Photos taken with Nikon 70-200mm f/4 -AFs VR II ED-IF and Nikon D5300

The Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR is Nikon's newest addition to the popular range of 70-200mm zooms. But this time it is not a replacement for an older lens but an alternative to the top of the range AF-S 70-200/2.8G ED VR.

Both lenses are compatible with full-frame DSLRs and feature vibration reduction to counteract camera shake. Both additionally have gold rings and constant apertures which classify them as high-end options, but where they differ is their maximum aperture: f4 on this new model compared to f2.8 on the older one.

Size (diam. x length): 78 x 179 mm (3.1 x 7.0 in.) compared to 87 x 206 mm (3.4 x 8.1 in.) for the f2.8. The lens-hood adds another 36mm (to a total length of 215mm). The lens does not change length during zooming or focusing.

Weight: 850 g (30.0 oz.) vs. 1,540 g (3.4 lb.) of the f2.8. The difference of almost 700g is clearly felt and a major benefit over the f2.8.

Optics: 20 elements in 14 groups compared with 21/16 elements/groups for the f2.8. That's standard for modern zooms in this range. And as 14 groups have 28 air/glass-surfaces that produce a lot of opportunities for flares and ghosts Nikon has applied their special Nano Crystal Coat. The cross-section shows three extra-low dispersion elements and there's also one element with a high refractive index.

Filter-thread: 67mm = smaller than the usual 77mm of the pro-lenses.

VR: yes, the new version 3 of Nikon's VR system. Nikon claims it gives you up to 5 stops of stabilization, one stop more than with the previous version 2. The lens offers two VR modes - a "normal" mode for most situations including static scenes, object tracking as well as monopod shots, whereas the 2nd "active" mode to compensate more pronounced vibrations (e.g. when shooting from a moving vehicle).

Closest focus distance/max. magnification: 1.0 m (3.3 ft) / 1:3.6

AF: AF-S with SWM (silent wave motor), so it does work on D60/3x00/5x00-bodies, manual-focus override by turning the focus ring

In general the impression of build quality is that of an upmarket albeit not pro-level lens: A high quality plastic construction combined with a weather sealed metal lens-mount, and nine rounded aperture blades.
The Nikon 70-200/4.0G VR delivers very good overall performance.

The Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/4 VR is an excellent lens that performs on a very high level. Resolution is generally excellent in the image center and very good at the borders and corners.

Distortion is a bit on the high side at the long end of the zoom range, while vignetting and CAs are well controlled. The bokeh is quite smooth. Thanks to the silent-wave drive the AF is silent and very fast. The new third-generation VR module is impressive and works very well.

Alte informatii http://www.fotostefan.ro/nikon-70-200mm-f4g-vr-scurt-test/