Nikon
has been building up to this lens for the past decade with their series of
70-200mm lenses. Now, with the release of a more affordable f/4 version, we get
to see iterative engineering at its best. By adding to the game their 3rd
generation of vibration reduction, Nikon builds on the reputation of these
lenses to have incredible vibration reduction, and brings it from the elite
f/2.8 versions, down to a more accessible level for those still looking for an
optic as versatile as this.
The Build
Stepping
down to a smaller aperture size means before anything else that the lens will
be smaller and lighter. Larger telephoto lenses can be tiring after extended
handheld use so this is a welcome change. The barrel is constructed of metal
along the whole of its length, right to the lens mount, which is made of the
same stuff. The circumference and length of the tube make it cup perfectly into
your hand, and the focus and zoom rings turn smoothly. The four control
switches produce a satisfying click when flipped, and this crisp actuation
gives the impression that they will not wear down over time.
In shooting
To
theoretically distinguish the f/4 version from its beefier f/2.8 counterparts,
it is important to remember that a smaller aperture makes the lens a bit worse
in low light situations, a little less suited for fast motion, and the loss of
some freedom in controlling depth of field.
And
after the initial downgrade, it would be hard to talk about this lens as
anything but remarkable. Image stabilization becomes vital to any attempt to
hand-hold a telelphoto lens, as a jitter of even half a degree translates to an
image offset of nearly two feet for a subject at two hundred feet. With
this in mind, the point-and-shoot capabilities on this device stand
entirely on the Vibration Reduction III technology, and completely erase any
kind of blurring due to movement of the camera, but note that this statement
primarily applies to still portraits, and the lens simply cannot take in
faraway objects that are also moving.
The
optical quality itself is nearly flawless, with the only kind of imperfections
immediately visible being the distortions exhibited at the long and wide ends
of the lens' range. Regardless, the problem could be considered minor. Those
who were informed about the focus breathing issues on previous mid-telephoto
models will be happy to hear that the f/4G operates absent of this issue.
When
we talk about iterative design, the first thing a company does is make a
product good, and then they learn how to make it cheap. Nikon's mid-telephotos
have been improving since the 90s, and now they are starting to move toward
bringing the same quality down into lower price brackets. Compare $1400 for
this to $2400, and see how the rule of 80/20 (80% of the result from 20% of the
effort) applies when overall quality between the lenses is so close, yet the
price difference so vast. If you can decide that you won't be needing any more
than it, Nikon's 70-200mm f/4G ED VR AF-S is a
fantastic choice for those looking to reach out with their photography.
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