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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from SAcottsdale, AZ on 7/10/2008
The best lens in my bag. Works very well with the TC-14E II. Fantastic!
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I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 40 NIKKOR LENSES AND THIS LENS HAS NO EQUAL FOR SHARPNESS.VR WORKS PERFECTLY AND WITH THE D3'S ISO RANGE THERE IS PRACTICALLY NO LIMIT AS TO WHEN YOU CAN SHOOT.
from Belleville, MI on 7/1/2008
I rely on this lens for fast autofocing, candid shots, and low light photography. The build quality is extremely high.
from Los Angeles, CA on 6/26/2008
I have been shooting for over 30 yrs and for the life of me could not justify spending this much money on a single lens until a few months ago. I got an extra paycheck and broke down and bought the 70-200 2.8 VR and the 17-55 2.8 (also an unbelievable piece of glass). I shoot weddings and special events and the crispness and sharpness of this lens as well as the 17-55 is nothing short of astounding. I kick myself for having waited this long to get this kind of quality in my images. Post-processing can only minimally improve upon what is already there. This lens will ensure you have very little post-processing to do. Yes it's heavy, but who the hell cares when you get such beautiful images and such beautiful bokeh. If you have to sell one of your children to get this lens, do it. You can always have another kid!!!! LOL.
from Houston, TX on 5/13/2008
This is an awesome piece of glass. It's a bit heavy but worth every gram!!
What else can be said, get it, get it, get it.....and don't worry, you'll love it.
from Citrus Heights, CA on 5/9/2008
I use this camera mostly for portraits and general photography. It focuses fast and consistently gives me sharp pictures that are beyond my expectations. I am very happy that I bought this lens and probably keep it for a long long time.
from North Chelmsford, Massachusetts on 4/2/2008
This is the lens that every working Nikon professional already owns. It's everything you've read about-- long, heavy, expensive. And it's amazing. It's not going to get any shorter, lighter, less expensive, or become more available. Just buy it. Once you get it, you'll only have one question: "Why'd I wait so long?"
[7 of 7 customers found this review helpful]
from Texas on 12/15/2007
Just buy the lens. If you are looking at this lens you know the quality of pro glass. The 18-200 pales in comparison. I am not a pixel peeper, I don't shoot brick walls, I don't shoot books on shelves. I go out and shoot real life stuff and some not so real life. Is there distortion? I guess. So what? Enjoy the lens. You could buy every prime lens Nikon makes and spend tens of thousands of dollars. The distortion will be lower, maybe no ghosting or flare. But let's see, you have a prime on, you have to hot swap a lens and the shot is gone never to be seen again. OR, you have this lens on and the shot happens and you capture it. Maybe there is a little distortion or little flaw somewhere blown up 30000% but at least you have the shot. This lens is worth the money. You get a fixed 2.8 the 18-200 can't do that. Means you are going to get 2 more stops out of the lens to catch a shot. If you have the money, buy it. If you don't, save up for it. I always have said, "get one level better than you think you will need." You may think the slower lenses are awesome but you will be amazed at what the extra stop or two will do for you. There is a reason it is expensive and there is a reason it is always on back order.
The color is awesome, the contrast is awesome the focus is fast and sharp.
Is it heavy? That is a relative term. For the lens I don't think it is heavy. Is it heavier than a 50 f 1.4? Sure it is. I like the weight. To me it makes it easier to control. That is just a matter of personal preference.
Now, order the lens and prepare to be very satisfied.
[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
from Bradenton, Florida on 11/15/2007
I've always been the type of person who believes that you get what you pay for, and let me say that with the Nikon 70-200mm F/2.8 lens, it is absolutely true. I spent about 6 months researching and reading every little piece of information about this particular lens before I spent money on it, and all indications were good. I purchased this lens about 1 month ago, and all I can say is WOW! It has helped my pictures to almost come to life. I plan on purchasing the 14-24mm F/2.8 and 24-70mm F/2.8 lenses also from Nikon which will cover the entire range from wide to long. As in my rating above, the lens is heavy, which really isn't a con when considering how well it is built, the darn thing is like a tank! Very smooth operation in the zooming function, and lighting quick when focusing. Low light shots are very nice with this lens and the ability to use the lens wide open at 2.8 is something that has been very helpful. The only real discrepancy that I would have with this lens is that the hood becomes removed far too easily. Every time I remove it from my bag it comes loose because the release button is easily depressed. I've just gotten used to making sure it is secure when I take it out of the bag, no big deal. I have included some pictures below as examples, and you can view more shots done with this lens at [...]As with many reviews that I have read, if you are considering this lens, and have the money, then by all means do yourself a favor and buy it. Give yourself a few days of use to get used to it, and you will never look back.
