70-200mm AFS f/2.8 E FL ED VR

[Ilkka Nissilä]

In the current Post-Truth era, until there is something concrete to report, getting hits on blogs seems to be achieved by making striking claims.

[David H. Hartman]

The FL element is behind the front element. There should be no issues.

The original 400/5.6 Nikkor-P which was not badged "ED" had an FL element according to Nikon tech sheet. I've got a copy here somewhere. Later version like my 400/5.6 ED AI may or may not have an FL element. 

I seem to remember issues with early Canon FL type lenses when the front element was an FL lens. I think I've seen photos but I have no clear memory.

Dave

[Roland Vink]

The original 400/5.6 Nikkor-P which was not badged "ED" had an FL element according to Nikon tech sheet. I've got a copy here somewhere. Later version like my 400/5.6 ED AI may or may not have an FL element. 

The tech sheet claimed new glass with Fluorite-like properties. As far as I know, the Nikon's first use of Fluorite elements was in the 105mm UV-Nikkor.

[chambeshi]

FYI here's more information on the new design / tripod foot - and some mention of 19 PCE

https://photographylife.com/interview-with-nikon-usa-on-70-200mm-and-19mm-pc-e-lenses#more-135705

And regrettably, another terrible video.

kind regards

woody

IMO the switch of the zoom ring to the front may be a mistake. The further away the arm has to be held, the more strain on the neck is radiated and I wouldn't be able to support my elbow on my chest as well as I can with the current version. However, the distribution of weight in the lens may influence the hand held ergonomics so it would be best to try.

[David H. Hartman]

Having watched the video I'm concerned that the new AF-S 70-200/2.8E ED FL VR appears to bounce in the hands quite freely. Not withstanding I want one. Also from watching the video I think reversing the zoom and focus positions will be good for most photograpers.

Thank you for the link!

Dave

[Erik Lund]

He he - indeed the lens seems to be unusable it just bounces around in his hand 

The worst audio in any interview ever,,,

[Andy]

Delivery seems to start this week. Got a note from my dealer earlier today.
rgds, Andy

[David H. Hartman]

I had a problem at first with the AF-S 20/1.8G ED but haven't noticed it lately. Unless a problem is significant one learns new reflexes. If I need to use the focus ring it just happens, if I don't the fingers stay off the ring.

Dave

I lied!

Just two days ago I was shooting a garden and trees for a friend's tree ID class. I had several instances where I blew the focus with my AF-S 20/1.8G ED while switching from horizontal to vertical. I caught the error each time. There is virtually no dampening on the focus ring and it's a bit wider than needed.

In time the fingers will learn. In time I'll have the reflex I need.

Dave Hartman

---

People who shoot the new 70-200/2.8E frequently will gain the reflexes they need quickly so switching the focus ring and zoom will be a short problem for most.

[Akira]

Just two days ago I was shooting a garden and trees for a friend's tree ID class. I had several instances where I blew the focus with my AF-S 20/1.8G ED while switching from horizontal to vertical. I caught the error each time. There is virtually no dampening on the focus ring and it's a bit wider than needed.

In time the fingers will learn. In time I'll have the reflex I need.

One of the handling problems of current AF-S lenses is that you cannot switch off the manual focus, especially the lenses of 50mm and shorter.  You can only select M or M/A.  On my 50/1.8G, I try to make it into a habit to support the lens on the lens hood.

[Macro_Cosmos]

Really excited about this lens, because it will make the 70-200 VR1 drop even further!

The focus breathing issue, to my understanding is very likely to be a deliberate decision to allow the 70-200 VR2 focus faster, and it does focus really really fast.


It really does seem scary for such a setup, I decided to ask some other pros who use it and they simply didn't care at all.
All 70-200 lenses exhibit some degree of breathing, but the VR2 is probably the most seriously one here. Not trying to say two wrong makes a "who cares about the flaws".

I'll be getting either the 70-200 f4 VR3 or the 70-200 AF-S VR1. Great job Nikon

[stenrasmussen]

Really excited about this lens, because it will make the 70-200 VR1 drop even further!

The focus breathing issue, to my understanding is very likely to be a deliberate decision to allow the 70-200 VR2 focus faster, and it does focus really really fast.


It really does seem scary for such a setup, I decided to ask some other pros who use it and they simply didn't care at all.
All 70-200 lenses exhibit some degree of breathing, but the VR2 is probably the most seriously one here. Not trying to say two wrong makes a "who cares about the flaws".

I'll be getting either the 70-200 f4 VR3 or the 70-200 AF-S VR1. Great job Nikon

I would prefer people would refer to this issue as focal length/distance breathing and not focus breathing.

[pluton]

I would prefer people would refer to this issue as focal length/distance breathing and not focus breathing.

"Focal length breathing" might be more clear.
Maybe we could call it "Positive Breathing" for when the apparent angle of view shrinks with close focus(as with the old unit focusing primes), and call it "Negative Breathing" when the apparent angle of view widens with close focus(as with the newer zooms and primes).

[Erik Lund]

Unit focusing keep focal length with distance I believe,,,

Some CRC designs, very few I believe,,, has positive focal length breathing like 55mm 2.8 Ais

[Bjørn Rørslett]

"Focal length breathing" might be more clear.
Maybe we could call it "Positive Breathing" for when the apparent angle of view shrinks with close focus(as with the old unit focusing primes), and call it "Negative Breathing" when the apparent angle of view widens with close focus(as with the newer zooms and primes).

I personally find the concept of focus breathing to be more appropriate. What this really means is in the near range you cannot focus without a significant change of  magnification occurring concomitantly. There is no degrees of freedom left so to speak. This behaviour is a nightmare when you are doing close-up photography and the camera is tripod-mounted. One of the many reasons I ditched the AFS 105/2.8 Micro-Nikkor  in favour of the 125/2.5 APO-Lanthar.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

I just got a review sample of the 70-200E so will check it out over the weekend.