I received my new 70-200mm AFS VR II Zoom Nikkor lens last week from Roberts Imaging after being on the waiting list since day one. Here are my first impressions using the new lens.
General Handling
The new 70-200VR is slightly shorter and fatter than the VRI, but doesn’t seem too big. In fact, I think it feels just right in the hand. The MF ring is smaller, and this feature, combined with a new A/M AF mode, means that you’ll be unlikely to accidentally engage MF during AF usage by bumping the MF ring. Gone are the AF activation buttons on the end of the lens barrel (I didn’t use those on my old VRI, anyway). The tripod foot is the same as the original, and can be replaced with an Arca-Swiss foot from RRS or Kirk— I was able to use my old foot on the new lens.
More after the jump…
Continue reading Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.G AFS VR II first impressions