Nikon 70-200 F/2.8E FL ED Review

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @PhotogJTheGreat

[@richard281150]

I have the 200-500 f5.6 and this has the zoom/focus rings reversed as this lens does. I have found that when holding the lens that my hand, if resting on the focus ring, can stop the camera from auto fucussing, which isn't a very clever feature. Have you found the same thing for this lens?

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Hi Jeremy. Your review is very clear and well explained. thanks for it. The focus breathing of the VRII is what retained me for several years to upgrade. The VR1 had a bokeh that I found distracting so I sold it and the only I kept was the AF-S 80-200 f/2,8 which has such a pleasing background rendering. I recently got my VR3 or E FL VR 70-200 on the second hand market, so I didn't pay that huge amount that Nikon is asking for this release. But Yes, I find it really good and the focus breathing is not a concern on this release. And I preferred to go with the F mount instead of the Z mount, because obviously I don't have a Z camera yet and in the future I will be able to use either on the Z or the F mount cameras. A superb lens that we start to see on the second hand market at a real interesting price that made me consider it and I don't regret it.

[@FreedomCompatriots]

I suspect the reason Nikon switched the focus and zoom rings has to do with the optical design and its attempt to correct the focus breathing while also adding internal focusing to the design. In previous models, the large front element actually had to move back and forth. This also added to the focus breathing. Imagine being at 200mm only when the front element was set at infinity lol. Anyway, the front element is fixed now and the focusing is done internally. Bear in mind, every camera company out there has patents on their respective optical formulas and I suspect this limits what camera companies can do with respect to other camera company's patents. That being the case, Nikon switched the rings to dodge a lot of patent/copyright issues while also trying to create the best version of this lens to date.

[@Noksus]

I don't know if your choice of lens/aperture on the videocamera is the right one. Most of the frame is out of focus and even your subject is out of focus or just almost in focus.

[@simonringsmuth5172]

Fantastic review, Jeremy. That was really in depth and I really appreciate all the comparisons to the VRII which a lot of people already own and will be wondering whether the new one is worth the upgrade.

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

Simon Ringsmuth thank you, I am glad you found it helpful.

[@donjus1689]

Thank you sir for your patience and thoughts

[@Sjorezz]

I think this configuration is even better if you use the focus more than the zoom... otherwise this guy has a point!

[@fasstang87]

Great review, you touched on topics that others have missed or lightly talked about. after owning this lense for a few months what are yiur thoughts? Is it still indifferent compared to vr2 or has it really stood out and made a must have category?

[@stanobert3475]

Excellent explanation of the electric aperture system. I was unsure of what this entailed. I have read reviews that this new lens is sharper wide open (where I usually leave it) than the VR II. I gulped when I saw the price but decided to jump into it and purchase this lens. Most of my photography is low light dance at F/2.8. The 70-200 is an excellent lens with the D500 for larger theaters where it becomes a 105-300 mm equivalent. I am selling my VR II. I will test this lens out next week at a dance rehearsal.

[@ferrarif430lover]

Jeremy, you may not still be doing reviews but in my opinion you did yourself and your viewer's an injustice by not shooting more with this lens before talking about it. But you made it clear pricing was an obstacle for you upgrading to it. Your loss. I use my 2.8E on my D850 and the results are stunning, superb. The evenings I sit here at my iMac 27 reviewing my work for the day the images never fail to take my breath away with their sharpness and overall perfection...and that is a great feeling after all these years of shooting. Something that would make me watch future videos of yours would be if you explain things instead of just pointing them out, anyone can see there are 4 buttons on the barrel, but it appears you may not really know how to use them, meaning it's something your viewers would probably like to know too. In my opinion you take a lot of time to say very little that is worthwhile...sorry but that is my opinion, someone whose first job out of college was as a technical instructor in a high tech industry. Wishing you the best in the future!

[@wyldeshooter]

Even with the price increase... Sports shooters will be snatching this lens up. Faster focus and better VR will be worth the price to those shooters.

[@hardyharr5197]

I made the mistake of buying the newest version of this lens. Nikon decided to switch the positions of the zoom and focus rings. This makes it difficult to shoot field sports, where the photographer must quickly zoom in and out as the action moves away and toward the camera.

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

I agree, even Nikon's latest Z 70-200 f/2.8 S has the zoom ring on the front. This is one of the many reasons why I no longer use Nikon as my primary system.

[@hitmanhart22]

I like your review. Thanks for sharing the details

[@johngray9434]

I own the new E version and it's incredible. Weight just isn't an issue. It's actually half the weight of the 200 f/2! As for the price, the lens pays for itself so I really don't get criticism on pricing for those using the lens professionally.

