Is this lens worth it over the older 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II?

Yes for most buyers. It is lighter, sharper wide open and has the electromagnetic diaphragm, which helps with burst shooting. The older VR II remains capable if you find one used.

Does it work on Nikon Z mirrorless cameras?

It works through the FTZ or FTZ II mount adapter. Autofocus and stabilization function, but the native Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is smaller and better balanced on Z bodies.

How good is the Vibration Reduction?

Nikon rates it at about 4 stops of compensation. Owners report usable handheld shots at slow shutter speeds, though results vary with technique.

Is it compatible with teleconverters?

Yes. It works with Nikon's AF-S teleconverters, such as the TC-14E III and TC-20E III, with the usual loss of light and some sharpness.

The lens, front and rear caps, the HB-78 lens hood, a soft lens case and the tripod collar.

Is it good for video?

It is usable, with quiet autofocus and smooth stabilization, but focus breathing is visible and the electromagnetic diaphragm may not suit every video rig.

Where is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens cheapest?

At Best Buy, for $1,846.95, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens?

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1,300 ratings.

Where can I buy the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens?

13 stores we checked sell it, including Newegg, Best Buy, B&H Photo-Video-Audio, Abe's of Maine, Nikon USA.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

Best price now

$1,846.95at Best BuyChecked 4 h ago

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Best Buy

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

Best price now

$1,846.95at Best BuyChecked 4 h ago

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Best Buy

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $1,846.95 at Best Buy on Nov 10.
Checked at 13 stores.

Our take on the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

Nikon's pro-grade 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom for F-mount DSLRs, built with fluorite and ED glass and a fast electromagnetic diaphragm. It is the third-generation version of Nikon's workhorse telephoto, lighter than the previous VR II and sharper wide open, with Vibration Reduction rated at about 4 stops. Sports, event and portrait shooters on DSLRs are the core audience; mirrorless Z users need the FTZ adapter, and the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is the native alternative. Owners rate it very highly for sharpness, focus speed and build.

Best forSports and action photographersWedding and event shootersPortrait and fashion workLow-light handheld telephoto use

Pros

Constant f/2.8 through the zoom range
Fluorite and ED elements give sharp, high-contrast images wide open
Fast, quiet Silent Wave autofocus
Vibration Reduction rated around 4 stops
Electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposure in bursts
Weather-sealed, robust pro build

Cons

Heavy and large for all-day handheld carry
Expensive compared with third-party 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms
Needs the FTZ adapter on Nikon Z mirrorless bodies
Focus breathing is noticeable for video work
No tripod collar lock detents some rivals offer

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens prices at every store

Best BuyNew
In stock
$1,846.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit Best Buy
B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew
In stock
$1,846.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
AdoramaNew
In stock
$1,846.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit Adorama
Samy's CameraNew
In stock
$1,846.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit Samy's Camera
CrutchfieldNew
In stock
$1,846.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit Crutchfield
eBayNew
In stockSold by crutchfield_electronics
$1,846.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit eBay
Abe's of MaineNew
In stock
$1,849.00Checked 4 h ago
Visit Abe's of Maine
National Camera ExchangeNew
In stock
$1,849.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit National Camera Exchange
Murphy's CameraNew
In stock
$1,849.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit Murphy's Camera
NeweggNew
In stock
$1,959.95Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
Visit Newegg
Willoughby's Photo EmporiumNew
In stock
$2,199.00Checked 4 h ago
Visit Willoughby's Photo Emporium
Nikon USANew
In stock
$2,549.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit Nikon USA
HSNNew
In stock
$2,824.99Checked 4 h ago
Visit HSN

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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens price history

Lowest price we've seen: $1,846.95 on Nov 11 at Best Buy. Tracked across 13 stores since Nov 11.

What reviewers say

4.9 / 51,300 ratings

Owners and reviewers rate this lens among the best 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms for F-mount, praising sharpness wide open, fast focus and solid build. Complaints center on weight and cost rather than image quality.

What people mention

SharpnessPraisedReviewers say it is sharp across the frame even wide open at f/2.8.
AutofocusPraisedOwners report fast, quiet and accurate focus that tracks moving subjects well.
StabilizationPraisedVibration Reduction is credited with several stops of handheld gain in low light.
WeightCriticisedMany owners find it heavy and tiring to carry for long shoots.
BuildPraisedOwners describe the barrel as rugged and weather-sealed for professional use.
CostCriticisedReviewers note it is pricey compared with third-party 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms.

About the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

This is a telephoto zoom lens for Nikon F-mount cameras. It covers a 70-200 mm focal length range with a maximum aperture of f/2.8.

The lens has image stabilization and an ultrasonic motor. It comes in black.

Mount: Nikon F
Focal length: 70-200 mm
Max aperture: f/2.8
Lens type: Telephoto zoom
Stabilization: Yes
Focus motor: Ultrasonic motor
Color: Black

Specifications

Mount: Nikon F
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Image Stabilizing: Yes
Ultrasonic Motor: Yes
Specialty Type: Telephoto
Zoom Focal Length: 70-200 mm
Color: Black
Type

Questions and answers

Is this lens worth it over the older 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II?: Yes for most buyers. It is lighter, sharper wide open and has the electromagnetic diaphragm, which helps with burst shooting. The older VR II remains capable if you find one used.
Does it work on Nikon Z mirrorless cameras?: It works through the FTZ or FTZ II mount adapter. Autofocus and stabilization function, but the native Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is smaller and better balanced on Z bodies.
How good is the Vibration Reduction?: Nikon rates it at about 4 stops of compensation. Owners report usable handheld shots at slow shutter speeds, though results vary with technique.
Is it compatible with teleconverters?: Yes. It works with Nikon's AF-S teleconverters, such as the TC-14E III and TC-20E III, with the usual loss of light and some sharpness.
What is in the box?: The lens, front and rear caps, the HB-78 lens hood, a soft lens case and the tripod collar.
Is it good for video?: It is usable, with quiet autofocus and smooth stabilization, but focus breathing is visible and the electromagnetic diaphragm may not suit every video rig.
Where is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens cheapest?: At Best Buy, for $1,846.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens?: Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1,300 ratings.
Where can I buy the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens?: 13 stores we checked sell it, including Newegg, Best Buy, B&H Photo-Video-Audio, Abe's of Maine, Nikon USA.