Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70 200mm F 4G ED VR Review | 54 Data compared

The Photography Life review deems the Nikon 70-200mm f/4G VR an exceptional value, offering superior sharpness across the zoom range and effective 5-stop VR stabilization in a lightweight 850g body. Key advantages include a close 1-meter minimum focus distance and a lack of focus breathing, making it ideal for landscape and macro, often surpassing the f/2.8G VR II in edge-to-edge sharpness. While performance is high, the lens exhibits slightly lower center resolution at maximum aperture compared to the f/2.8 model, minor field curvature at 70mm, and less creamy bokeh, along with requiring a separate purchase for a tripod collar. Despite these minor cons, the lens is lauded for its superb build and image quality.

The DXOMARK review highlights the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR as a remarkably high-performing and "enlightened" telephoto lens choice. Tested on a Nikon D3x, the lens achieves an impressive overall DxOMark score of 23 and a sharpness score of 19 P-Mpix, making it one of the sharpest 70-200mm lenses available on the market. Key advantages of this lens include its exceptional, completely even sharpness across the entire frame—even when shooting wide open at f/4 at its shortest focal length. Additionally, it features an impressive light transmission score of 4.4 TStop, excellent distortion control through the mid-focal ranges, and well-managed chromatic aberration. It also stands out practically by being half the weight and at least $500 USD cheaper than faster f/2.8 alternatives. However, the review points out a few specific drawbacks to consider before purchasing. The primary optical flaw is heavy vignetting across all focal lengths when shooting wide open at the maximum aperture of f/4, though this issue disappears once stopped down to f/5.6 or smaller. There is also some minor barrel distortion at the wide end (70mm)...

The ePHOTOzine review of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR highlights the lens as a lightweight, portable alternative to f/2.8 models that delivers outstanding sharpness across the zoom range and effective 5-stop VR stabilization. Pros include negligible chromatic aberration, excellent flare control via Nano-Crystal coating, and fast, quiet autofocus, making it a stellar performer for various lighting conditions. Conversely, the review notes the significant omission of a tripod collar, which must be purchased separately, alongside a less robust build quality compared to professional f/2.8 alternatives. Additional cons mentioned include the use of a 67mm filter thread rather than a standard 77mm and somewhat fiddly AF/VR switches on the barrel.

The Photography Life review identifies the Nikon 70-200mm f/4G ED VR as a lightweight (30 oz), affordable, and sharp alternative to the pro-grade f/2.8, offering superior vibration reduction and minimal focus breathing. While ideal for travel and landscape, the f/4 model’s cons include a smaller maximum aperture and less robust, plastic-heavy construction compared to the f/2.8 version. Conversely, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II provides a faster f/2.8 aperture for low-light performance and rugged, weather-sealed construction, though it suffers from significant weight and focus breathing. The f/2.8 remains superior for sports and action, while the f/4 is praised as an exceptional, practical performer.

The Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR is a lightweight, high-end alternative to the heavier f/2.8 professional telephoto zoom lens, designed specifically for full-frame Nikon DSLRs. In terms of performance, it delivers excellent image quality across the DX image circle even when shooting wide open, alongside very good sharpness extending into the FX corners at longer focal lengths. Notable physical advantages include its lightweight 850-gram build—making it nearly 700 grams lighter than its f/2.8 sibling—a constant f/4 maximum aperture, a small 67mm filter thread, and a highly efficient version 3 Vibration Reduction system offering up to 5 stops of stabilization. Furthermore, it boasts weather sealing via a rubber grommet, a fast, quiet Silent Wave Motor for autofocusing, and an impressive maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.3 for close-up shooting. Despite its high-end scoring, the lens carries a few disadvantages, most notably its steep 1,200 EUR price tag which does not include a tripod collar. Purchasing the optional RT-1 tripod collar ring requires an extra 130 EUR investment, making the setup less cost-effective compared to third-party f/2.8 alternatives from Sigma and Tamron...

The Nikon 70-200mm f/4G AF-S VR is a highly well-rounded, FX-format telephoto zoom lens that serves as a lighter, more compact alternative to its f/2.8 counterpart. Weighing 24.3 ounces (690g) less and measuring an inch shorter than the f/2.8 version, it is exceptionally comfortable for handheld shooting and fits easily into smaller camera bags. Its standout pros include a highly effective Vibration Reduction (VR) system rated at 4 stops, snappy autofocus performance, and excellent edge-to-edge sharpness on DX bodies from 70-135mm. It also exhibits minimal focal length breathing compared to the f/2.8 version, has a close minimum focusing distance of 3.28 feet (1m), and maintains negligible vignetting and low distortion across its zoom range. However, the lens comes with a few notable cons, primarily the loss of one stop of light, which limits its utility in low-light environments like dawn, dusk, or dimly lit indoor sports venues. Optically, the lens shows some minor weaknesses, such as soft extreme corners at 200mm on DX bodies (requiring stopping down to f/5.6 for optimal results) and a strange non-linear distortion pattern on FX...

The Nikon 70-200mm f/4G ED VR is a lightweight, travel-friendly telephoto zoom that balances impressive center sharpness with a compact design. Its standout features include a highly effective VR III stabilization system offering up to a 5-stop advantage, an excellent close-focusing distance of 3.28 feet, and zero "focus breathing," which preserves its full 200mm focal length at all distances. On the downside, it suffers from heavy vignetting wide-open, noticeable corner softness across all apertures, and prominent barrel distortion at 70mm paired with pincushion distortion at 200mm. Additionally, it lacks a bundled tripod collar, which can cause image-blurring camera vibrations if shot on a tripod without purchasing an aftermarket collar. In contrast, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II is a heavier, professional-grade alternative that offers superior optical correction and a faster maximum aperture. Its main advantages are tack-sharp corner performance starting at f/4, better depth-of-field control, and significantly lower distortion across the zoom range. It also comes standard with a necessary lens collar. However, its drawbacks are substantial; it is 690 grams heavier and physically bulkier than the f/4 variant,...

The PCMag review highlights the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR as an excellent, high-performance telezoom lens tailored for photo enthusiasts who want a premium, lightweight alternative to the bulkier and much more expensive f/2.8 version. Priced at an MSRP of $1,399.95, it saves buyers around $1,000 compared to its wider-aperture sibling without sacrificing structural build or overall optical quality. Weighing just 1.9 pounds and measuring 7 by 3.1 inches, it is remarkably portable and fully compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Nikon bodies, the latter of which provides a 105-300mm equivalent field of view. The lens boasts several distinct advantages (pros), most notably an exceptionally sharp optical performance throughout its zoom range and a powerful vibration reduction (VR) system with toggleable standard and active modes. It also features a fixed f/4 aperture that remains constant as you zoom, large and comfortable focus and zoom rings, a non-rotating front element for easy polarizing filter use, and a close minimum focus distance of 3.3 feet. On the downside (cons), its edge sharpness is visibly soft at the 70mm focal length...

The Photo Review of the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4 G ED VR lens describes it as a high-performance, portable, and more affordable alternative to the f/2.8 version, highlighting outstanding image quality, fast silent autofocus, and a 5 EV-rated Vibration Reduction (VR) system. With 20 elements in 14 groups and a consistent 1-meter focusing distance, the lens offers superb handling, though it lacks the optional RT-1 tripod collar. However, the f/4 maximum aperture provides less shallow depth-of-field than f/2.8 alternatives, with visible vignetting at wide apertures and minor pincushion distortion at 200mm noted as drawbacks.