Knack Sharp Bokehwunder

OK, granted, the title sounds like adulation and superlatives. I also want to give me in this review but critical and comparative, in particular with regard to its predecessor (Nikon AF D 80-200 / 2.8 ED NIKKOR lens, in sliding and revolving Zoom variants without vibration reduction) and the successor (Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70 -200mm 1: 2.8G ED VR II lens (77mm filter thread, image bar.)).

With the consideration, "80-200, 70-200, VR-I / VR II or even a -Telezoom?" I went quite a while pregnant as an acquisition resistance of around 800 (the 80-200er was the friendly camera Dutchman long time new in the range available, as it is not "G" is elded unlike the lenses with 70mm focal length and has an analogue camera suitable aperture ring ) and 1600 (VR-I) and nearly 2000 (VR II) is not to be sneezed.

The VR II has been revised in some respects, we have in particular responds to increasing lamentations of full-format photographers and the resolution / darkening improved in the border area. The Antiverwackeldackel should have also risen, now bring even more f-stops "image enhancement".

Compared to 80-200er the immediate successor is optically equal, by the pinion drive focused former course slowly, noisily and in some cameras (Nikon D70) u. U. even imprecise. The absence of V (ibration) R (eduction) should be dismissed even by sports photographers lightly as nonsense because the system is in operating mode "Normal" also (horizontal and probably also vertical) pans reliably detects, then excluding from its stabilization. From this perspective, the term would be "Mitziehassistent" So attached, succeed in the extreme telephoto range spectacularly dynamic panning at slow shutter speeds (eg., 1 / 60s at 200mm), which drive an analog photographers with 80-200er Committee moderately to the brink of despair.

The VR mode "Active" then kills all vibrations, z. B. for material from driving cars or helicopters [every serious photographer should have a helicopter ;-)] was taken. 2.8G IF-ED VR not as the gem's full name is, however, the vibration reduction must remain switched off "tripod detection" are in the Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 70-200mm 1. The improved version is equipped according to the manufacturer, with a related recognition software ("[...] Nikon's VR technology Further Enhances picture taking potential with a choice of two modes to match most shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode Primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode compensates for vibration in situations Effectively Where It is more pronounced and more frequent, as search When shooting from a moving vehicle. [...] "), but you should his fortune not unnecessarily challenge.

VR on a tripod brings little to nothing and harm in individual cases.

Users of Cropkamera (DX format), the change from Kitzoom or even a superzoom the 70-200er will not believe their eyes. The glass is already at f 2.8 (if it has, it uses them well) brutally sharp, puts the slight dimming again significantly, allows an excellent removal differentiation and provides an incredibly quiet and uniform background disarming drawing (commonly called "bokeh" known), which predestined the Nikkor for portrait photography - it would be almost 1.5 kilograms, a length of 215mm and 87mm diameter (without the removable stand base) not a pretty tough nut to crack. The successor incidentally again increased by 100g for lost 10mm in length.

I want to make it short: In this focal length range can visually at best, the Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm 1: 2 D Lens (72mm filter thread), the 105mm f / 2.8 AF and AF-S VR Micro (Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm 1: 2.8G VR lens (62mm filter thread, image stabilized) compete) and some fixed focal lengths. Who does not need the light intensity (and take risks when using a teleconverter will), which should be at the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 4 / 70-200 ED VR Lens Black (aka. 70-200mm f / 4G ED VR AF-S , almost half weight, shorter length and the VR-I with similar 2.8er open aperture Price) orient.

Within the ranks of 2.8er squad with VR there is next to the numerical resolution, however, other differences that are often swept under the carpet bashfully. So lost the VR II at the minimum focusing distance to massive focal length a. "Solid" means that the VR-I at the shortest distance motif (which is about 1.5 meters), after all, still has 182mm focal length, the VR II (has shrunk its minimum focusing distance to silly 10cm) but only 134mm. Translated: Maximum Magnification Ratio at old 70-200er: 1: 5.6, the new 1: 8.3.

Put it bluntly: Anyone with the thing (well) photographed portraits and pseudo macros, the annoyed at a lower 33% focal length. For me unacceptable for the quality of hot sports photographer with FX Body possibly irrelevant. Only the sports photographer again missed the Focus Lock buttons that are really handy.

Focus-Lock? Exactly. They are pleasing to the slightly shortened dimensions of 70-200er VR II victim. Who likes to work with the process "Focus & Recompose" and continuous auto focus, this feature will be appreciated, because the workaround with the unfavorably located at the body (or perhaps even non-existent) "AF On" button and the Custom Function "a5 AF activation "(D300) annoying.

Also you can easily position itself as a sports photographer, thanks to the AF-lock knobs (three of them in easy-grip portrait and landscape position) in the throng, activate AF-C (continuous auto focus), prefocusing and with pushed AF Lock button / semi Laying pressed trigger in wait. If the object of desire over, Solving the AF lock button and the focus tracking right at once - without Pumperei. Sounds harder than it is.

I should mention that when focusing annoying beep and whistle gave my copy of 70-200ers the ultrasonic motor already in the new state on its own. The favorite Niko dealer listened to the matter and attested a defect (initially only aesthetic), which was fixed promptly and free of charge by replacing the module. These glasses are therefore quite complex and complexity generates known defect potentials. According to reports, include damage to the VR system and the focus motor to the most common for this series.

This does not mean, incidentally, that with a rain lip equipped and well sealed lens would be a mimosa. It is a true workhorse that can withstand the elements and the harsh photographers everyday without complaint. Where cheaper competing products already collect a dent on filter ring, the rubber armor at this point Nikkor smiles only mild. Of course, more care when unscrewing and removing screw filters (77mm diameter) is especially so in demand, the rubber acts as a quasi-simultaneously "loss prevention".

The sad conclusion: Anyone who has photographed the 70-200er (even if only on loan), there is no longer so quickly out of hand - in which it is good also for the perfect ergonomic controls. Given the optical and mechanical 5-star quality one is messed up for all time towards cheaper goods. Whether the decision now falls for a copy without any, or with improved vibration reduction - the choice is yours, I leave it to you!

Many Greetings!