Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens is a professional-grade telephoto zoom lens designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, offering a bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture, intuitive handling controls, and a sophisticated optical construction. Spanning a versatile range of longer-than-normal focal lengths, it’s a workhorse for low-light, sports, wildlife, concerts, weddings, portrait, and everyday shooting.

Optically, the lens covers a 70-200mm focal range with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom, down to a minimum of f/22. The 22-element, 18-group optical design includes six ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, one fluorite element, and one HRI (High Refractive Index) element, effectively reducing a variety of aberrations for superior optical performance, while Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and a fluorine coating on the front element minimize ghosting and flare while resisting dust and grease. A rounded 9-blade diaphragm, controlled by an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism for consistent exposure during high-speed continuous shooting, contributes to pleasing bokeh.

Autofocus is handled by Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), delivering blazingly fast, quiet performance, along with a dual-mode autofocus system giving priority to either automatic focusing or manual override. Four customizable focus buttons are positioned on the magnesium alloy barrel for intuitively engaging autofocus or AF-Lock functions, and the zoom and focus rings have been switched compared to earlier 70-200mm models, with the focus ring now closer to the mount for more natural handling. Nikon’s revised 4-stop, dual-mode Vibration Reduction (VR) system includes automatic panning detection plus a Sport mode that avoids interfering with the viewfinder image or slowing continuous shooting, with VR now activating as soon as the shutter-release button is half-pressed right after power-on.

A notable improvement over the previous VR II version is the lens’s close-focusing capability, with a minimum focus distance of just 1.1m (43.31 in.), yielding a maximum magnification of 0.21x (approximately 1:4.1), a meaningful advance over the earlier lens’s more limited close-focus performance. Build quality uses a weather-resistant, dust- and drip-sealed magnesium alloy body, along with a detachable, rotatable tripod collar for balanced support and quick switching between horizontal and vertical orientations.

The lens accepts a 77mm filter thread, measures approximately 89 x 203mm, and weighs approximately 1,430g, and is compatible with Nikon’s AF-I/AF-S Teleconverters TC-14E, TC-14E II, TC-14E III, TC-17E II, TC-20E, TC-20E II, and TC-20E III. It ships with a deep, petal-shaped lens hood.

As an FX-format lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR delivers its full 34°20′-12°20′ angle of view on Nikon full-frame F-mount bodies while remaining compatible with Nikon DX-format APS-C cameras at an effective 105-300mm equivalent focal range (22°50′-8° angle of view).

Key Features
– 70-200mm constant f/2.8E telephoto zoom for Nikon F-mount, FX-format
– 22 elements in 18 groups, including 6 ED elements, 1 fluorite element, and 1 HRI element
– Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element
– Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus with dual-mode AF/manual priority
– Four customizable focus buttons (AF/AF-Lock)
– Electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism
– Vibration Reduction (VR), 4 stops, with automatic panning detection and Sport mode
– Immediate VR activation on half-press after power-on
– Rounded 9-blade diaphragm
– Weather-resistant (dust- and drip-sealed) magnesium alloy body
– Detachable, rotatable tripod collar
– Minimum focus distance of 1.1m (43.31 in.); 0.21x maximum magnification
– Compatible with AF-I/AF-S teleconverters (TC-14E/TC-14E II/TC-14E III/TC-17E II/TC-20E/TC-20E II/TC-20E III)
– 77mm filter thread
– Approximate weight: 1,430g
– Compatible with Nikon full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) F-mount cameras