Nikon 70 200 f2 8G VR II Lens review and why I love it

[@eviltango]

those vinaigrettes and chromatic abbreviations... Great video, made me chuckle and made my day thank you. Definitively the next lens I’m going for besides a 150-600 (200-500)

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it. You won't be disappointed in that lens. Are you talking about the Tamron 150-600mm? I have not tried it or the Nikon 200-500mm. I never really needed that kind of reach, as I'm more of a studio photographer.

[@rob0t3ck]

Hahahaha, I thought I was hearing it wrong😂. Good video. 👍

[@eviltango]

@@MichaelCGrayPhotography Yes I'm looking at Nikon, Tamron and Sigma's telephoto options. I would love the Nikon 200-500 but I heard there is next to no weather sealing. The Sigma 150-600 Sport gets great reviews in the weather resistance area but lots of complaints about weight. I guess it's either one or the other. The Nikon 500mm PF would be best but I cannot justify spending 3K + yet on a lens. Great channel content! keep it up

[@datdudenosense]

That's adorable

[@adtfor]

200-500 has incredible quality-price ratio, I've got it used (in a mint condition) for $1000 from Taiwan and it's just incredible for its price. The only two problems is has are weight and the fact that is a zoom lens, which is pretty useless in my opinion (99% of photos made in 500mm mode). Otherwise it's just an amazing lens.

[@DAVE_WHITE]

This lens is "welded" onto my D3 to this day and I still shoot with it almost daily!!!

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

It is an awesome lens, but I have the Tamron 90mm lens welded to my camera.

[@kaurna1]

Great video. 70 years old just starting and I have a Nikon D500 would this lens work with my camera?

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Thank you. By Nikon's compatibility list, yes it will work fine.

[@raymondcook8364]

Thank you for this wonderful review. I am buying this lens on the 1st of August and I know much more about it before I hold it in my hands. I have a Nikon F4 body so the VR will stay off. That doesn't disappoint me.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Nice, glad I could help. F4 that was awesome in it's day. Shame you don't have the F5 VR would work on it so I'm told.

[@raymondcook8364]

@@MichaelCGrayPhotography Hi: To be honest, I looked at the F5 Nikon videos before buying my Nikon F4s body and I felt dial wise, I could navigate what I wanted to do BEFORE taking a picture than using the Nikon F5. This in part is because I have 2 previous head injuries so things that are complicated to my brain are hard to process and remember. My particular Nikon F4s was one of the last ones manufactured by Nikon so it has all 12 of the Nikon upgrades. The Nikon 70 200 f2 8G VR II Lens I feel will make a perfect match for the best photographs I can take. It is far more expensive than the standard Nikon 70-200mm VR lens but you get what you pay for, results wise when you look through your viewfinder. The one feature that made me open my wallet to buy this particular lens was: The lens has 7 additional optical dispersion elements totaling 21. When the lens arrives, I know I won't be disappointed. The Nikon 6 digital cameras I know with my head injuries I could never operate with all the digital features for me to remember.

[@JohnAdamZiolkowski]

Thanks for the great examples! I'm not that experienced so I really appreciated the explaination of VR. I'm sure some of us use of the features without actually knowing what they were.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

I really liked my VRII. About a year ago the VR motor went bizzerk. The repair was over $700. About a month later, Nikon offered the Newer 70-200 2.8 at a discount. Boy I certainly wish I had the VRII repaired. It was sharper and handled better than the Newer Version.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Ouch, big repair cost. I have not tested the newer version. Mine is still hanging in there.

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

@@MichaelCGrayPhotography Keep the VRII, I think it is the better of the 3 versions, 4 if you count the new Z lens

[@treefellonya]

@@MichaelCGrayPhotography How do you identify which is which? I have kind of figured out how to differentiate between the VI and VII, but VIII? I don't know.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

@@treefellonya you mean version 1, 2 and 3? VR G VR II VR E FL

[@treefellonya]

@@MichaelCGrayPhotography Thank you for your response. I am referring to the difference between the VR G and VR II. I think I may have it figured out, but when you're buying off the net, it seems there could be some confusion. It seems the VR 2 has a gold badge with an "N" next to the Lens model. Is that right? - Thanks for making this video!

[@spirg]

I just got the new one , I had the old one ( ‘09 ) had to sell it , I won’t make that mistake again , In a word , the new one - Smart - Metal where it’s needed , and not where you don’t , shorter , and obviously lighter , the focusing ring movement makes sense if you think about it , better balance . Can’t wait to use it !!!!

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Nice, I have looked at the new one, but I'm still loving my old version to much and can't justify the upgrade.

