NIKON AF-S NIKKOR 70-200MM F2.8E FL ED VR
When it comes to ‘richness’, the feature set of this lofty lens is only eclipsed by its price tag
nikon’s latest 70-200mm lens adds a wealth of fancy features. Upgraded VR (Vibration Reduction) has four-stop effectiveness and a new sport mode that gives a more stable viewfinder image when tracking erratically moving subjects. The aperture is controlled electromagnetically rather than via a mechanical lever, for greater exposure consistency during rapid continuous shooting. However, aperture control is unavailable with older nikon DSLRS, including the D1, D2, D40, D50, D60, D70, D80, D90, D100 and D3000.
The revamped optical path includes a new fluorite glass element to further reduce chromatic aberrations and physical weight, six ED (extra-low Dispersion) elements, one HRI (High Refractive Index) element and nano-structure coatings. As with the Canon lens, everything’s wrapped up in a weathersealed magnesium alloy body.
Autofocus is the same ring-type ultrasonic variety as the other lenses on test, but boasts switchable auto- and manual-priority modes. The latter makes manual override available without needing to wait for autofocus to lock onto a subject, as well as in continuous AF mode. An autofocus range limiter is also on hand, to lock out close focusing.
Performance is spectacular in every respect. Autofocus is lightning-fast, VR is highly effective, and image quality is stunning. It beats all of the other lenses on test for outright sharpness, which is incredibly consistent throughout the aperture and zoom ranges, only dipping slightly when shooting wide open at 200mm.