Nikon has introduced a remarkable upgrade to its 70-200mm lens series, delivering a more streamlined and potent tool for professional photographers. The new 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is notably lighter and more compact than its predecessor, boasting a significantly faster and quieter autofocus system powered by a voice-coil linear actuator. This enhancement, combined with advanced lens coatings that drastically reduce flare and chromatic aberrations, ensures exceptional image quality and performance, making it a compelling choice for demanding shooting environments.
While the lens excels in many areas, including its robust build and compatibility with teleconverters for extended reach, some minor considerations exist, such as the appearance of onion rings in specular highlights within the bokeh. Despite its premium price point of $3,199, positioning it as one of the more expensive options in its class, its overall improvements in handling, speed, and optical performance solidify its status as a top-tier lens for a wide range of photographic disciplines, from action and wildlife to portraits.
Enhanced Portability and Precision Engineering
The latest iteration of Nikon's 70-200mm f/2.8 lens showcases a commitment to portability and advanced design, addressing key user feedback from previous models. This new lens distinguishes itself with a significantly reduced weight and a more compact form factor, making it more comfortable for extended use in diverse photographic scenarios. The ability to easily detach the tripod collar and replace it with a lighter sleeve further minimizes its overall bulk, offering photographers greater flexibility and reducing strain during long shoots. The integrated Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot adds to its user-friendly design, streamlining mounting processes.
Beyond its physical attributes, the lens is a marvel of precision engineering, featuring a professional-grade, weather-sealed construction that ensures durability and reliability in challenging outdoor conditions. Its intuitive controls include a smooth manual focus ring, customizable function buttons, and a versatile control ring that can be programmed for various functions like aperture adjustment. The improved lens hood with a push-button lock and a unique window for adjusting polarizing filters highlights Nikon's attention to detail, while the impressive six-stop image stabilization provides unparalleled sharpness for both handheld and static shots.
Revolutionized Autofocus and Optical Excellence
A major leap forward for the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lies in its completely revamped autofocus system, which rectifies the speed limitations of its predecessor. By integrating a voice-coil linear actuator, Nikon has achieved remarkably fast and silent focusing capabilities, making the lens ideal for capturing elusive wildlife and dynamic action without disturbing subjects or introducing unwanted noise. This technological advancement, dubbed the "Silky Swift engine," provides instant response times and smooth transitions, crucial for high-speed photography.
In terms of optical quality, the lens employs a sophisticated array of advanced coatings, including Nano Crystal, ARNEO, and Meso-Amorphous, which collectively deliver exceptional flare control and color fidelity. These coatings effectively mitigate ghosting and maintain contrast even in harsh lighting conditions, ensuring that images remain vibrant and free from unwanted artifacts. Furthermore, the lens exhibits minimal longitudinal chromatic aberrations, resulting in clean, color-fringing-free images, particularly in out-of-focus areas. While the bokeh, though generally smooth, may show some "onion ring" patterns in specular highlights, the lens's versatility is enhanced by its close-focusing capabilities, offering impressive macro ratios for detailed shots across its focal range.