New Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II – Comparison

New Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II - Comparison

Nikon released the New AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR few days back. This is one of their primary lens targeted for professional photographers. The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II was an excellent lens in terms of its overall performance. According to Nikon the New lens can do even better. They brought about some changes in this model. The most controversial is the changing the position of zoom and focusing ring. In most of the professional Nikkor lenses the Focusing ring lies at the front of the lens and Zoom ring at the back. This time they reversed the position of these two rings. I personally don’t like this, its quite awkward.

New Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II - ComparisonOn the positive side the new lens can focus closer than the old one (now 3.6ft), it has Fluorine coating which helps to clean the front element easily. Introduction of Electromagnetic diaphragm (E) will be helpful for consistent exposure, even with a teleconverter. Besides they reintroduced the focus memory buttons which was removed in AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II. The new 70-200 is 110gm lighter and little shorter than the old model. VR image stabilization has been enhanced from 3.5 stops to 4.0 stops – not a big change. Nikon also mentioned the lens has no focus breathing effect across the entire zoom range.

New Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II - Comparison

New Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II - Comparison

 

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Release date
30th July 2009 19th October 2016
Price
$2,099.95 $2,799.95
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Format
Mount Type Nikon F-Bayonet Nikon F-Bayonet
Focal Length 70-200mm 70-200mm
Compatible Format(s) FX, DX FX, DX
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 0.12x 0.21x
Zoom Ratio 2.9x 2.9x
   
Aperture
   
Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8 f/ 2.8
Minimum Aperture f/ 22 f/ 22
Diaphragm blades 9 (rounded) 9 (rounded)
Electromagnetic diaphragm No Yes
Angle of View
Maximum (DX-format) 22°50′ 22°50′
Minimum (DX-format)
Maximum (FX-format) 34°20′ 34°20′
Minimum (FX-format) 12°20′ 12°20′
Focusing
Focus Mode Auto, Manual, Manual/Auto Auto, Manual, Manual/Auto
Minimum Focus Distance 4.6 ft. (1.4m) 3.6 ft. (1.1m)
Focus function button None 4
VR Image Stabilization Yes-  up to 3.5 stop Yes- up to 4 stop
VR mode Normal, Active Normal, Sport
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) Yes Yes
Internal Focusing Yes Yes
Distance Information Yes Yes
Lens Construction
Lens Elements 21 22
Lens Groups 16 18
ED Glass Elements 7 6
Fluorite (FL) element No 1
High Refractive (HRI) lens element No 1
Nano Crystal Coat Yes Yes
Super Integrated Coating Yes Yes
Fluorine coat No Yes – Front element
Weather sealing Yes Yes
Focusing ring position Front of the lens Rear of the lens
Zoom ring position Rear of the lens Front of the lens
Tripod collar Yes Yes
Filter Size 77mm 77mm
Filter Type Screw-on Screw-on
Filter frame Non-rotating Non-rotating
Dimensions (Diameter x Length) 3.4 in. (87 mm) x 8.1 in. (205.5 mm) 3.4 in. (88.5 mm) x 7.9 in. (202.5 mm)
Weight (with tripod collar) 54.3 oz. (1540 g) 50.5 oz. (1430 g)
Supplied Accessories
Front Lens Cap 77mm – LC-77

Rear Lens Cap – LF-4 Rear Lens Cap

Bayonet Lens Hood – HB-48

Ballistic Nylon Lens Case – CL-M2

Front Lens Cap 77mm – LC-77

Rear Lens Cap – LF-4 Rear Lens Cap

Bayonet Lens Hood – HB-78

Ballistic Nylon Lens Case – CL-M2

Adorama | B&H | Amazon Adorama | B&H | Amazon

New Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II - Comparison

New Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II - Comparison