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

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

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...

You cannot go wrong with this lens. Unless you really need 2.8 version for portraits, this f4 version is way to go. It is light, has fast AF and gives great results. This is the only lens i use for studio product photography (large furniture pieces). This lens never misses.

sharp; good rendering; very versatile lens; fast AF

none

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 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.