Just posted! Our new lens review of Nikon's top-end fast telezoom, the AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8G ED-IF. This is the first in a series of reviews in which we'll be comparing it with similar lenses from Canon, Sigma and Tamron, using both APS-C and 35mm full frame cameras. The 70-200mm F2.8 VR has long been a favourite of Nikon DX format shooters, but how well does it stand up on the new full-frame D3? Read on to find out.
Canon, Nikon, Sigma and Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 lenses compared
![]() Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM |
![]() Nikon AF-S VR 70-200mm F2.8 G |
![]() Sigma 70-200mm 1:2.8 EX DG Apo Macro HSM II |
![]() Tamron 70-200mm 1:2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro |
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Street price | $1700 | $1625 | $800 | $700 |
Date introduced | August 2001 | April 2003 |
December 2007 |
February 2008 |
Maximum format size | 35mm full frame | 35mm full frame | 35mm full frame | 35mm full frame |
Focal length | 70-200mm | 70-200mm | 70-200mm | 70-200mm |
35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) |
112-320mm | 105-300mm | 105-300mm (1.5x) |
105-300mm (1.5x) |
Diagonal Angle of view (FF) | 34º - 12º |
34º - 12º | 34º - 12º | 34º - 12º |
Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C) | 23º - 8º |
23º - 8º | 23º - 8º | 23º - 8º |
Maximum aperture | F2.8 | F2.8 | F2.8 | F2.8 |
Minimum aperture | F32 | F22 | F22 | F32 |
Lens Construction | • 23 elements/ 18 groups |
• 21 elements/15 groups |
• 18 elements/15 groups |
• 19 elements/16 groups |
Number of diaphragm blades | 8, rounded |
9, rounded | 9 | 9, rounded |
Minimum focus | 1.4m | 1.5m | 1m | 0.9m |
Maximum magnification | 0.17x at 200mm |
0.16x at 200mm | 0.28x at 200mm | 0.32x at 200mm |
AF motor type | • Ring-type ultrasonic • Full-time manual focus |
• Ring-type ultrasonic • Full-time manual focus |
• Ring-type ultrasonic • Full-time manual focus |
• Micro motor • Manual focus clutch |
Focus method | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal |
Zoom method | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal |
Image stabilization | • 3 stops |
• 3 stops |
• None | • None |
Filter thread | • 77mm • Does not rotate on focus |
• 77mm • Does not rotate on focus |
• 77mm • Does not rotate on focus |
• 77mm • Does not rotate on focus |
Supplied accessories | Front and rear caps |
Front and rear caps HB-29 Hood CL-L2 Soft Case |
Front and rear caps Lens Hood Soft Case |
Front and rear caps Lens Hood Soft Case |
Optional accessories | ||||
Weight | 1570 g (55.4 oz) | 1470g (51.8 oz) | 1390g (49.0 oz) | 1330g (46.9 oz) |
Dimensions | 86.2 mm diameter x 197 mm length (3.4 x 7.8 in) |
87mm diameter x 215mm length (3.4 x 8.5 in) |
86.6mm diameter x 184mm length (3.4 x 7.2 in) |
89.5mm diameter x 194.3mm length (3.5 x 7.6 in) |
Lens Mount | Canon EF only | Nikon F only | Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony | Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony |
Other | • Dust and moisture sealing |
• Dust and moisture sealing |
Click here for our lens review of the Nikon AF-S VR 70-200mm F2.8 G
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