Photography Life

PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels

  • Lens Reviews
  • Camera Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • Compare Cameras
  • Forum
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • About
  • Search
Home โ†’ Reviews โ†’ Cameras and Lenses โ†’ Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II Review

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II Review

By Nasim Mansurov 308 Comments
Last Updated On November 8, 2022

«»

Table of Contents

  • Overview and Specifications
  • Optical Features
  • Lens Sharpness and Contrast
  • Summary
  • More Image Samples
  • Reader Comments
Looking for even more exclusive content?

On Photography Life, you already get world-class articles with no advertising every day for free. As a Member, you'll get even more:

Silver ($5/mo)
  • Exclusive articles
  • Monthly Q&A chat
  • Early lens test results
  • "Creative Landscape Photography" eBook
Gold ($12/mo)
  • All that, PLUS:
  • Online workshops
  • Monthly photo critiques
  • Vote on our next lens reviews
 
Click Here to Join Today
 
Disclosures, Terms and Conditions and Support Options
guest

guest

308 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Reinhold
Reinhold
November 10, 2022 11:22 am

Dieses Objektiv ist an einer Nikon D6 besser als das neue Nikon 70-200 2.8E FL unglaublich wie gut das Teil ist!!!!

0
Reply
Paul
Paul
September 8, 2020 9:39 am

I own the 1st VR version of this lens and some of the problems with focus using a teleconverters including the 1.7 are a thing of the past because the cameras in this review only AF down to only -1 EV where as the modern cameras like my new D7500 focus down to -3 EV . Also on DX cameras you are using the center of the lens due to a smaller sensor which solves the dark corners and also uses the sharper part of the lens. So if your reading this and shoot DX like me go for a very good to mint condition used older version and save allot of cash and be able to shoot f2.8 for great photos at a reasonable price.

1
Reply
Laura
Laura
February 3, 2019 3:52 am

I’m a relatively new photographer and your site has become my go-to for learning the nuances of lenses, cameras, and overall learning. Thank you for your excellent and thorough reviews that help folks like me in addition to the experts. Appreciative of your writing, comprehensive explanations, and examples. I have the 70-200 f/4 and was considering the f/2.8. You helped me make my decision with confidence! THANK YOU! PS: I’m keeping my f/4. :)

1
Reply
Prasad Turaga
Prasad Turaga
September 8, 2018 6:40 pm

Hi

I have a 70 200 mm (old lens). I have recently observed that when i take pictures at f2.8..i get a half moon shaped glare on the pictures.
Any idea what the issue could be ?
I did not find a way to upload a sample picture

regards
Prasad

0
Reply
Venu
Venu
May 29, 2017 6:25 pm

Hi Nasim,

Thanks for the update of this article. I have enjoyed reading your articles over the years and sharing the same with my 9 year old who is into photography.

I know you have high regard for Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F/4G and opine that it fares better than Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F/2.8G ED VR II in some cases. But I have not come across your take on Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2. At same price as Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F/4G, do you think this Tamron is a better option?

0
Reply
Niteen Kasle
Niteen Kasle
Reply to  Venu
June 2, 2017 11:46 pm

Tamron G2 has better VC than nikon Fl also its sharp across the frame.

0
Reply
Ian Fullwood
Ian Fullwood
May 4, 2016 6:43 am

Hi Nasim,
I currently own a D7100 and thinking of either a 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR II IF-ED with a TC1.7E II OR a 300mm f/4D AF-S IF-ED with a TC1.4E II. With the D7100 I get sensor crop (may eventually upgrade to full frame body). I think I like the flexibility of the zoom lens (but not sure), would also like to do some wildlife photography. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Have read both reviews for these.
This site is brilliant – fantastic information.
Thanks in anticipation.

0
Reply
Divya
Divya
May 3, 2016 7:10 am

Hi Nasim, I have read this review of yours many times and finally making the big splurge. But do you thing if there is an upgrade coming for this in near future, it’s almost 8 yrs since its release.
Appreciate your reply,
Thank you

0
Reply
John
John
September 21, 2015 1:37 pm

Thank you for the great review. I always enjoy your articles and your reviews. I Always find them well written and unbiased. I just wanted to know if you ever had the chance to review the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and compare it to the Nikon 70-200? And what are your thoughts on the sigma? Thanks again for this great website and all the articles.
John

-1
Reply
Nikos Charpantidis
Nikos Charpantidis
September 13, 2015 8:52 am

Well done and very nice job on this blog.
Have you ever try the 135DC f2 D for bokeh? i believe is better than every one else.
thank you

1
Reply
Chelsey
Chelsey
April 20, 2015 2:10 pm

Need some advice …. I have the D810 and currently shoot with mainly primes. However I feel that I need a decent zoom lens to catch important moments in wedding photography. I rented the 70-200mm and love the results. The problem is… I’m a pretty scrawny woman and just don’t see myself being able to maneuver this beast for more than a half an hour or so. Does anyone have a suggestion on a lighter or more versatile lens option?

Much appreciated …

0
Reply

Learn

  • Beginner Photography
  • Landscape Photography
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Portraiture
  • Post-Processing
  • Advanced Tutorials
Photography Life on Patreon

Reviews

  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews
  • Best Cameras and Lenses

Photography Tutorials

Photography Basics
Landscape Photography
Wildlife Photography
Macro Photography
Composition & Creativity
Black & White Photography
Night Sky Photography
Portrait Photography
Street Photography
Photography Videos

Unique Gift Ideas

Best Gifts for Photographers

Subscribe via Email

If you like our content, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly email updates using the link below:

Subscribe to our newsletter

Site Menu

  • About Us
  • Beginner Photography
  • Lens Database
  • Lens Index
  • Photo Spots
  • Search
  • Forum

Reviews

  • Reviews Archive
  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews

More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Workshops
  • Support Us
  • Submit Content

Copyright © 2025 ยท Photography Life

You are going to send email to

Move Comment