[@abhiph2982]

Why would a lens like 70-200 with 22 glass element be lighter than it is ? No brand makes it lighter than 1.5 kg . Wishful thinking should be logical. It has 6 ed glass and total 23 elements and still it is so light

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

I am confused by your post... even the lens we are looking at here weighs less than 1.5 kg (it weighs 1.43 kg). I consider the lens reviewed here to to be outdated at this point... if we look at modern mirrorless 70-200's your post makes even less sense. To get you up to date with today's lens tech which you clearly missed... Nikon's Z 70-200 f/2.8 weighs 1.36 kg, Canon's RF 70-200 f/2.8 weighs 1.07 kg, and Sony's 70-200 f/2.8 GM II weighs 1.05 kg.

[@abhiph2982]

@@JeremySmithPhotography you should not mention canon RF which is mirrorless as in your video you are comparing nikons FL which is dslr version and canon s dslr version of 70-200 IS uSM iii version weighs more than that of Nikon Compare apples to apples You making video of dslr version and then talking about mirrorrless lens of canon to forcibly justify yourself

[@abhiph2982]

@@JeremySmithPhotography I would request you to update yourself with facts and when u showing and reviewing dslr version then talk about dslr version of canon to argue You are reviewing dslr version and then illogically using RF lens which is mirrorless lens Canon s latest IS iii version lens is 1480 grams in weight which is there on canon website and is a few grams more than that of Nikon s latest FL version that is for dslr version The Canon RF which is mirrorless does weigh 1070 grams but it has only 17 elements against the Nikon 23 elements for its z series mirrorless hence Nikon has more weight The number of ed elements are less too in canon RF Any lens with 23 glass elements and in case of Nikon version which has 6 ED elements will be heavy Nikon went with a strategy to include same number of glass elements in its mirrorless lens as it's dslr FL version because more glass elements do have a positive effect on optical quality plus that their formula Canon made RF version of their lens with less glass elements but it also uses more glass elements in its dslr version of its latest 70-200 lens . That's for a reason

[@allannduati7025]

It's a very personal decision.28 hundred is steep but I will let you know that this lens is a nuke. I can say it's money I didn't drink or gamble with. the lens is that good. hands down.

[@joekelly9369]

I have both , the older one is a brilliant lens , its always worked never missed a shot on 1 or 9 fps , they go for £550 used mint condition ,opposed to £2000 for the fl ed vr , as for sharpness i doubt you will ever notice the vrii was always razor sharp even on d850s . Which spot flaws instantly , absolutely tack sharp to a point you can crop in ridiculously close , the new lens has a lot to match up to (havnt used my new version yet) been toting my 200-500 around its deer season here in the uk

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

The 70-200 VR II served me well for many years but I can certainly see an image quality difference on the D850. The biggest downside to the VR II for me is the shorter effective focal length at close focus distances (it effectively becomes a 135mm) this makes it less than ideal for the portrait work I do. These days like a lot of photographers I have long since gone to mirrorless and find mirrorless era 70-200 lens offerings to far exceed the abilities of even the 70-200 FL. The Nikon Z 70-200 f/2.8, Sony 70-200 F/2.8 GM II, and Sigma 70-200 F/2.8 DG DN push 70-200 lens performance to new heights. 😃 P.S. I am shocked that the FL version is still selling for so much! Here excellent used copies go for $1400 USD (£1100) because the market is saturated with older F-mount glass thanks to everyone's rapid transition to mirrorless.

[@tmewborn1]

Thanks, I have the older 70-200mm Nikor lens around 15 years...Now way would I buy the over priced new lens, and the focal rign placement SUCKS,

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

Good news is with more people going to the new mirrorless systems there are a LOT of these on the used market. In excellent condition they are going for around $1,300 USD from reputable vendors.

[@alibharmal8540]

Hey Jeremy, usually ur reviews are on point. but unfortunately this one just felt very amateurish. Your review only covered the obvious things which many can figure by looking at the pictures of the lens or reading the product details on Nikon's website. Not sure if you are going to do a follow up video on image quality and real world usage... and stop complaining about the price.. everyone wants the next level quality and yesteryears price..

[@vdan2879]

JS, you forgot to show the image quality of the lens. This was more like a feature set review of the lens.

[@christosphillips3568]

Not a review Jeremy, this is a perfect preview. Sample photos and comparisons are integral parts of a review so I would consider changing the title.

[@west5500]

Great review. I have the Nikon 70-200 G VR2 lens. I am interested in the changes that have been made. You are right about the issue of what you get for the price increase. Probably will keep my current lens. Thanks for the review.

[@toddroy9558]

west5500 Well if you keep the vr 2, then you don't own a 70/200, it's more like 70-140! I think honk you should get what you pay for and with the vr 2, you not!

