Description
Overview
The Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II is a professional-grade telephoto zoom lens and a cornerstone of Nikon’s F-mount system. Designed for sports, events, weddings, portraits, and wildlife photography, this lens delivers exceptional image quality with a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range .
Key technologies include VR II (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization rated at 4 stops, Nano Crystal Coat to minimize flare and ghosting, and 7 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements for superior sharpness and color accuracy .
This unit is in 99% like new condition – barely used, fully tested, virtually flawless. Complete with original accessories and cleaning kit.
Key Specifications
Focal Length: 70-200mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8 constant
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Lens Mount: Nikon F-Bayonet (FX/Full-frame)
Optical Design: 21 elements in 16 groups
Special Elements: 7 ED glass elements, Nano Crystal Coat
Image Stabilization: VR II (Vibration Reduction) – approx. 4 stops
Autofocus: AF-S with Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Aperture Blades: 9 rounded blades for smooth bokeh
Minimum Focus Distance: 1.4m (4.6 ft)
Maximum Magnification: 0.25x
Filter Thread: 77mm
Dimensions: 87mm x 205.5mm (Diameter x Length)
Weight: 1,540g (3.4 lbs)
What’s in the Box
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens
Front lens cap LC-77
Rear lens cap LF-1
Bayonet hood HB-48
Flexible lens pouch CL-M4
Original tripod foot
Cleaning kit
Why This Lens
The 70-200mm f/2.8 is the holy trinity of professional zoom lenses, and the VR II version is one of Nikon’s finest. The constant f/2.8 aperture provides consistent exposure from 70mm to 200mm, enabling:
Low-light performance: Indoor sports and events without flash
Subject isolation: Beautiful bokeh that separates subjects from backgrounds
Fast shutter speeds: Freeze action in challenging light
The VR II image stabilization provides approximately 4 stops of shake correction, allowing handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds than would normally be possible, especially critical at the 200mm telephoto end .
The optical performance is exceptional. 7 ED glass elements virtually eliminate chromatic aberration (purple fringing). Nano Crystal Coat suppresses flare and ghosting for improved contrast in backlit conditions. The 9-blade rounded aperture produces creamy, natural bokeh .
The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus is fast, quiet, and precise, with full-time manual override — simply rotate the focus ring at any time to override autofocus .
Honest Note
This lens launched in 2009 and is now 17 years old — but it remains a professional workhorse. What you give up: no compatibility with Nikon Z-mount without adapter (FTZ adapter works perfectly), heavier than Z-mount equivalents (1,540g vs ~1,360g for Z 70-200mm f/2.8). What you still get: professional-grade optics, VR II stabilization, 7 ED elements, and the same f/2.8 constant aperture — all at a fraction of the price of newer Z-mount versions.
This 99% unit is priced for its like-new condition — minimal cosmetic wear, fully functional, clean glass, smooth zoom and focus rings, and accurate silent autofocus. The VR system is fully operational.
Who Should Buy This
Nikon F-mount DSLR shooters (D850, D780, D500, D7500, D5, D6)
Event and wedding photographers needing the versatile 70-200mm range
Sports and action shooters requiring fast f/2.8 and VR stabilization
Portrait photographers wanting sharp optics and beautiful bokeh
Nikon Z-mount users with FTZ adapter (lens works perfectly on Z bodies)
Budget-conscious professionals wanting pro glass without Z-mount prices
