
Picture does not represent the actual item
See what's in the box
This item is no longer available.
Review Summary
2016-09-18T20:00:00
I have been using this lens for years, and will never part with it. It's fantastic for portraits to action sports, to wild life, it's an all around lens, I never leave home without it.
cybertec69
2015-08-04T20:00:00
This lens has traveled from the northernmost tip of Norway (except Svalbard) to the Antarctic Peninsula. The only 'mid-range' zoom lens I have needed, Sharp, fast-focusing, and, in the grand scheme of things, light enough to be handheld. Yes, there is the new VR II, but I have not seen the need for that with this old reliable. The photo below taken handheld from a hot air balloon over Masai Mara in Kenya proves my point.
wysiwygsnapper
2014-06-04T20:00:00
I have owned this lens for 7 years and would say it is a must have for me judging by the number of pictures taken with it. For action especially large flying birds in a rookery situation it is excellent. I have used it mostly on the D300, but now find that it is awesome on the 1V1 where without the TC17 the reach is 540mm @f/2.8 and with it 918mm @f/5.....Auto focus is good but limited to a single center point. Photographic quality is excellent. You can't go wrong with this lens and I suspect the newer version, though I have not used it.
Jaybird
2014-06-04T20:00:00
This is my favourite and most used lens. It's super sharp and the AF is amazingly fast (Compared to my older D lenses). This thing focuses like lightening on both my beginner D90 and Pro D700. Excellent lens for portraits and a must have for weddings!
valdano
2014-05-26T21:00:00
I'm a solid intermediate shooter, looking to have photography pay some of the bills in a few years. I've spent the last couple years on a gear embargo to focus on improving my user skills. Feeling I've made progress, I'm selectively improving my gear. This lens was the first big step in that direction. After reviewing a lot of lenses in this focal range, I decide on Nikon and am not regretting it at all. Whild I haven't shot a ton, I know this is a game changer. The autofocus is fast and accurate. The bokeh and depth of field are incredible. Being able to shoot a long lens in moderate to low light is a total trip. Take your time. Save up if you need to. But get the lens.
BRUCE T.
2014-02-19T19:00:00
Super sharp! The VR works great! No complaints about the design or function! If it ain't broke, why fix it? That's why I bought the old version (used, but like new) instead of the new (70-200mm, really??).
Gphoto
2013-12-04T19:00:00
This preowned item was rated "D". Cosmetically it is in pristine condition. I have used it to shoot 6 youth hockey games since it arrived and the images are amazing. Prior to receiving this it I rented the newer version of this lens (AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II) and I can say this purchase exceeded the performance of the newer version.
CHARLENE A.
2013-11-11T19:00:00
I was hoping it would be faster when I take shots of dancers but great lens overall, for portraits and action shots, worth your money even if it was used before.
Globetrotter
2013-10-22T20:00:00
Pro caliber lens. Built like a tank. Fine optics. Much better lens collar mount than my 300 f/4 Nikkor, but the 300 f/4 is sharper than this lens - and is a great lens by the way... On my D7000 it back focuses between 70-110mm unfortunately - really don't want to dial in any auto fine tune as that will just mess up the long end of the lens. On my D200 it does not seem to back focus as much. Overall this is a very good lens and would recommend.
s2sailorlis
2013-09-13T20:00:00
I have owned this lens for the past 2 years and have absolutely amazed at it's clarity. I wouldn't think for one second a reason to upgrade to the VR II. It focuses really fast and the shots you get with it are incredible. There isn't much else to say about this lens that all of the sample photos and previous reviews haven't already said. I will be honest and tell you that I don't know who rated this lens as a 1, but I can assure you that they were too weak to hold it or just didn't know how to use it. The picture below is one I took on the USS George Washington and I couldn't believe that I was able to capture some of what I was able to on that deployment.
NikonOLOGIST
2013-08-15T21:00:00
My main purpose of purchasing this lens is for taking family pictures. What I love with this lens it has a fast autofocus,sharp and especially the way it looks compare to VR II. The only thing that is not great on this lens is the weight, because after I had this lens I always got a pain on my back and especially on my shoulder.But overall i love it.
Dexter R.
2013-06-25T21:00:00
I purchased a used E rated lens. This lens was basicaly brand new looking. Works like a dream. Fast, quiet, and accurate focusing. VR works great. Sharp is an understatement.
Ryan
2013-06-17T21:00:00
I haven't had the opportunity to use this lens a lot since I've purchased it, but I've used it a couple of times to make sure everything worked properly. That's the only reason I'm not given it 5 stars, since I haven't used it enough to give it a full assessment. It's very very heavy. Make sure you hold the lens instead of letting it hang or it will surely eventually warp the camera body. I've had it on a Nikon D3 and D3s and it worked great on both. VR was very helpful. Pictures are crisp and clean. Very happy with it so far and looking forward to putting it to good use.