Images shared by: Joe
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[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Bloomingdale, IL on 9/27/2007
After using the Nikon 80-200mm for years with gereat results. I am amazed by the images produced by the 70-200mm. Shooting wide open produces results that few lenses can match.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Stockton, CA on 9/26/2007
As an older photographer, lens performance makes me want to change my entire zoom lens collection to high-speed VR.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Farr West, UT on 9/26/2007
I used the lens the first time at a wedding and I love its clarity, quick focus and easy zoom. It has become my primary lens and it does a great job. I was glad I spent the extra money to get it and if your thinking of getting one, do not hesitate, you will be impressed.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Malacca, Malaysia on 9/25/2007
A great lens, carry it all the time, just got back from safari in Kenya and he quality of the photos is so consistent. Use it for over 25% of total travel photos.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from New York, NY on 9/7/2007
First impression - So quiet!
Second impression - So fast!
Third impression - Like many others have described the lens is a bit on the heavy side but worth every oz. and easy to hand hold and well balanced with my D200. Great color and bokiem. I have also used with 1.7TC with little loss although a tad easier with a tripod. Even with the TC though VR seems to work well. If you can part with money it will be on your camera body quite a lot. I am more than happy with this lens.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
I had the Nikon 80-200mm F/2.8 lens and loved it. This is better and well worth the upgrade. The VR feature and the motor in the lens are worth the price.
Remember this is a professional lens and its big and heavy but balances well on a tripod or holding the tripod foot.
I love the fast focusing and sharp pictures. It was wll worth the price...no wonder the Pros use it all the time. Recommend that you use the lens hood all the time to keep you from bumping into some one or putting your fat fingerprint on the lens.
I love this lens.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Davison, MI on 7/17/2007
I don't know why I waited so long to buy this lens! I read dozens of reviews before purchasing. It is worth every penny. I shoot mainly sports and nature photography. The quality of the images is so sharp it has saved me countless hours in post processing.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Cologne, Germany on 7/11/2007
Excellent quality lens. Very sharp and a fast lens. Perfect with VR.
from Morris, IL on 7/10/2007
i've had the lens a week and i cannot believe the results......amazing results at a dusk soccer match and also soaring purple martins.
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from New Hampshire on 7/10/2007
I am still learning how to use the product. There are so many variables introduced when using this lens. When you combine the higher speed (f2.8) with VR normal and active, and manual focus, plus all of the modes of the camera you have one heck of a lot of options, many of which are not good.For example, when shooting indoor sports you need the lens opened up as wide as possible, but that means that your depth of field is almost impossibly small (a few inches in some cases). Closing the aperture down means that you might as well have brought your [$] f4-f5.6 lens. Also, when shooting indoor sports (I used it at an arena football match) the action is fast, so you need a very fast shutter speed (>1/200 sec), so even if you have VR turned on, and you track a player, the image may still be soft or even out of focus. I plan to try some shots at another event with VR off and a higher shutter speed (> 1/320th). Of course, this pushes the iso up and the grainyness creeps in.Finally, I am still experimenting with which camera settings to use that will focus and set the exposure on the one player I am aiming at, while at the same time, not overexposing the shot if the player has a dark uniform or blurring it if the player is behind a ref or other player.Of course, indoor action sports is the worst possible scenario for any lens, but for the price of this lens, I expect only the best!As for daylight shots of flowers, people, places, or indoor shots of inanimate objects, the lens cannot be beat...
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Catch
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[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Alexandria, VA on 7/10/2007
I had the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8E AF-S lens which was an outstanding lens before upgrading to the 70-200 F/2.8G, with the VR I get clarity in pictures I cannot achieve without it in poor light (crew rowing in the rain). Love the lens.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from SLC, UT on 7/10/2007
I also have the Nikkor 18-200. While that lens is convenient for a "walk-around" lens, the 70-200 VR is simply better. Photos are noticably sharper - you can tell which of the two lenses were used by looking at most photos. For portraits, the ability to have a shallow depth of field is unparalleled. Compared to the 18-200, the 70-200 focuses faster - we are talking birds in flight, and if you can believe it, focusing and shooting a clay pigeon as it is hit by the shotgun blast. Amazing.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Rockford Illinois on 5/10/2007
Have only had the lens a few weeks, but have shot about 100 images with it. The images have always turned out exceptionally sharp and well exposed. After using this lens, I will always buy the lower f-stop faster lens. It makes a tremendous difference. It's very expensive, and if my wife finds out, I'm a ghost! But, it's well worth the money and the potential beating!
