The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR ($1,399.95 direct)($1,396.95 at Amazon) 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. There's no compromise in terms of build or optical quality—the lens is sharp throughout its zoom range, though edge performance is a bit lacking at 70mm. It sharpens up as you close the aperture, and delivers similar performance to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM($1,199.00 at Amazon) lens. It's compatible with full-frame Nikon cameras, as well as APS-C bodies, where it covers a 105-300mm field of view due to the smaller sensor. The lens features a flat black finish with gold trim. It measures 7 by 3.1 inches (HD) and weighs 1.9 pounds. A hood and protective case are included. It supports the use of 67mm threaded front filters, and there's no rotation of the front element so using a polarizing filter is feasible. An optional tripod collar is available, but i...

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR is the telezoom for Nikonians who can't handle the cost of the f/2.8 version of the lens.

Vibration reduction system; Fixed aperture through zoom range; Sharp images; Fairly light

Tripod collar is an expensive add-on; Soft edges at 70mm

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 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 equivalent.

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

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

Always on the lookout for exploitable market niches, both Nikon and Canon have been building out the middle of their lens catalogs with f/4 enthusiast versions of the expensive f/2.8 zooms favored by pro shooters.

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

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR is a new FX-format telephoto zoom lens with versatile 70-200mm focal range and constant f/4 aperture. Weighing in at 850 grams, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR features an inner focusing mechanism, with autofocus controlled by a Silent Wave Motor...

wonderful

There is a lot to like about the Nikon 70-200mm ƒ/4G ED VR AF-S, not the least of which is its small profile and light weight. Nikon users have long looked at Canon with longing for a smaller version of the 70-200mm ƒ/2.8 workhorse.