Crystal
2013-06-16T20:00:00
I've use this lens for the past two years for portraits and event shoots. It is easy to use no fuss once it is set up. Clarity is amazing in low light and retains details not readily seen till you get it on a computer screen. As a used lens it holds its own with VRII, creamy soft bokeh for portraits and clarity sharpness for other types of images. If you find a good used lens and can't afford the newest version, this lens is a great alternative.
SrHectorA
2013-06-12T20:00:00
I wouldn't even think about shooting an event without this lens. It is one of three lenses I must have for my wedding shoots. It is just unbelievably great. Before I could afford this lens I rented it to do several shoots because it wasn't the same shooting without it. I'm in love with it!!!!
delikesenikon
2013-05-13T21:00:00
Shoot live music events. This is THEE lens for indoor or outdoor events.
Daragaya
2013-05-13T21:00:00
I put this lens on a d7000. I had rented the same lens for a wedding and fell in love with it. When I got this lens I noticed my images didn't seem as sharp tho as the one I had rented. I adjusted the focus fine tuning, found in the menu of my camera to -20 and that seems to have worked.
ROBERT G.
2013-04-29T21:00:00
I've used a Nikon 80-200 f/2.8D for years and this is superior in my opinion. I am very happy with it!
McFeo F.
2013-03-25T21:00:00
It's always tough for me to buy used camera equipment. You never know how someone may have treated their gear. Adorama is trustworthy and honest about the condition used items are in.
Anna B.
2012-09-23T21:00:00
This is a fantastic lens,and huge upgrade to my Sigma 80mm-300mm. It's great for sports photography to catch those fast paced moments. Can be heavy after a while if hand held. You'll need a monopod for long sporting events.
BobJV
2012-08-12T21:00:00
This is an awesome lens for shooting sports inside or out Day or night
Sports g.
2012-07-22T21:00:00
I love this lens. I use it on my NIKON D300s for action, air shows and wildlife shooting and the product and output quality is excellent. It's not inexpensive and it can get heavy if you have to carry it around for long, but that's to be expected with this type of lens. I highly recommend it.
Robert M.
2012-07-08T21:00:00
After decades of serious film photography, I finally entered the digital environment. My film equipment included extensive Nikon and Mamiya RB67 systems. My initial entry into the digital world included a Nikon D90 and this 70-200mm telephoto lens. This lens, combined with a DX-format body, gives me the same capability that I had with my 300mm f/2.8 monster lens in my old film system. It's a big lens, but it handles very well and the vibration reduction performs superbly with slow shutter speeds; tripod is not needed. I've only had one shooting experience with it - candid shots at a large outdoor family gathering. The focus was very fast, the zoom range was excellent, and the bokeh is wonderful. I attached one candid portrait shot as an example. I'm still a rookie in the digital photo world, but the performance of this lens encourages me to resume the enjoyment with photography that I used to have with my film equipment. Adorama was great to deal with. They bought all of my old film equipment and provided excellent suggestions about choices in digital gear.
JAMES C.
2012-05-13T21:00:00
I use this lens for photo's when the range is called and in low light. As a lens built mainly for professionals, it's built solid and is heavy. Although somewhat soft at the edges, it takes great pictures - paticularly in low light. Its long focal length adds a special diminsion to outdoor portraits.
RON C.
2012-05-10T20:00:00
I love the bokeh you get with this lens and it's amazingly sharp.
Federico
2012-04-15T21:00:00
I use this lens for low light photography, portraits, telephoto shots and combinations of these three. This is a ptofessional grade lens with superb build quality which will last a lifetime. With the VR feature it performes very well when hand held in low light. It does seem to show a little softness at the corners, which might be significant to architectural photographers but, for me, isn't significant in the way that I use the lens.
RON C.
2012-03-25T21:00:00
This is a great lens! I've used it for action shooting on my Nikon D7000, and I couldn't ask for more. Have had excellent results with sharpness throughout the zoom range. The bokeh is beautiful when zooming in on flowers, or just about anything really - even when shooting wide open. It is fast enough that even though it is heavy, I can shoot handheld and not get camera shake. I love the way it balances on my tripod also. I would recommend this lens to anyone that needs fast glass.
SHIELA G.
2012-03-09T19:00:00
I have been using this lens in all lighting situations. The beauty of this lens is that you can add the TC3 2x Teleconverter and shoot the equivalent of a 600mm lens at 5.6. I've achieved excellent resolution and clarity with this combination and it has enabled me to take wildlife images at dusk and dawn without having to sacrifice ISO. All in all, it's not as good as a 2.8 - 600mm, but for the price, you can't beat it.