[@57sapke]

Great video, I wonder if the acive mode VR also works with shooting birds in flight. (panning)

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Thank you. Yes it should. Best way to see is go play. try the different modes and see the results you achieve.

[@jordilovesnikon]

perfect video, I have this lens too - fantastic!

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Thank you. Yes, it is an amazing lens

[@Weezot97]

Do you recommend turning VR off when shooting at high shutter speeds, say 1/500 or 1/1000 or higher? I have noticed image degradation with VR on at these speeds on occasion.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

I don't, as i am a bit shaky. You may be running into the same effect as if you are using VR when the camera is on a tripod. it is like the VR tries to compensate, causing image degradation.

[@blasmartinez8985]

Great video., Question please in Sports photography which one I have to use it A/M or M/A?.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Thank you. It really depends on you. A/M gives priority to Auto focus (if you bump or slightly turn focus ring stays in Auto mode) if you use M/A it is still in Auto focus but, gives priority to manual focus. Meaning it will switch to manual focus a lot easier. I do not shoot sport, but i have photographed models on runways and some action boating shots. I tend to use A/M. Hope this helps.

[@sunilshrestha657]

Hey Michael, is this and Tamron AF 70-200 lens the same? how do you blur the background, can you teach us? Thank you!

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

I have not tried the Tamron version, so I can't really say. but from my understanding the Nikon is the superior lens. I will keep that in mind for a video idea. In the mean time, keep the F stop low, like F2.8 have a good distance from the subject to background and you be close to the subject. That will give you a very blurry background.

[@silverstone6644]

Very informative ty, i'm looking at using this lense on a D850, will it work well with Teleconverters ? Thanks in advance.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

I have not tried it, but from my understanding it will work with teleconverters.

[@jeepjoseph9036]

Getting one this weekend for my d600. Not bad for a kid

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Awesome, it is a great lens, enjoy.

[@Steve33-c4o]

Thank you for sharing!

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

My pleasure! Glad you liked it.

[@Steve33-c4o]

@@MichaelCGrayPhotography under statement LOVE IT!

[@ericmeekey7886]

Awesome lens. It's the first fast telephoto I've ever shot with, and I love the isolating power at a distance it gives me. What filters would you recommend for it?

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

I do not use filters with it, other then a Polarizer Filter.

[@sylviabradford6965]

Great video, I am seriously looking at adding this lens to my camera bag...I do shoot with a D7100 which I believe is a crop sensor body...can I expect the great performance you are speaking of??? Thanks again

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Thank you. yes the D7100 is a crop sensor. 1.5x crop i believe.Yes the quality of the lens will still be very good.

[@san520823]

HI Micheal Great review, I was wondering can this lens be configured? I have an issue with sharpness at 200mm not sure what the problem is.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Thank you. You can try to calibrate the lens to your camera body or have a store do it for you.

[@rickyriz1]

1. what is the difference between FL and II lens, which one is better, and ED VR II lens is not available in the market, is it discontinued

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Good question! the FL version is the newest. Yes, the older version is discontinued, although you can still buy a used one. Here is a comparison from B&H www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Nikon_AF-S_NIKKOR_70-200mm_f_2.8E_FL_ED_VR_Lens_vs_Nikon_AF-S_NIKKOR_70-200mm_f_2.8G_ED_VR_II_Lens_vs_Nikon_AF_Zoom-NIKKOR_80-200mm_f_2.8D_ED_Lens_vs_Nikon_AF-S_NIKKOR_400mm_f_2.8E_FL_ED_VR_Lens/BHitems/1292140-REG_644741-GREY_124669-USA_1052083-REG

[@2004elgigantecondor]

Hi i love you review one question I have the nikon Z6 and you have used one whit this lens i like to buy this lens for me collection due to the original for the z mount is really so expensive

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Glad you liked the review. I have not tried the lens with the Z6. Yes, the Z lens is expensive. If you have an older lens version then I'm told you can use The Nikon Z mount adapter which is about $300 Canadian.

[@billneal8995]

Thanks for a very informative video

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

My pleasure

[@pynpotha]

I really appreciate your great effort on this video. It was Amazingly descriptive. My Q is: I'm manual focusing lover. Since i started to photograph I shoot manual. So, recently i found this lens with reasonable price point which has an issue with the AF. I don't consider it actually. What is your advice on this Legendary lens without AF? I'm glad

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

This lens is fantastic with auto focus and manual focus. I just shoot a mermaid event 90% was manual focus. Mermaid event short. kzbin.infonN1prdW7z_k

[@sp8827]

Thank you for the very informative video! I have this lens and love it on my D200. Given that the D200 is very old I'm thinking of upgrading to a newer, full-frame body like the D800 or Z5. Do you know if this lens still performs well on newer bodies or do the higher resolution sensors (24 or 36 MP) reveal flaws in the lens such that I should consider upgrading the lens too?