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

I found my 70-200 2.8 VRII to be sharper, and felt better in my Hand, as the Zoom Ring was closer to the Body. I wish I had not taken Nikon up on their offer to 'upgrade' to the 70-200 2.8FL when my VRII went in for repair. Even the 28-300 is sharper

[@chairmakerPete]

Got my copy of this lens today. Tried some sample shots with the tripod shoe on, and that seemed to work with the zoom ring being at the end of the lens. That said, I hate the zoom ring being swapped with focus, but in one day I can't claim to have given that any sort of fair trial, so I'll hold judgement on that. The instructions with a close to $3k lens are a joke. A nasty printed leaflet - not even a booklet. That's just rude on Nikon's part. All the tests say this lens is so sharp you'll cut yourself on it. Just that pesky zoom / focus swap! Definitely leaving the tripod shoe on to help with that.

[@undercoverwookiee6686]

Didn't you work at Bedford in Little Rock? I think I've seen you a few times in the store.

[@brandonj8018]

yes, that was him!

[@elbatangenioofnewzealand8384]

My dream lens❤

[@Abdullah_hemida]

Can u do a deep review for the sigma 85 art 1.4

[@udayanchatterji5118]

This review would benefit from sample images. If the purpose was to compare the 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII with the corresponding f/2.8E FL ED VR, sample images would have benefited viewers. Also sharing how the lens performs under different light conditions, focal length-shutter speed-ISO combinations would be nice. I'm not a pro photographer but having used the newer lens for over a month and a half the focusing is super sharp and FAST. I can pick up a hang glider harness from about half a mile on the image with this lens. Birds in flight are a category tested where this lens performs very well. I can't speak for the VRII (since I haven't used it) but that definitely wasn't my reason to click on this review.

[@svtrader]

hey buddy is the barrel made of plastic or metal?

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

svtrader seems to be made of magnesium just like the previous version ;)

[@castieldiallo2945]

that is true, mr smith, but it is superior to the vr 2 in every way.

[@Vaptomwen]

I'll wait to see the D810 successor & what they want $$ for that, who knows maybe Sigma may release a sport version of this.

[@faocisco]

Does the new hood fits on the VR ii ?

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

Francisco Abreu Onofre It does 👍🏾

[@faocisco]

Jeremy Smith thanks. Keep up the good work 😉

[@spirg]

Have one on the way 👍🏻

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

You will no doubt enjoy it!

[@jaimeduncan6167]

What about the issue of changing the focus when changing the zoom ? Did it happen to you ? This lens appear to be designed by optical engenders in a computer with no input from actual photographers. If Nikon continues down this path u don't see how they can compete in the long run with Sony

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

Jaime Duncan what you describe there is something that happens on all SLR zooms that I am aware of. There are lenses designed for use in the cinema world that don't do this but they often cost tens of thousands of dollars. Such lenses are often referred to as being "parfocal".

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Jeremy Smith Ok. I see were you are coming from. I am not talking about brathing, but touching the focus ring when the lens is resting on your palm and you are zooming. Best regards,

[@reggiehil]

Jaime Duncan it's funny you mentioned that. As I was watching Jeremy hold the lens I though to myself, I can see my palm inadvertently moving the focus ring as I'm zooming with my fingers.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

reggiehil Even so, the reviews are coming and it seems that, unless it has a critical bug, the lens is a total animal.

[@reggiehil]

Jaime Duncan trust me I want one BAD! I have a serious case of sticker shock tho! Ha

[@petercdejong]

I got it, grey market. 2/3 of the retail prise.

[@crxracer805]

First. I would NOT pay $3,000 for such a lens! Especially when you can get the Tamron for half the price!

[@pt10981]

Try shooting sports....not even close. Focus speed matters most!

[@donellis5631]

pt10981 .

[@JeremySmithPhotography]

​@@Jazz16-we1qc They are selling for even less used... In excellent condition from reputable dealers they are going for around $1,300 USD. Nikon has had a lot of instant savings and trade-in bonuses on their mirrorless cameras and lenses as of late. The market is absolutely saturated with used F-Mount gear so prices are plummeting. The Nikon F-Mount has been around since 1959, in order to continue to advance things ultimately Z-Mount is the way you want to go. There are Z-Mount lens designs that are not possible to do in F-Mount, in my opinion the most noteworthy is the 85mm f/1.2 S. The great thing is DSLR lenses like the 70-200 f/2.8 FL discussed here adapt extremely well to mirrorless and actually perform better than they do on a DSLR, especially when it comes to focus accuracy. All it takes is the FTZ adapter which doesn't affect lens performance (as long as you are using an AF-S or AF-P lens). Nikon and Canon continue to discontinue their older DSLR lenses and have invested heavily in the development of their mirrorless systems. I can't imagine a scenario in which they would bother to introduce a new lens for a mount they are slowly phasing out. Third parties like Tamron and Sigma are doing the same thing too as they introduce more mirrorless lenses. During a recent conversation with Sigma I was shocked to learn just how many lenses they have put out to pasture. At this point in 2024 I don't know a single pro or advanced amateur photographer who hasn't at least started their transition to mirrorless. I haven't used a DSLR for my work in nearly 10 years... this could make for a good future video topic. 😃