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.

Mounts: Nikon Format: Full frame Construction: 20 elements in 14 groups, nine diaphragm blades Closest focus distance: 100cm Filter thread: 67mm filter thread Autofocus: ultrasonic (ring) Dimensions: 78 x 179mm, 850g Tested on: Nikon D7100 Until late 2012, a 70-200mm f/4 lens had been a glaring...

Until late 2012, a 70-200mm f/4 lens had been a glaring omission from Nikon's extensive range of SLR lenses. This filled the gap, giving Nikon owners a lens to rival Canon's 70-200mm f/4. They're the same size, have the same 67mm filter thread and cost about the same.

Size and weight compared to a pro lens; Weather sealing; Full-time focus override

Could be sharper in the middle of the zoom range

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

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

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

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

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.

Most pros looking for a first-rate telephoto zoom go for the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II. It's a terrific lens, but it's also very big, heavy and costly. Until now, the only alternative was the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR, but that's a much cheaper, more consumer-orientated lens.

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.