Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens For Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (New, White box)

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I got this lens (the 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII) back when it first came out. It was my main lens for outdoor events, and occasionally I also took family pictures with it. Practically every single shot was stellar, the focus was precise, the lens was super sharp at all settings, with great contrast and colors, and wonderful bokeh in the out of focus areas. Then last year I got the new 70-200mm f/4 lens, thinking it would be a lighter and less expensive alternative. And indeed, the f/4 is an excellent lens, too. When I did some companions in good light and with static subjects, the images practically looked the same and just as sharp as with this f/2.8. So foolishly I sold my f/2.8 lens. Big mistake, as I found at the next event at school. When the light is not that good, and/or the subjects move, the f/4 misses quite a lot of shots. It simply does not focus as fast under those conditions! Im still keeping it for my family shots, but last week I bought another 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII lens, and this time I wont sell it again. I already used it extensively last weekend, and the shots are once again stellar, just as I knew from this lens.

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I just love this lens. It produces fantastic images that are super sharp and contrasty. The colors are great, AF is super fast, quiet and spot-on accurate. Professional build quality with smooth turning zoom ring, awesome bokeh and sharp wide open and sharp stopped down, sharp center and sharp edges even zoomed out to 200mm. In comparion, my older 80-200mm f/2.8 was a bit soft at the edges wide open on the telephoto end. VR II works superbly well, allowing me to get sharp hand-held shots down to 1/15 with ease, which was not possible for me with older non-VR lens. The tripod foot is easily removed when handholding the lens. The lens balances well on D800 and really maximizes all the mp available and the combo gives you awesome low light capability in a zoom lens. Only con for me is that there is noticeable vignetting at 200mm f/2.8 with FF, less so with DX body, although its pretty much gone by f/4.0. Also, there is the issue of "focus Breathing" which may be a deal breaker for some, although it doesnt affect my style of shooting.

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Let me start off right up front that I am not a photographer - Im a point and shoot guy, and am happy with what my smartphone provides. Now, my wife is a different story. Id say shes a semi-pro and shes rented this lens once or twice a year when she does the photography for our daughters ballet shows. One day I noticed that she was blabbing on her facebook page about this lens and some site was having a contest for one and how she "covets" it and maybe shed get one in a future lifetime. With Valentines Day a few days away, and Hunts Photo having a refurb available for a ridiculous price, I could not stop myself. Needless to say, wife was floored and could not be happier. If the wife is happy, then Im happy.

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I use this on the D800. This was a lens I always longed for and did not turn back once I had the money. I am so glad I got this beast. It is the fast and furious in the Nikon line and I love it every time it does that super sharp photograph consistently. I am not a big reviewer with the details. I am practical. It has done super photos for me and even handheld for a couple of shots were unbeliveable. I could not hold it for too long for handheld shots. What did you think? I am not Rambo LOL. The sharpness is to be seen to believe right down to the corners. The flaring and vignetting is controlled well. The Last word "Buy it if you can afford it" ... I bought this when it was 2611 USD incl of taxes and now the price is dropped and I am pulling my hair ... But no complaints, I know the lens is worth the money spent and it will recover for itself some day.

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I cant rave about this lens enough. Nothings perfect, but you certainly know where your moneys going with this lens. Build quality is excellent. Metal all around with solid and reliable controls, including focus and zoom rings. VR II works really well, so you can get some really sharp hand-held shots, even at maximum zoom. The vibration reduction is so good that you can easily see it working when panning. This is one of only a few VR II lenses available from Nikon. Sharpness is just wicked, and exposes subtle details you may not be able to see with your naked eyes. Bokeh is excellent, with a 9-blade diaphragm, f/2.8 and 200mm zoom, you can get some really creamy backgrounds. Downside #1: its heavy, and will give you a workout if youre carrying it for any length of time. This can mean tired arms and a sore back if youre carrying it for hours. Downside #2: Ive got a Nikon D7000 (DX / APS-C sensor). Because theres 50% magnification versus 35mm (FX) sensors, it gives this lens too much zoom for almost any indoor work (even at 70mm on DX, youre looking at a 105mm shot on a 35mm sensor). An FX sensor would be perfect to use this lens in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor applications. If your goal is landscape photography, or even indoor portraits and such with APS-C, the $1300 AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR may be a better bet with a DX camera. That will get you 36mm-180mm comparables for FX (which covers most of the 70-200mm range, obviously).

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In addition to the other comments this is IDEAL for shooting indoor sports like volleyball or basketball. You can get close or back as needed and the range is perfect, and the fast lens is ideal so you dont have to push the ISO too high and can still get a fast enough shutter to stop the action.

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I love this lens but make sure you spend extra money and get from Nikon if your getting a refurb. The lens I bought is Not Refurbished. Looked used and abused. Focus ring had granuals wedged inside and made a grinding noise when moved; Glass was dirty; Packaging was not designed to keep lens safe. Not happy with this lens, returning same day

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Wow. First note: Im still decidedly an amateur. I bought a D7100 w/18-140 lens a year or so ago. Love it. I bought a 10-24mm lens to take on a trip to Europe; love that as well. The trip was with a church choir, followed by many back home. Pictures were posted daily on a pic sharing site: to date over 115,000 picture views. I thought, OK, lets step it up. I bought the Nikkor 18-300mm, and found, while the 300mm was nice to have, there was little substantive difference between it and the lens I already owned at normal ranges. I sent it back, and traded for the 70-200. Wow. Wow. And: Wow. The first really professional lens Ive owned, the increase in focus speed, sharpness, color, and evened bokeh is stunning, macro to infinity. At nearly $2500, an incredible value. Its been less than a week; I may change my mind. But I doubt it.

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Just received this lens this morning. Shooting hand-held instead of a tripod, mirror lockup and remote shutter release this lens is much better than the Sigma 70-200mm I got last week. I did use a tripod, mirror lockup and remote shutter release for the Sigma lens. Dont even think I will bother with a tripod for any further testing. Lens is sharp wide open at F/2.8 and at all F-stops edge sharpness is great. I just decide to suck it up and buy this lens. It is unfortunate that Nikon and Canon seem to want to gouge the public on their equipment plus add in a little price fixing as well. Because of this fact alone I will not give the lens a five star rating.

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Heavy but very stable. I was sent the wrong lens by KEH and they called me to make good on it. I opted to keep the VR I because my photos are fantastic. They are giving me a refund to make up the difference. I need to take a trip and get some good desert shots. but the yard is pleasing and photos show no problems. Pics of birds show their eyes clear as day. I ve been using a 28 - 200 VR lens since they first came out. This lens will replace it. Portraits are sharp, landcapes are clear and animal shots are crisp and clean. I love it already. Plus I got back enough money to buy a new printer. Cannon Pro9000.

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