ELIZABETH M.
2012-03-02T19:00:00
Waited way too many years to purchase. Took some good images with alternative lenses, that could have been much better with this one. Don't wait.
pharmer182
2012-02-26T19:00:00
This lens weighs 3.2 pounds and should be carried in it's own case when not in use. Also a tripod or monopod is useful because of the weight. This is an expensive lens and will last a lifetime if cared for.
Robert
Extend coverage on pre-owned products after the retailer warranty ends and protect photo & video gear from accidental damage with Adorama Protect.
If we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it at no additional cost.
Coverage for pre-owned gear begins after the retailer warranty ends, plus accidental damage protection for photo/video gear that starts on day one.
Enjoy your gear without fear. We have you covered!
When regular use of your product over time results in mechanical or electrical failure.
We will never charge you a deductible after the purchase of a plan.
Our claims process is simple & easy and our customer service team is happy to help.
Adorama Protect powered by Extend is available for purchase to customers in the United States. Not available for International and U.S. territories purchases. Plans on pre-owned items do not cover pre-existing damages.
Browse our FAQ
15 Groups /21 Elements
34°20'-12°20' (22°50'-8° with D1-series and D100 digital SLR)
2.8-22
4.9 ft.
1:5.6
77mm
8.5 x 3.4"
50.2 oz.
After a terrific evening program Moose Peterson presented for the Workshops@AdoramaRead more
Want to catch the action? Here’s a quick guide to the gear—especially lenses--you need. Updated for Fall 2015. Whether you're shooting with a DSLR or a high-end Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Compact
“Most of us 'see' an image, but often feel the need to explain what it was that we were going after in the picture. If that's the case, we need to do a better job.”—Monica Cipnic
The Go To lens in my bag.
By NikonOLOGIST
I have owned this lens for the past 2 years and have absolutely amazed at it's clarity. I wouldn't think for one second a reason to upgrade to the VR II. It focuses really fast and the shots you get with it are incredible. There isn't much else to say about this lens that all of the sample photos and previous reviews haven't already said. I will be honest and tell you that I don't know who rated this lens as a 1, but I can assure you that they were too weak to hold it or just didn't know how ...
View full Review
A "Superb Lens In All Respects"
By notsotall
I have used Nikon products since the early 70's. I have now owned this lens for approximately one year, mounted on my D3s, I don't believe this combination can be beaten in this field! Worth every penny. A Typical Nikon product
Features Nikon's Vibration Reduction system, enhanced to compensate for image blur caused by hand shake and also shake caused by movement of the photographer such as riding in a car or aircraft; the compensation can handle shutter speeds about three times slower than one might otherwise use without VR technology. The lens also incorporates Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) Technology for very fast, accurate and nearly silent focusing plus compact, lightweight design for easier handling.
In addition the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens includes a selection of Nikon advanced technologies such as Manual/Automatic mode, Extra Low Dispersion glass (ED), and G-Type design (aperture control exclusively from camera body).
Offered exclusively in Nikon's AF-S optics, the Manual Automatic mode (M/A) allows for instant switching between autofocus and manual focus, virtually eliminating lag time in the transition and enabling photographers to make a last minute adjustment, even if the autofocus system has locked onto the subject.
This performance is complimented by Nikon's Autofocus Tracking with Lock-on(R), a technology that will enable the system to maintain sharp focus even if the subject is momentarily obscured from view, or if the camera's AF sensor momentarily moves off the main subject.
Extra Low Dispersion (ED) Optical Glass is a high quality, low dispersion glass that enables superior performance from this versatile, compact lens. Through low dispersion characteristics the lens' color performance is enhanced by virtually eliminated secondary chromatic aberrations that are common to telephoto optics that do not include ED glass; this technology enhances image quality with added visible sharpness and contrast to the image.
The G-Type feature is designed for the newest Nikon SLR models, including both 35mm and digital, all of which feature a built in Sub-Command Dial, from which aperture control is possible. The design facilitates better lens handling, and helps photographers keep a more positive grip on the camera as they use their right index finger to adjust aperture. This firmer grip and excellent balance will help photographers get sharper images, even as they adjust exposure and quickly shoot their pictures.
Distance Technology (included in D-type and G-type Nikkor lenses) provides precision distance information from the lens. This information is incorporated into exposure calculations for both ambient light and flash illumination, as well as combinations of both. The distance information enables more precise calculations, leading to improved exposure control.
The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED is fully compatible with all Nikon SLR models that include a built-in aperture control Command Dial. It will also operate using Shutter Priority and Program Mode operation in many Nikon models that do not have a built-in aperture control.