Images shared by: www.markweststudios.comLiberty Island
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statue of liberty
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[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Dallas, TX on 5/9/2007
I think this lens is often overlooked by many professionals as a great "leave attached" lens. It's flexible for moderate distance shooting. It's extremely fast for catching action. And, it's focal length gives great depth, clarity and control of subject and background.
It's pricey, so if you can generate some business off it to pay for it, I would highly recommend. If money is no object, it's a must have.
from Ottawa, Canada on 5/8/2007
Exceeded expectations.
Great vibration reduction, superb/equal quality at f/2.8.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Kansas City, MO on 5/8/2007
This lens is great. Everything is top notch, my only problem is the location of the focus lock buttons, but I don't use them very much. The zoom and focus rings are smooth and easy to use and picture quality is near perfect. I debated buying this lens for a while and now I'm glad that I have it.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Southern California on 4/20/2007
[...] Slightly more narrow & longer than the AFS lens.This would be a good addition or primary lens for many types of work.
from Rome, Italy on 4/16/2007
I'd loved the quality of the imges, maybe a little bit too heavy and long, but for shure one of the best lenses ever I use.
A must
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Marietta, OH on 4/15/2007
I've had this lens for about a month now and I am beyond impressed. Someones review of this lens said
"The only con is now you can't blame bad results on your equipment" I havn't read a more accurate review. If you are even considering this purchase, take the plunge, you won't regret it.
from East Windsor, New Jersey on 3/27/2007
Like the previous versions of the Nikon Tele Zoom (80-200 and 80-200 S-wave), this lens is a must have for any photographer. It is sharp, quick, and the results are amazing. A money making lens, that is what this is! Worth more than it costs!
from Oregon on 3/26/2007
I have used this lens for several weeks and am very pleased.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Detroit, MI on 3/26/2007
The best for its price.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Lyman, ME on 3/26/2007
I've gotten unbelieveably sharp images from this lens! My first reaction was "Wow, it's heavy!", but I've gotten used to it's weight in the short time I've had it. I now say that it's "Worth it's weight in gold"!
Images shared by: Denise
from Binghamton, NY on 3/26/2007
Great lens, strong, tough, sharp, etc... Having the VR is great for low light shots, beats dragging tripod around. Good for portraits as well. I keep this on my camera 90% of the time.
from Orlando, FL on 3/26/2007
Great lens, none sharper, but it is not light. Mounted to my D80 I get great results. I may have to get a monopod though as holding this lens makes my arms tired after a while. Highly recommended!
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Alexandria, VA on 3/26/2007
Unbelievable!!!
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Redwood City, CA on 2/27/2007
The perfect midrange telephoto. Very very sharp. Excellent bokeh. A joy to use.
from OKC, OK on 2/27/2007
This was the second lens I bought to use with my D200. I used to own an 80-210 and there is no comparison - none. It is pricey, yes, but worth every dime. The best zoom ever. Period.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from North Carolina on 2/19/2007
Compared to any other lens thta is not a/2.8 this lens will not dissapoint (although it is heavy that helps with freehand stability with the right technique)
from Upper Marlboro, Md on 2/18/2007
I love this lens. It met all my expectations in terms of image quality (excellent), performance (tops), and overall build quality (excellent). I have no hesitation in recommending this lens to the hobbyist/enthusiast or the professional photographer.
from Baltimore, MD on 2/17/2007
This lens is all I thought it would be I put off purchasing this and that was lost time for me. This lens is an essential part of your photo experience
from queens, n.y. on 2/15/2007
i have used 3 different versions of the 70-200 nikon zoom. each one is better ttan the last.
from Evansville,IN on 2/13/2007
I use this lens for shooting weddings. This lens is fast and light which allows me to use it in low light without a tripod or monopod. Great lens for anyone that needs speed and mobility.
