AFS 70-200mm/2.8 FL E - first impressions

[Ilkka Nissilä]

Illka, In your case, the wedding shooting at distance, focus breathing is a non-issue since you could just step one step forward, climb one row and that's it,,,

It is of some significance. MFD doesn't come into play since I'm typically at least 5 m away. However, even at that distance the difference in framing between the 70-200/2.8 II and 200/2 II is quite big. In many situations I need more focal length (audience reaction close-ups, musical performers, speeches) and the geometry of the church and discretion prevents closer approach. A 300/4 is not giving enough light, a 300/2.8 would but would be quite an ordeal to lug around and sometimes I have to leave quickly to the car with the couple. So I don't want to leave a lot of expensive stuff behind. A 70-200/2.8 which would maintain proper angle of view expected from a 200mm would be an improvement.  However, at an upgrade cost of 2050€ and only partial improvement in this respect, I'm not too excited. When the price (without trade-in) is 2200-2400€ then there is reason to revisit the subject. It sounds like the new version's AF is improved, so that's worth something in my mind, but the existing G II version already has excellent AF which rarely produces an out of focus image. But I don't want to pay 600€ more than someone will pay in one or two years just to get it early. If it is worth it for someone else, I couldn't say; I suppose many will buy it.

I don't use the 70-200/2.8 for close-up portraits. I find it too intimidating. I use the 70-200/4 (which incidentally gives much narrower framing at 200mm than the f/2.8 II), and 85mm and 105mm primes in the studio for close-ups and typically 24-70 for full body or half body images.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The new 70-200 appears to be a high performance optic. The near absence of chromatic errors makes for crisp and clear images. I am surprised how well the complex design with all its glass inside (a staggering 22 elements of various kinds) tackle strong light sources. Even shooting directly into the sun does not trigger chromatic aberrations and contrast keeps up well to.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Again at 200mm, now at the near limit of approx 1.1 m. I'm shooting the latest snow pack skidding off my roof. The lack of any chromatic nasties is welcome and as evident from the image, blur circles even with the lens at an intermediate aperture (f/7.1) are pleasantly rounded in shape.

[Andy]

Erik,
please find enclosed 4 shots at the MFD of each lens (& 200mm)

D75_0532: VR I
D75_0533: VR II
D75_0534: FL E
D75_0535: AFS 200mm/2 VR I

rgds, Andy

[Erik Lund]

Thanks Andy! Nice boot Confirms the numbers

Bjørn, Nice so far indeed,,,

How are the out of focus highlights, Cats eyes or rounded, almost round?

[Andy]

Erik, please see D5D_7910 in my first post (The chain lock picture). You will see some cat eyes there

[MILLIREHM]

A few remarks:

The new 70-200, not unexpectedly, hot spots in IR.

The arrangement of focusing and zooming rings actually immensely improves hand-held operation. .... Very easy to zoom and focus with the fingers on the left hand. The tripod foot, which is conveniently rounded in front, played an instrumental part as it cradles nicely into the palm of your left hand and thus adds support and enhances lens control.

That description meets exactly what was my first impression

[Erik Lund]

Erik, please see D5D_7910 in my first post (The chain lock picture). You will see some cat eyes there

I need to see more please


Afraid that the chain shape makes them look different,,,

[Bjørn Rørslett]

I'll make you some cat's eyes then

I'll do a night shot to study coma etc. later tonight. Probably will be able to make some cat's eyes by slight defocusing in that setting.

[Andy]

Flashlight, approx 10m, f22, crop

[Roland Vink]

Erik,
please find enclosed 4 shots at the MFD of each lens (& 200mm)

D75_0532: VR I
D75_0533: VR II
D75_0534: FL E
D75_0535: AFS 200mm/2 VR I

rgds, Andy

The results are as expected from the specifications:
70-200 VR I - 1:5.6 (1.4m with manual focus)
70-200 VR II - 1:8.3
70-200 FL E - 1:4.7
200/2 VR - 1:8.1

The VRII and 200/2 both frame the boot almost identically at MFD, not surprisingly since the magnification is almost the same.
the VRI and FL versions also have very similar framing at MFD, although from the specs I would have expected the FL to frame a bit tighter...

[PedroS]

Mine is here 

Lots of photos are already surfing and the big "gurus" are sharing their findings...

I would like to share two things that normally don't receive much attention...

1. The lens hood has been corrected and now the lens can stand on top of it
2. Nikon has much improved the foot support plate (look at the photos)

On this one MkII the plate was very thin being distorted fairly easily. Look closely and you can see the RRS logo. Yes, I have already replaced the original one a couple of years ago. Tried my best to find the Nikon one, but if my memory serves me well, it was bent and must has been filled!!


See the new one, much beefier and much stronger. Well done Nikon.

[MILLIREHM]

The results are as expected from the specifications:
70-200 VR I - 1:5.6 (1.4m with manual focus)
70-200 VR II - 1:8.3
70-200 FL E - 1:4.7
200/2 VR - 1:8.1

Thats good news

[MILLIREHM]

Mine is here 

Lots of photos are already surfing and the big "gurus" are sharing their findings...

I would like to share two things that normally don't receive much attention...

1. The lens hood has been corrected and now the lens can stand on top of it
2. Nikon has much improved the foot support plate (look at the photos)

On this one MkII the plate was very thin being distorted fairly easily. Look closely and you can see the RRS logo. Yes, I have already replaced the original one a couple of years ago. Tried my best to find the Nikon one, but if my memory serves me well, it was bent and must has been filled!!


See the new one, much beefier and much stronger. Well done Nikon.

And that is good news as well, the new foot is good support for handheld use, but a arca plate will be attached or the foot itself to be replaced if tripod use is planned

[Andy]

I compared the reflections of the FL-E vs. the VR II. Camera D5
LED Flashlight, approx 3 Meter, 200mm, f2.8, 100% crop
Flare/Contrast/Halo is much better controlled
Interesting, the VR II has more flare, but also a more "harmonic" pattern, vs. the FL E, which has lower flare, but an uneven pattern. The uneven pattern I've seen before, that's why I looked into this.

1) VR II
2) FL E
3) The original photo, which triggered my curiousity (D750, FL E). I wasn't sure, if the D750 filter array caused it. 100% crop (pls consider the different resolution)

Andy