Having invented the world’s first 80-200mm f/2.8 in 1982, Nikon has become a byword in lens technology.  Every five years, they come up with better and better opticals so that today, we have one of the sharpest, fastest telephoto zoom SLR lenses with more focal accuracy and the least distortion-prone issues ever produced.  We are talking about the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm VR II.

The lens may be the most important purchase a serious photographer can make as it has perhaps more effect on the quality of the photo than the camera itself.  The best advice a serious amateur with a budget can listen to, is to think of the best lens he can get first before considering his camera.  SLR lenses can make or break your whole photo set-up, so don’t settle for cheap, average lenses if you can afford better ones.  Camera bodies lose value after several months and get upgraded often.  SLR lenses retain their value for quite some time and remain functionally current for a decade despite all the new camera models churned out.  This is why we should flesh out what makes the Nikon 70-200mm AF-S f/2.8G ED VR II a good decision.

Its predecessor, the VR I, has already proven its merits especially with professional wedding photographers.  The VR II, while heavier and about $500 more than its ancestor, boasts further refinements.

Photos from the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm VR II are ultra sharp and the colors, fantastically vivid and dynamic. Sharpness extends to the corners of a shot for superb landscape photography and even portrait shots when shooting off-center rule of thirds.

This much vaunted degree of sharpness is aided by the VRII’s Image Stabilization technology.  This Vibration Reduction enhancement optimizes every shot by effectively minimizing image blurs from camera shakes and allowing optimal shooting at low shutter speeds in challenging light conditions.  This feature is the lens’ best offer as it does spell out the difference in being able to shoot at maximal focal point without a monopod or tripod support.  There are two modes for this: Normal for everyday shooting conditions and Active for effectively decreasing vibrations when shooting from a moving vehicle or while on the run.

Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat on this lens combats flares and ghosting to produce beautiful, high contrast images shot even in low-light environments.

In addition, there is a marked bokeh improvement in this model over the VR I.  Color and contrast is also much better with the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm VR II lens especially when subjects are backlit against the sun.

Focus is fast and silent.  This newest Nikon lens complements the latest auto focus technologies.  The Nikon 70-200mm AF-S f/2.8G ED VR II offers three modes: A/M, M/A, and M. Its fast response makes it marvelous to use for wildlife and action shots.  VR II also flaunts closer focus ability rated at 1.4 meters or 4.6 feet versus other Nikon f/2.8 SLR lenses of which the close focus limit is 1.5 meters or 5 feet.   Most full-time pros would not mind the extra cost of getting a half foot closer as the ability to shoot at a closer distance is worth the convenience, especially if they shoot for a living.

Built for serious shooting, the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm VR II sports a strong magnesium body, extremely sealed well against dirt and moisture to a withstand a wide range of weather conditions.  The shorter, more compact length and hood vis-à-vis the VR I’s makes it easier to pack and tote around in crowded spaces.

It is also a versatile choice for most Nikon bodies.  It works perfectly on those in the DX line and especially those in the FX family, as this is primarily a telephoto zoom lens for full-framed digital cameras.  It will also do very well on those of the D series (D40, D40x, D60, D3000, and D5000) and surprisingly, even on AF film cameras such as the F6, F100, F5, N80 and N75.  Just don’t push it with really older and cheaper film camera models.  Although it will work, you will lose some features.

Whether you’re a demanding pro or a serious amateur, you won’t go wrong with the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm VR II.  This high-performance lens addresses many image challenges inherent in sports, travel, portrait, wildlife, landscape and journalistic photography.  With all the features crammed into Nikon’s latest pro workhorse, this lens will be one of the best equipments you can ever own within the decade.