from Eastern Panhandle WV on 2/13/2007
I am very pleased with the photos I have taken with this lens. VR is great, I get excellent photos with out a tripod. I listed heavy and long as a con, if you dont use a chest, mono, or tri pod, it gets tiring to hold up if you are using it for a while, at least it does for me.
from Parkland, FL on 2/13/2007
This type of lens is not cheep, but the results are worth the $$$. Those of you who shoot hockey games know that the lighting is difficult at best. This lens has made a huge difference in the shots that I take and keep. Sharp, fast, and accurate.Only con is the lens is heavy. Strongly suggest a monopod, or tripod with this lens. [...]
from Paragould, AR. on 2/12/2007
Very sharp lens that focuses quickly and it's max aperture plus the VR make it great for low light. But it's a heavy sucker and the tripod mount sticks out from the lens to far... and if you take it off you don't have a convenient place to hold it. It's be just about right if it was half the current size. Is it picky to say that I'd give it 5 stars if it had a smaller tripod mount?
from Miami, FL on 2/12/2007
This lens is a great piece of glass. You will get solid results al the time. great sharpness, great contrast, great bokeh (even if you can't really compare it to the 85 1.4 afd), really fast focusing.
The only drawback is that it is a little heavy if you plan on carrying it around for half a day or more, but I do it all the time as I know that the pics are going to be worth it!
from Adrian, MI on 2/12/2007
I am lucky to have such a nice lens. I mainly shoot sports for a Newspaper for now, but also use it for portraiture and nature. I love the focusing, but sometimes it is a bit sensitive with VR on; takes some playing around with. It has very good glass that helps in letting more light into the lens for better, clearer photographs. There is also less yellow even in Auto mode. It gives a more natural feel to the photograph, especially with natural light.
I use it often and hope to always have something to shoot with it, whatever I am doing!
from Overland Park, KS on 2/12/2007
Lenses don't get much better than this. I use it for portraits and weddings and fine art photography and couldn't be happier. It's built like a tank, and I'm sure will last forever. It is not a light lens, though, and after toting it around for awhile, you'll definitely notice it taking a toll, but that's a small price to pay.
from Aurora, CO on 2/12/2007
Compact for power. Focuses fast for wild animal pics
from Seattle Washington area on 2/12/2007
This lens has exceeded all my expectations. It is as sharp as a tack and very easy to work with. Some may find it on the heavy side but you do not get this quality with light weight materials.
from Holland, Michigan on 2/12/2007
This lens is everything you could hope for in a lens, it is outstanding and crisp through all F stops. It is built like a tank, very durable.
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from Santa Ana on 2/12/2007
So far I've only used it for a coporate portrait shoot. It's my new portrait lens, very sharp.
from Los Gatos, CA on 2/11/2007
Highly recommanded for all Nikon users. Besides it's little heavy to carry around to everywhere, it's one of the best lens from Nikon.
from Hudson, Wisconsin on 2/8/2007
I purchased this lens for nature photography, specifically for flying birds. My 18-200 VR is one of my favorite lenses but is too slow for hand holding against fast flying birds or other action. Coupled with my D200, the 70-200 is nothing short of a joy to use. It tracks fast and furious in continuous focus mode and the images are "tack sharp". It's much larger than my 18-200 but I can hand hold it for an hour or more with little fatigue. The 1.4 and 1.7 Nikon teleconverters work well with it, including autofocus and VR. If you want this focal length range and don't need it for fast action get the Nikon 18-200 VR, it will cover 95% of your general photography. You will not be disappointed.
from Beachwood, Ohio on 2/6/2007
I love it
from Dallas, TX on 2/6/2007
What a great lens! I upgraded from the old 80-200mm f/2.8 and there is no comparison. Fast focus and razor sharp images. I never thought that I would need the VR function, but it is definitely useful. Construction is robust - I am looking forward to may years of great photos with this lens. [...]
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Medford, Oregon on 2/5/2007
My favorite lens - and I have several. I use it primarily for weddings and action photography, but also for wildlife and landscape photography. Very sharp, good contrast and color rendition, and the Vibration Reduction is worth the price alone.
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Portrait, Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon
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from Sacramento, CA on 2/5/2007
Made exceptional available light photographs at acrobatic performances in Shanghai. Real challenge- low light and action. Would not have been possible without this lense's performance. If weight is not a concern, this lense is always in my kit. And even when it I am thinking about the heft, it's still hard to leave behind.
from Woburn, MA on 2/5/2007