Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens

Nikon has revealed a new telephoto zoom lens featuring 'next generation VR technology that boasts up to five stops of image stabilisation.

Handling and features This telephoto zoom lens from Nikon is something Nikon users have been crying out for, for years. It covers the popular 70-200m range with a constant maximum aperture of f/4, which means this lens is considerably lighter weight than its f/2.8 equivalent.

Always on the lookout for exploitable market niches, both Nikon and Canon have been building out the middle of their lens catalogs with f/4 enthusiast versions of the expensive f/2.8 zooms favored by pro shooters.

There is a lot to like about the Nikon 70-200mm Æ’/4G ED VR AF-S, not the least of which is its small profile and light weight. Nikon users have long looked at Canon with longing for a smaller version of the 70-200mm Æ’/2.8 workhorse.

Despite not having an aperture of f/2.8, this would still be our pick of 70-200mm lenses thanks to its outstanding image quality.

Image quality is very good overall but this Nikon isn't one of the sharpest lenses in the group, especially at mid-range zoom settings.

If you only compare the list of pros and cons you can already say that the Nikkor AF-S 70–200 mm f/4.0G ED VR is a very well-made lens indeed. The only thing that we don’t like is its price.

• +

  excellent image quality in the frame centre,, good image quality on the edge of the frame,, very good control of chromatic aberration,, slight distortion on the APS-C/DX detector,, zero coma problems,, negligible astigmatism,, moderate vignetting,, silent and accurate autofocus,, excellent optical...

• -

  slight spherical aberration at 200 mm,, work against bright light could have been better.

Those looking for similar optical performance to Nikon's top of the range 70-200mm, but without quite as much weight, or expense will love this new f/4 variant. It delivers sharp, contrasty images, focuses fast and isn't so heavy that you'd regret packing it in your camera bag.

• +

  Excellent sharpness, Fast silent focusing, Low CA, Low distortion, Relatively compact and lightweight (when compared to f/2.8 lenses)

• -

  Tripod collar not supplied as standard, Not weather sealed

When I went for the lighter weight and $700 less than the 2.8 I thought maybe I was making a mistake. However, I am glad I bought this lightweight beauty. I put it on my D7000, which I was about to get rid of because the pictures weren't coming out sharp enough for this Virgo with my old lenses.

I primarily take outdoor landscape and scenery pictures. This lens is very sharp and the auto focus is quick. The bokeh at f/4 is nice too. I only wish that this lens was a 77mm not a 67mm to keep it consistent with my other Nikkor 16-35mm and 24-120mm.

• +

  Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Lightweight, Nice Bokeh, Rugged, Strong Construction, Very Sharp

• -

  Should Have Been 77mm Not

I just used this lens in my trip to Ghana few weeks ago, with my D600. Together with a 24-70/2.8 lens, this telezoom makes a perfect equipment for a travel. Despite it lacks the weather sealing, it is very well built, and I haven't had any problem in the hard conditions I've used it.

• +

  image quality, VR, lightweight

• -

  no weather sealed, distorsion

I originally owned the 70-200 f/2.8, and carrying that beast around was absolutely no fun, unless you like carrying bricks. So I purchased this lens and sold the f2.8 and couldn't be happier. Image quality, in my humble opinion, equals the f2.8 lens. Very satisfied with this purchase.

• +

  Superb image quality, Lightweight

sharper than 70-200 F/2.8G ED VR II. good lens

Originally was after the 70-200 f/2.8 VRII but the focus breathing was a real deal breaker. Was not excited about an f/4 version until I used it, now one of my favorite lenses. I use it mostly on D800E and sometimes on D7200. It is the perfect size/weight and is always in my bag.

• +

  Fast accurate AF and works very well with TC14EII Sharp throughout the range at f/4 right to FF corners by f/5.6 Much lighter than f/2.8 versions which is ideal for Airline travel and encourages you to take it everywhere Nice smooth bokeh Minimal focus breathing Really good VR, makes up for the 1...

• -

  None

Nikon has really been on a roll with their modern glass. The newest consumer/prosumer grade lenses, such as the 24-120mm VR, F 1.8 primes (20, 24, 35, 50), which I also own are all excellent.

I was exited to receive this lens but sadly the images at f/4 were too soft for my taste. My old 70-200 f/2.8 VRII (wish I had kept) was noticeably sharper at f/2.8 than this lens was at f/4. In fact, all of my other lenses are sharper at f/2.8 than this one was at f/4.

I just recently got this lens a few weeks ago, and it is by far my best lens. The quality of pictures and fast focus makes it my most often used lens. Chose this over the 2.8 lens, only because of cost. Feels great in the hands and you can actually feel the quality.

I have only had this lens for a few weeks, maybe a hundred shots taken, but so far a nice addition to my kit. I am using it on a D750, so far only for outdoor work. The lens is surprisingly light and easy to shoot hand held. Good sharpness and color.