operating. Building a quality suitable for professional purpose workhorse, with a barrel made of magnesium alloy, as well as professional level Nikon DSLR bodies, and extensive sealing against dust and moisture.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II: What's new

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II has high hopes for life, like its predecessor, is considered a pretty good body-DX format best in its class. But with the change of the sensor full-frame 'FX', deficiencies in the area of ​​the focal length of the picture is quite open, with soft angles are not uncommon, even in small openings and open the heavy bullets loose. Therefore loyal Nikon (and most important base of professional users) expect that this new model can solve this problem in full screen format without compromising the performance of the sensor is significantly smaller. We can see if Nikon has achieved this goal.

As for the controls and layout, the new version loses the three AF-stop buttons arranged around the front of the barrel, replaced with inlaid rubber grip. Distance scale of the focus has moved too far from the front end to more visible gap between the zoom and focus ring. Control switches on the left side of the barrel slightly modified function - now the focus limiter switch to limit the range of approximately 5 million instead of 2.5 m, which should reduce poaching a small fraction of the benefits of sports photographers. There is also a third position focus mode switch is called A / M, which is different from the M / A mode (still available) to give priority autofocus to manual focus, so that every movement of the ring during AF operation Focusing taken into account, not canceled.

Nikon has updated the stabilization unit in accordance with the specification Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II and said it now offers additional benefits stop (4 stops vs. 3). As usual there are two modes, "normal" automatically see in the picture (and then turn off the stabilization to the required direction), and "assets" that always gives stabilization in two dimensions.

A final distinction in the specification is the maximum increase, unfortunately, not widely available when the lens was first launched, and since then has caused some controversy. Because while the minimum focusing distance is reduced slightly to 1.4 million, an increase has slowed further, from al 0.12x 0.16x. This means that while previous models could, in principle, capture the image area as small as 9 x 6 inches (22.5 x 15 cm) FX camera, the best of the new version can do is 12 x 8 inches (30 x 20 cm). This shows that the angle of view is significantly magnified in close focus.

The long-awaited successor to the Nikon VR 70-200mm F2.8 always to close examination when he finally saw the light of day. For while the original is a remarkable lens on a DX camera, which suffers from several well-known optical defects in the frame of the camera that became all-too-clear about the release of D3. And the good news is that the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm VR II F2.8G complaints as well and truly put to bed - missing corner opaque, darker towards the end of the term, replaced by the 200 mm can be truly described as a very good.

In fact, almost any measure, the newcomers or better than its predecessor, or at least as good. There are a large number of optics including DX, but in our opinion the new version is sharper and the width 200 mm, in exchange for a slightly softer at F2.8 in the middle of the range. FX is the most obvious differences, and improvements in the telephoto end, especially, of course. A sharper angle, the bullet is reduced, although significantly less distortion, the penalty is only increased by almost tangible in chromatic aberration. The picture quality on the distance of closest approach is much better too. Rarely We are very impressed with the performance of optical zoom as we have a new Nikon.

It's not just the optics of the well, however. Construction and management of virtually flawless, and the balance of the camera lens has been improved - you do not have a sense of the initial evaluation. Autofocus fast, quiet and precise and the image stabilization is quite good as it gets. We found the revised Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II a good system for stabilizing a solid 3-4 to stop holding hands and we are pleased to see one of our objections to the previous version (some over-enthusiastic lens switch to widescreen mode when it should not) seems to remain . This usually means that the lens just give it a shot with minimal fuss, and after hours - exactly what you need from the hard-working professionals.

Naturally, however, not everything is perfect, and there are some catches. The most obvious is the viewing angle increases Center (also known as breath focus), which means that although the prospect of a bit of a new lens, the highest increase is smaller. This has implications for users who often shoot at a distance of 200 mm and relatively close, you may need to consider carefully whether this behavior can ultimatum (unable to reproduce the near future can be better tight lens). But we can not help thinking that for most shooters, just not a problem, in fact, in many cases more than offset by dramatically improving image quality at close range.

In practice, we found a ribbed rubber grip to the front of the lens, which adorn the space previously occupied by the AF-STOP, a little annoying, it's easy to get confused with the focus ring to try to find touch. It's not a big deal (and not only intended to cover it with tape), but it was not necessary. Perhaps most importantly, includes living quarters three AF ​​stop buttons at the top - if you use frequently, then the losses will be significant.

The only downside is in the design of the lens cover. First, it is too shallow, so it is more effective than it should be in the shadow of the lens just like the slightly off-axis light that can cause serious problems to light. There seems no good reason, because the hood does not come close to the sketch on FX. Second, the profile slightly curved "petals" front means it is wise to try to support the lens hood, while not in use, fell from the potentially very expensive (although it can only be a concern for the small minority of users, such as concerts or event triggers that work in confined spaces ). But we can encourage Nikon to evaluate the design and production of campaigns to improve - the lens will be installed for you.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II: Conclusion

In general, however, it is impossible to conclude anything other than the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II is one of the most important of its kind and the perfect companion for high-end Nikon bodies D3S and D3x. DX shooters may have many reasons to update the previous model, but for obvious improvement FX users. How long title is doubtful, with Canon and Sigma also just released a new image stabilized 70-200mm F2.8 lens, but now only as good as it gets.

Title Post: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G ED VR II Review
Rating: 100% based on 2069 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: the Wicaksonos Family

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