NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Michael Erlewine on August 09, 2021, 17:55:29
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Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S Lens review: Great optical performance
https://www.dxomark.com/nikon-nikkor-z-70-200mm-f2-8-vr-s-lens-review-great-performer-optically.
My thoughts exactly from using this really fine lens.
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Not surprised to hear. Well, maybe a bit -- you wonder with some of DXO's reviews if someone at their supplier has been throwing the lenses against the wall before DXO gets their hands on them.
In any case piecing together some of these reviews -- as I've yet to use the Z but greatly enjoy the E version of this lens -- it seems to me there are some patterns worth noting.
First of all, the front half of both lenses is basically identical. The Z redesigns the rear groups of elements.
Second, I think both have the zooming group in front for an optical reason. I'd love to find out more, but that's what I suspect.
Third, where the Z seems to me to have an edge is a) close-up and b) at the short end of the range where the E doesn't focus quite as close, doesn't render quite as sharply when it does, and does have some field curvature. Still, these are nitpicks unless you really do need that one to two feet of extra wiggle room close up that the Z affords.
But I'd love to see a really detailed breakdown between these two. The E has been such a major improvement for me over previous F-mount 70-200s, and where the Z would be of interest is if you'd actually reach for it before primes like the 85mm 1.8 and 105mm micro despite the extra size and weight -- the proverbial Swiss Army knife telephoto.
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I have several versions of the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8, the "F" version before the new Z versions. The Z version is the best of the lot, IMO.