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.

On 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.