| The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED lens was specially developed for use with both Nikon digital and film SLR cameras. An important addition to the range of Nikkor ED lenses, the AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED is crafted from Super ED glass - a significant new material that is more resilient than typical fluorite lenses and offers class-above optical qualities with exceptional consistency even at large apertures. With an ideal combination of Vibration Reduction (VR) technology and fast f/2.0 aperture, the AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED is designed to offer photographers razor sharp images in the most demanding situations. The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED has a myriad of applications for all kinds of photographers. Many will find uses for its expressive quality of emphasizing subjects in portraits by rendering background elements completely out of focus, while others will use it for its large aperture, superb clarity and immense potential with VR technology for shooting in low light conditions or from moving platforms. This new lens lives up to Nikon's heritage as one of the finest optical manufacturing companies in the world. Super-ED Glass for Superb Clarity - Nikon's Super ED glass elements excel at correcting chromatic aberration and eliminating secondary spectrum to produce outstanding image resolution and clarity. While the optical properties of this new glass closely resemble those of fluorite, Super ED glass is more resilient to rapid temperature changes (thermal shock) and not as susceptible to cracking as the crystal structure of fluorite. Super ED glass also boasts a higher refractive index than fluorite, making it highly capable of correcting aberrations other than chromatic aberration. It also demonstrates less change in optical characteristics than fluorite when exposed to severe temperature variance, ensuring consistent performance even under extremely harsh shooting conditions. Additionally, the unique composition of Super E |
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 Worth every pound (of the 2.9kg) - feedbacks vs the 300mm f/2.8 |
| Review Date: December 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Shawn Chen, Cupertino, CA USA |
It weights as much as the af-s 300mm f/2.8 (gen 1) but is about 2.5" shorter in length. The primary lens is the same size, and it's a chore to lug around. 10lbs to be exact with a D700 and a battery grip. The personality of the lens, e.g. sharpness, bokeh, is similar to the 105mm DC Nikkor f/2, except it has faster focus, able to shoot a couple of stops faster with VR, and has a 200mm focal length.
It's sharp wide open at f/2 and insanely sharp from 2.8 and beyond under non-challenging lighting conditions. The quality of the optics makes it somewhat more bearable to lug around, but it's dimension is unconventional--stubby and shorter than the other Nikon super telephotos. Ironically, it doesn't balance as well as the af-s 300mm f/2.8 for me. Without a tripod or monopod, I tend to shoot with the camera on my shoulder and arm extended. The 'stubby' 200mm f/2 is harder to grip and balance, but optically it creates the same creamy bokeh as the 300mm albeit a tad sharper. To the very point, it's more comfortable to balance the camera with a 300mm on my shoulder and arm (w/o tripod/monopod) than the 200mm.
I seldom shoot sports, instead I shoot a lot of candid shots of people, particularly children, and the 200mm is absolutely a marvel. Once you're a believer, you can't settle for anything less. Few lens I own can get the level of sharpness I like wide open, and the 200mm f/2g is the sharpest of the lot. (85mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 60mm f/2.8, 105mm f/2, 300mm f/4, 300mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8) |
Best of the best
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| Review Date: April 28, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Felix Gumby, kearney, ne United States |
I purchased this lens in order to take advantage of the 2.0 f-stop in horribly lit hs gymnasiums. This lens paired with my D2Hs is outstanding. It has to be the best volleyball lens in existence.
The only drawback is that it weighs a TON (better start doing your push-ups!). But, when you see the shots it produces, the weight is no longer a problem. I used a 70-200VR prior to this purchase, and it is/was a great lens, but it isn't even in the 200's class.
If you shoot basketball or volleyball this is a great lens. . . if you can afford it. If you can't, . . well, you only need one kidney.
Update, I have now paired this lens with a D3. . . OUTSTANDING. |
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