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

I use it all the time on the D800, works amazing. I do not own a mirrorless, but I have heard it works just as well.

[@krystynalynnphotography2102]

Thank you for this !

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Your welcome.

[@ArtemAnisimov777]

Hi. I shoot sports. During shooting, I am constantly tracking the subject, accompanied by AF-C. There is a lot of wear on the inside of the lens mechanism responsible for autofocus operation. This is reflected in the inaccurate operation of the focusing system at open aperture. So strong that I have to buy a new lens every two years. Now I have 4 lenses Nikkor 70-200 IF ED VR 2. Has anyone encountered a similar problem with frequent use of optics?

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

No sorry I have not. I do not shoot sports. Hopefully someone here can answer you.

[@Africa007]

Can I use it for my Nikon d750..full frame

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

should work just fine. I use on D800 and the D750 is the same lens mount.

[@Africa007]

@@MichaelCGrayPhotography pls can I know the price am chatting from Nigeria...maybe you can tell m the price in dollars then I will change it to niara

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

that lens used is about $1400 Canadian now. the newest version - NIKON AF-S 70-200MM F/2.8E FL ED VR LENS is $2900

[@ItsHarleyRose]

This sounds so dumb but how on earth do you take off the cap on the end of the lens to attach it to a camera body? I have one and it won’t come off at all!!

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

With the end cap facing you, turn the cap to the right. It just screws on. It may be on very tight. Someone may have way over tighten it.

[@olivierroubieu]

I'm sold! Thank you.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Your welcome.

[@joekelly9369]

Its an awesome lens , i have the new lens and older model, the older model on a d850 is fantastically sharp , d850s can highlight any waekness in any lens , the g ed vrii has been faultless shooting wildlife and cropping in ,10/10 absolutely been a jewel , if the newewr version is at least AS good il be happy

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

True, the lens is amazing. I use it all the time for outdoor events and such.

[@joekelly9369]

​@@MichaelCGrayPhotographyabsolutely , its my favourite pro lens better than the new version ( i have that to , ) your g ed vrii is now buy of the decade 😀 enjoy budfy

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

@@joekelly9369 Nice thing is it is cheaper now to 🙂

[@harrisontabiolo802]

would this lens work for a nikon d5000?

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Yes, here is a link to lens compatibility www.lensora.com/compatibility2.asp?camera=431&lens=316 here is a full list of lens compatibility www.lensora.com/lenscompatibilitychart.asp?camera=nikon-d5000

[@harrisontabiolo802]

Thanks, I was told it wouldn’t Bc my d5000 doesn’t have AF

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Lens compatibility is also in your manual, but here is more info for you. 4th question down. www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-nikkor-70-200mm-f%252f2.8g-ed-vr-ii.html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-Forum

[@amarg2199]

Nice review.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@50deserteagle]

i love it.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Me too :-)

[@alexChabakphotography]

How is the throw on the zoom?

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Not sure what you mean? I know what throw on zoom means for a projector.

[@elisabethdarcy1985]

Amateur. Still DSLR. Looking seriously at this, thank you so much!

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Glad to help, it’s a great lens!

[@generalmukuma2750]

My lens is filled with powder,does this mean it's damaged.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

There should not be a powder in the lens. I would take the lens in to get checked.

[@Ton-x4r]

I got this one but also the VR1 from 2003. Do I need both? Well no but the VR1 was 250 bucks in mint condition. Although an older model my D850 has no problem with it. And the D850 has mediocre lenses for breakfast. We all know that.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Of course you need both, especially at that price point! The D850 is still a solid camera.

[@bjornkaneteg5380]

vinaigretting?

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Haha, Vignetting

[@ImpartiallySpeaking]

VR3 rocks

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

Yes, Yes it does.

[@joekelly9369]

Iv got both that and the new fl ed vr , (which im not keen on ) # focus tuning a new lens W...T..FU..) the older one is razor sharp at all distances , could crop in ridiculously close . I dont like the new version ,SAVE YOUR MONEY

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

The one i have and showed is an awesome lens. Not sure which version you are referring to. There are 5 different versions of the lens now.

[@joekelly9369]

The model before , same as you have there

[@kevinfloyd6837]

70 by 200??? Ooops moving on

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

It is a fantastic lens. See if you can go in a store and try it for yourself, or better yet rent it and really try it out. Think you may be a bit impressed.

[@kevinfloyd6837]

@@MichaelCGrayPhotography You arecreviewing a lens that is years old and now replaced. My point was and still is it is a 70 to 200mm not as you stated a 70 by 200.

[@nothinghere926]

This was 2 years ago