New NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E

The NIKKOR AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8 G ED VR II is by far my most frequently used lens. Ever since I started shooting full-frame, it has been THE lens of choice for outdoor shoots and I also use it a lot in the studio. Unfortunately, the constant use has also left its mark in the meantime. For example, it occasionally happens that the lens simply stops responding. I already had this problem with the D800, and it also occurs now with the D810, although not as often. So I should either take the lens to the service and hope that the problems will be fixed or wait for the successor.

AF-S NIKKOR 70–200 mm 1:2,8E FL ED VR
© Nikon

Now Nikon has finally unveiled the new version of the lens, which goes by the lovely name of AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR. Here are the most important points that have changed from its predecessor:

  • The aperture is no longer controlled mechanically, but electromagnetically.
  • The closest focusing distance has been reduced from 1.4m to 1.1m.
  • The maximum magnification has been increased from 1:9.1 to 1:4.8.
  • The weight has been reduced from 1,540 g to 1,430 g.
  • Improved VR
  • Freely configurable buttons on the barrel
  • The use of a fluorite lens and an HRI (High Refractive Index) lens is said to improve image quality.

There are no sensations in this list, but it is nevertheless a solid further development of its predecessor, which has now been on the market for 7 years. And as banal as it sounds, I could really use the lowered closest focusing distance.

Unfortunately, there is a big catch. While you can get the old lens for under 2,000 euros, the successor will cost 3,179 euros! That's a lot of money and for me it probably means that I'll be using my old lens for quite a while and should urgently take it in for servicing. I'm sure the price will come down a bit over time, but it's not an option for me in the short term.

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