The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR ($1,399.95 direct) is the low-cost alternative to Nikon's 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. It only captures half the light at its maximum aperture, but it costs $1,000 less.

Vibration reduction system; Fixed aperture through zoom range; Sharp images.

Tripod collar is an expensive add-on.

Nikon has revealed a new telephoto zoom lens featuring 'next generation VR technology that boasts up to five stops of image stabilisation.

As a professional photojournalist I have used the 2.8 version of this lens from Nikon and Canon for years. This is a very nice, more affordable alternative. The lens is very sharp, the image stabilization works very well, and it focuses at about 3.5 feet, which is amazing for a 200mm lens.

Very sharp

Price is a little high

After owning a complete f/4 L series lineup from Canon, I had anticipated owning the same from Nikon. It's taken a few years, but Nikon has come through with flying colors. Adding this fine lens to my D7K and 24-120/4 VR gives me an excellent lineup of pro f/4 options.

Durable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Lightweight; Rugged; Strong Construction

This lens is for everyone who doesn't need f2.8. They say that the 2.8 VR II is sharper, but I can't imagine it being a noticable difference because this is supersharp. It seems to be just as fast at focusing.

very sharp, very fast AF, close min; focusing distance(less than 1m), light, VR

made out of plastic; no weather sealing

This lens is outstanding. Much sharper than my 70-200 2.8 vr1. I was really surprised by how much smaller and lighter it is compared to the 2.8 as well. Only downside is compared to the 2.8 it really is not quite as fast. It won't replace my 2.8 for freezing action and that is a shame.

Handling and features Performance Verdict Specification This telephoto zoom lens from Nikon is something Nikon users have been crying out for, for years. It covers the popular 70-200m range with a constant maximum aperture of f/4, which means this lens is considerably lighter weight than its f/2.8...

Excellent sharpness; Fast silent focusing; Low CA; Low distortion; Relatively compact and lightweight (when compared to f/2.8 lenses

Tripod collar not supplied as standard; Not weather sealed

A very convenient focal-length in a wonderful package. I'm extremely happy with it! Highly recommended!

Stellar performance on the D800; good contrast; quite smooth bokeh for a f4; well controlled CA; excellent handling and usability; perfectly damped; seems to be quite solidly built; latest VR-Tech (It works great); light and small enough to carry around for a while; low flare; absolutely loveable.

Sunstars are not really great IMO

I bought this to use with my D750. Previously I had always thought, if I could afford it, I would splash out on the f2.8 but a few things caused me to buy the f4; first off I mostly take landscape photos often on a tripod so in practice I might have limited opportunity to benefit from the f2.8;...

Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Rugged; Sharp Focus

Lets cut to the chase...an ABSOLUTE MUST BUY! It's a really sharp lens, comparable in sharpness to my 24-70 f2.8 Nikkor lens. The new VR and lightweight ergonomics put it over the top! Focus & sharpness are razor sharp. The Crutchfield experience and packaging are second to none. Order away foks!

VERY Sharp, quick focus, and lightweight; Low cost and GREAT value; GLORIOUS GLASS!

Tripod collar is $$ (if needed