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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II F(FX) Mount Review

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II

Main Features

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization (up to 3.5 stops)
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 1,540g / 3.39 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 87mm x 209mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 1.4m
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Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Overview


Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF) Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with F(FX) Mount cameras.

Nikon replaced the older Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR


What type of photography is the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeGood
SportsGood
PortraitAverage
TravelFair
StreetFair
WeddingAverage
Walk AroundAverage
VloggingPoor
LandscapeAverage
Macro

Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR
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35mm FF 1430gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR
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35mm FF 1470gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II
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35mm FF 1390gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
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35mm FF 1430gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2
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35mm FF 1500gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S
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35mm FF 1805gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 1470gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO Lens Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO
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35mm FF 1330gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Optical Image Stabilization (up to 3.5 stops)
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
Distance Scale
DoF(Depth of Field) Scale
Compatible with Nikon Teleconverters
Hood supplied
Tripod Collar
Full-time Manual Focusing
Internal Focusing
Fast Aperture at Wide end
Fast Aperture at Tele end
Constant f2.8 aperture throughout the range
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh
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Buy Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Heavy


Lens Mount

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II is compatible with cameras that have a Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II has a maximum diameter of 87mm and total length of 209mm. It weighs 1540g / 54.3 oz.

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II has a filter thread of 77mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II:

  • 77mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 77mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 77mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




Focal Range

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 300mm.


Teleconverter Compatibility

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II is compatible with the Teleconverters below. With the use of these TC/extenders, you can find how the total focal reach and effective aperture of your Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II changes below:


Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Focal Range and Aperture Change with Teleconverter
Model Coverage with TC Aperture with TC Street Price
Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III Lens Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III 140 - 400mm F5.6 Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II Lens Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II 119 - 340mm F4.76 Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III Lens Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III 98 - 280mm F3.92 Amazon B&H Photo

Weather Sealings

The Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D850.

Optical Image Stabilization

The Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting. Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II's stabilization system is effective up to 3.5 stops.

Tripod Collar

With a total length of 209mm and a weight of 1540g, the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.

Zoom Method

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II features Rotary (internal) zoom method where the length of the lens doesn't change while you are zooming in or out. Even though this design has a size disadvantage in general compared to extending designs, it has the benefits of better sealing against dust and moisture, no zoom creep and no weight balance shift while zooming.

Below are the 3 Telephoto Zoom type Nikon F mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG: 0.5x - (Compare)
  • Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG: 0.5x - (Compare)
  • Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD: 0.32x - (Compare)

Aperture

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f2.8 from 70mm all the way to the 200mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
70mm F2.8 F22
200mm F2.8 F22

Optical Formula

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II's optical formula consists of 21 elements in 16 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • 7 ED glass elements
  • Nano Crystal Coating

Lens Hood

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos. The model number of the hood is HB-48.

Body Colour

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II is available in Black color.

Popular Comparisons of Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S
Compare
35mm FF 1,805 g / 3.97 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2
Compare
35mm FF 1,500 g / 3.30 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR
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35mm FF 1,430 g / 3.15 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8D ED Lens Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8D ED
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35mm FF 1,300 g / 2.86 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR
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35mm FF 1,470 g / 3.23 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S
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35mm FF 1,440 g / 3.17 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 1,470 g / 3.23 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR
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35mm FF 2,300 g / 5.06 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Alternatives in Nikon F (FX) Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8D ED Lens Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8D ED
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35mm FF 1300 g / 2.86 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR
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35mm FF 1430 g / 3.15 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED Lens Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED
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APS-C / DX 255 g / 0.56 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR Lens Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR
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APS-C / DX 335 g / 0.74 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR
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35mm FF 1470 g / 3.23 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f4G ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f4G ED VR
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35mm FF 850 g / 1.87 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II Lens Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II
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APS-C / DX 335 g / 0.74 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II
Compare
35mm FF 1390 g / 3.06 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Compare
35mm FF 1430 g / 3.15 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2
Compare
35mm FF 1500 g / 3.30 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tokina AT-X 70-200mm F4 PRO FX VCM-S Lens Tokina AT-X 70-200mm F4 PRO FX VCM-S
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35mm FF 980 g / 2.16 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD Lens Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 859 g / 1.89 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S
Compare
35mm FF 1805 g / 3.97 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron AF 55-200mm F4-5.6 Di II LD Macro Lens Tamron AF 55-200mm F4-5.6 Di II LD Macro
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APS-C / DX 300 g / 0.66 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 1470 g / 3.23 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM Lens Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM
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APS-C / DX 1350 g / 2.97 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM
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APS-C / DX 420 g / 0.92 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO Lens Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO
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35mm FF 1330 g / 2.93 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo

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Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Nikon
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF
Focal Range 70-200mm
Image Stabilization Yes
Colour Black
Zoom Method Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No Zoom
Zoom Lock No Zoom
Zoom Ratio 2.9X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F2.8
Min Aperture F22.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 9
Optics
Optical Elements 21
Optical Groups 16
Special Elements 7 ED glass elements Nano Crystal Coating

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 1.4m
Max Magnification unknown
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal
Distance Scale Yes
DoF Scale Yes
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 1540g
Diameter 87mm
Length 209mm
Materials Magnesium alloy barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes
Filter Thread 77mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied Yes
Hood Code HB-48
Tripod Collar Yes
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II
is the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II
is the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II
Does Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II have Image Stabilization?
Does Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II have Aperture Ring?


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