With Nikon’s recent introduction of its smaller, lighter D800, D800E and D600 models into its FX, or full-frame, DSLR lineup, the company was ready to provide photographers attracted to these DSLRs with commensurate lenses…and the NIKKOR 70–200mm f/4G ED VR is one of them. Just as the D600 is smaller and lighter than the older D700 and the D800/800E is smaller and lighter than the D3X and D4, the 70–200mm f/4G ED VR lens is also reduced in size and weight compared to the 70–200mm f/2.8G VR II. Read more about Nikon portrait lens on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

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The 70–200mm f/4G ED VR is 3.1 x 7.0” (78 x 178.5mm) and weighs 30 oz. (850g) while the 70–200mm f/2.8G VR II is 3.4 x 8.1 inches (87 x 206mm) and just shy of 3.4 lbs. (1,540g). The weight alone is quite a difference. Early third-party reviewers were particularly struck by the small size and lightness of the f/4 version of the 70–200mm and how compatible it was physically with the D600 and D800/800E DSLRs. The slimness of this new lens is also evident when you consider it takes a 67mm filter while 77mm is typical on Nikon FX-equivalent lenses.

Even though the 70–200mm f/4G ED VR is approximately $1,000 less than the 70–200mm f/2.8G VR II, the newer lenses build quality is quite good, with a rubber seal added to the mount for water- and dust-resistance. Plus, the handling features of the lens are certainly pro quality, with very responsive focusing and a smooth zoom movement that is also well damped. The new 70–200mm f/4G also doesn’t change its length during operations, since focus and zooming takes place internally.

Nikon has also given the 70–200mm f/4G an excellent optical configuration, with 20 elements in 14 groups, three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to deliver very sharp stills and video imagery and to minimize chromatic aberrations and the company’s Nano Crystal Coating that helps to control ghosting and flare. This new lens is also built with Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), so autofocusing is very fast and quiet and you have immediate use of manual focus without any hesitation.

Early testing seems to indicate that this new Nikon FX lens does reach the 5 stops of image stabilization that Nikon is claiming. Of course, one wouldn’t expect it to match the low-light capability of the f/2.8 model; however, the upgraded Vibration Reduction feature in conjunction with its lighter weight should result in sharp pictures at rather low shutter speeds, even at the full telephoto length of 200mm.

The Nikon 70–200mm f/4G ED VR lens is also compatible with Nikon’s DX, or APS-C, format DSLRs, providing an equivalent focal length range of 105–300mm. This new lens’ versatility also allows for reasonable close-up focusing as close as 3.28 feet and a maximum magnification of 0.274x.

There is also an optional tripod collar (Nikon RT-1) for the new 70–200mm f/4G ED VR.

At 70–200mm, this NIKKOR lens delivers an excellent focal length range for portrait, travel and all-purpose photography for serious amateurs and semi-pros and professionals who are happy to carry a lighter, smaller package and still capture sharp, beautiful images.

The Nikon 70–200mm f/4G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR zoom lens is available from Amazon for $1,396.95


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