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

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

Lens Summary

Brand: Nikon

Also Known As: Nikon 70-200mm f/4G VR

Lens Type: Zoom Lens

Format: Full Frame / FX

Focus: Autofocus

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Release Date: 2012-10-23

MSRP Price: $1396.95

Made in: Japan

Infrared Rating: Good

Production Status: In Production

Lens Description: Compact high-performance 2.9x FX-format telephoto zoom lens with an f/4 fixed aperture and Nikon\'s third-generation Vibration Reduction (VR). Capture high performance stills and HD videos with a classic 70-200mm angle of view (105-300mm on DX-format cameras). An essential lens for low light or fast action sequences.

Photography Life Review Summary: Similar to other superb f/4 lenses like Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR and Nikon 24-120mm f/4G VR, I find the Nikon 70-200mm f/4G VR of incredible value. If you enjoy using the 16-35mm or the 24-120mm lenses, take my word for it – the Nikon 70-200mm f/4G VR is even more impressive optically. Read the full Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Review by Photography Life.


Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Specifications

Lens Specifications
* Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area 
Lens TypeZoom Lens
Focal Length70-200mm
Mount TypeNikon F
FormatFull Frame / FX
Compatible Format(s)Nikon FX/35mm Film, Nikon DX
Compatible with TeleconvertersYes
Zoom Ratio2.9x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio0.274x
Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization)Yes
Aperture Information
Aperture RingNo
Maximim Aperturef/4
Minimum Aperturef/32
Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format)22°50'
Minimum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format)
Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format)34°20'
Minimum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format)12°20'
Optical Information
Lens Elements20
Lens Groups14
Diaphragm Blades9
Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements3
Nano Crystal CoatYes
Super Integrated Coat (SIC)Yes
Focus Information
FocusAutofocus
Built-in Focus MotorYes
Silent Wave Motor (SWM)Yes
Internal FocusingYes
Minimum Focus Distance3.28 ft
Focus Mode SwitchAF, Manual
G-typeYes
Distance InformationYes
Filter Information
Filter Size67mm
Accepts Filter TypeScrew-on
Physical Characteristics
Weather / Dust SealingNo
Mount MaterialMetal
Dimensions78.0 x 178.5mm
Weight850g
Other Information
Available in ColorsBlack and Gold
Supplied AccessoriesTripod Collar is optional. LC-67 Snap-on Front Lens Cap 67mm, HB-60 Bayonet Hood, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, CL-1225 Semi-Soft Case

Lens Construction

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Lens Construction

MTF Chart

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR MTF Curve AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR MTF Curve 2

Image Samples

Northern Harrier in Flight #1 Taekwondo Sparring #3

Taekwondo Sparring #2 Taekwondo Sparring #4

Taekwondo Coach Nikon 70-200mm f/4G VR Sample (7)

Nikon 70-200mm f/4G VR Sample (18) Nikon 70-200mm f/4G VR Sample (4)

About Nasim Mansurov

Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. He is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops, producing educational videos and frequently writing content for Photography Life. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. Read more about Nasim here.

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Russ

I’m loving this glass. Every bit as sharp as it’s f/2.8 brethren, but half the size, weight and cost. It delivers superb results.

Jim

I am very impressed with this lens. Just returned from a Panama Cruise and used this lens on my D600 on some of the shore excursions as well as shooting some shore shots from the ship itself. This is a mid range lens that is well balanced and the internal focus/zoom is smooth to use. I was even able to take some good shots of birds that were in flight. I found the auto focus tracking and VR to be very good. I did not have any issues with lens flare and the resulting photos were very sharp. The bokeh is nice for an F4 lens. This is by no means a birding lens but if you are reasonably close to a bird you can crop a full frame photo and get very good results without the pain of lugging a large telephoto lens around on a cruise. If you are looking for a 70-200mm range lens you cannot go wrong with this one.

Krister Melander

Hi, thanks for your work with reviews. I am looking för a 70-200 zoom för my D500.
I guess you tested this lens with a full frame camera!?
How will this lens perform on a D500 ?
Saw that DXOmark rated this lens very low on DX but that is not real world testing, at least this is what I think!

Thanks in advance, Krister

Sandeep Sarkar

Hello!
I am from Guwahati, India and I regularly follow your reviews and tips, I thoroughly enjoy all of it. I just got my nikkor 70-200mm f/4 after I went through your review and I must say it performed in the exact way that has been described by you. Your review helped me with the purchase.

Regards
Sandeep Sarkar