NOTE: This article was first published over at nikonglass on the 25th February 2014

INTRO

I've been waiting for such a lens from Nikon ever since the appearance of the high ISO champions D3 & D700. Like many other Nikonians, my wish was for a smaller and lighter telezoom to use for weddings without of-course compromising on optical and AF performance. The first copies of the new AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR arrived in Greek stores on the 14th December 2012 and I was probably one of the first owners of this lens in my country – so sorry for the late posting of this review (first published 25 February 2014 on Nikonglass).

BUILD QUALITY

First impressions when first handling the lens are its small size and light weight. Thankfully, the polycarbonate design and overall build quality are reassuring and feels nice in the palm of my hand, even though it’s made in Thailand. Obviously, when compared to the Japanese made AF-S 70-200 f2.8 VR, the later is larger, much heavier with a cold metal feeling and obviously offering a more reassuring build quality. Still, I prefer the lighter lens! Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer the weatherproof construction of its more expensive f/2.8 cousin but it feels weatherproof enough for most uses and also features the now common rubber dust seal on the rear mount.

CHOICES

At the moment, Nikon users have basically 3 choices when it comes to a telezoom: The New Nikon AFS 80-400mm VR, the AFS 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II and the AFS 70-200mm f/4 VR. The 80-400mm is nearly the same weight as the 70-200mm f/2.8 and both are heavier than the AFS 70-200mm f4 VR. Thankfully all three lenses are excellent performers both optically and in operation. So if you want reach, your choice is the 80-400mm, if you need that extra stop of speed, then get the f/2.8 version of the 70-200mm and if like me you are at an age where you value low-weight then get the 70-200mm f/4.

QUICK SPECS

• Maximum Aperture: f/4
• Minimum Aperture: f/32
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.274x
• 20 Elements in 14 Lens Groups
• High Refractive Index Elements: 1
• Diaphragm Blades: 9
• Nano Crystal Coat: Yes
• ED Glass Elements: 3
• Super Integrated Coating: Yes
• Minimum Focus Distance: 1m
• Filter Size: 67mm
• Dimensions: 78mm x 178.5mm
• Weight: 850g

DESCRIPTION

Both focusing and zooming are internal, which means the length of the lens remains constant and the front element does not rotate when focal length or focus are adjusted. Zoom and focusing rings feel great with a smooth action and just the right amount of damping so one finger use is possible, a real plus for this size lens. One thing that’s surprisingly missing from this lens is the tripod collar. Unfortunately, Nikon has decided that this will be an optional extra and an expensive one too. Thankfully, I won’t be needing it and I don’t think the majority of you will. The lens is light enough to not require a tripod collar, though it would have been nice of Nikon to have included it.

The lens offers 4 switches: your usual AF/M selection, a focus limiter for faster acquisition when shooting subjects further than 3 meters, and 2 switches for VR control, one for turning it on or off and the other for selecting between Normal and Active. These are usually set at A/M for AF operation with Manual override, Full for the whole range of focus, ON for VR use and Normal for VR operation. Active VR is selected when shooting from a moving vehicle such as a car, boat, helicopter etc

VR

The AF-S 70-200mm f/4G offers VR in its third generation with a claimed shake reduction of up to five f-stops. Version 1 was good, version II was excellent so version III can only be more than we need!

AUTOFOCUSING

Point it to your subject and press the shutter release and you will be pleasantly surprised by the amazingly fast VR action plus AF lock-on. Focusing is smooth and whisper quiet, though the VR action might bother some wedding photographers who are picky, though definitely not a concern. Focusing speed is about the same as my already very fast 70-200 f2.8 VRI. One of the downsides of the maximum f/4 aperture is that under low lighting situations hunting becomes a more common occurrence when compared to its faster cousin, though with the D800 it’s more of a stall rather than a hunt. I got constantly excellent results while zoomed out to 200mm at 1/60th second with a TC 1.4x converter connected. It seems to me that the 3rd gen VR shows more of an improvement its response than low shutter speed capabilities.

PICTURES TAKEN WITH THE AFS 70-200MM F/4G VR

Nikon D800 AFS 70-200mm f/4G @ 150mm EXPOSURE: 1/15sec @ f/8 ISO 200

Nikon D800 AFS 70-200mm f/4G @ 200mm EXPOSURE: 1/2000sec @ f/5 ISO 100

Nikon D800 AFS 70-200mm f/4G @ 95mm EXPOSURE: 1/200sec @ f/4 ISO 450

Nikon D800 AFS 70-200mm f/4G @ 200mm EXPOSURE: 1/400sec @ f/4 ISO 800

PICTURE QUALITY

Overall the center sharpness is unbelievable! At times i think it surpasses anything I have ever used! The edges are obviously softer but still retain good enough detail. Personally i will be using this lens wide open without second thought, its just that good! There is some pincushion if you go looking for it, but I don’t think it will be of any concern for the majority of users. The plastic hood is a no-thrills affair and won’t win any design awards, but it does a good job of controlling side lighting from hitting the front optics. Thankfully the lens comes with Nikons Nano Crystal coating, which I personally love, so flaring is very well controlled. Vignetting is noticeable when shooting an evenly lit wall or the sky but not distracting or noticeable under normal everyday shooting. It’s more prominent at the longer zoom range and of course when shooting wide open. Of course, closing down helps improve performance overall with f/8 being about the limit for max performance when coupled to the D800.

Nikon D800 AFS 70-200mm f/4G @ 165mm EXPOSURE: 1/800sec @ f/4 ISO 100

100% screen grab. Please note that this is just a screen grab that has been again modified and compressed when uploaded here.

Nikon D800 AFS 70-200mm f/4G @ 200mm EXPOSURE: 1/1250sec @ f/4 ISO 200

100% screen grab. Please note that this is just a screen grab that has been again modified and compressed when uploaded here.

LAST WORDS

The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G is well built, comfortable to use and provides excellent imaging performance; what's not to like? The asking price is a bit on the high side especially considering that Nikon is offering the tripod collar as an optional extra, but when compared to the f/2.8 VRII then its a bargain! Overall I am very happy that I have replaced my f/2.8 version for this more affordable, lighter and possibly sharper lens. Combined with the AFS 24-120mm f/4 VR the two of them offer an affordable, very capable and manageable wedding kit.

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