How likely is a new Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VRx in 2014?

User01

Hi there,

i plan to buy the VRII Version early next year and was wondering how likely a new Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VRx is in 2014?

70-200 f2.8 VRI - 2003 (/edit)

70-200 f2.8 VRII - 2009

70-200 f2.8 VRx - 2014???

Let me know what you think.

Thanks.

WestEndBoy

This five year cycle goes back even further. I would suggest very likely and anticipating this, I have been holding off on this lens until then - it will make a good travel lens and combined with the 2x teleconverter, will smoke the 80-400 to 200 and nearly equal it at 400.

Golf007sd

@jshickele: I have found the performance of the lens built within a given focal length produce more favorable results vs one that has been enhance via a teleconverter. Nikon's most resent 80-400 is fantastic and the best bang for bucks given the variable aperture lens.

As for when a new 70-200 2.8 is released, I have a feeling that Nikon will improve the VR and add a Super ED Glass to its new construction.

User01

The five year cycle is what I was thinking about.

I am really looking forward to some rumors about a new 70-200 f2.8 - maybe in the sooner future
I guess I will be more patient and wait at least until May 2014...

+VRIII
+Super ED Glass
+improved performance ("complaining" on a high level, but there seems to be some room when looking at the 70-200 f4)

kyoshinikon

Vrx? Why not Vr3? If there is one lens that is needed in my bag it would be a 70-200mm My 80-200mm are showing their age... There is not much I can complain about the current version tho. The upgrade would probably just have the new vr and more refined glass elements. Now if they could add to the focal length like make it a 70-210mm or make that 28-200mm f/2.8 they patented. That would be much nicer.

WestEndBoy

Kyoshinikon, I think that they are less likely to make it focus at a longer distance than make the minimum focus distance shorter. 210 is the same as 200, but if you could focus a foot closer at 70mm, a lot of professionals would pay for that that as it improves the probability of "getting the shot", which means money. If you look closely at the specs, minimum focus distance was a significant improvement five years ago.

shawnino

Well, if there's a post Christmas rebate plan, look for the outsized rebates to see what's getting replaced. Last year saw the disproportionate rebate on the 80-400... which is now the "old" 80-400.

I don't shoot zooms, but for those who do I hope that $1000+ isn't added to the sticker as it was 80-400...

kyoshinikon

I like that idea jshickele . Improving the minimum focus distance by a foot or two would be a huge upgrade. More so than adding to the focal length.

psdrage

I think they are more likely to release a 24-70 VR than an updated 70-200. The current 70-200 is class leading, however with Tamron updating their 24-70 with VR and I expect Sigma next year, nikon will need to update to keep up with the arms race. That said whilst I would love a nikon 24-70 VR I can't say I have missed VR on the current 24-70.

WestEndBoy

Yes Kyoshinikon, when you think about it, a zoom is about "getting the shot", even if it isn't pretty. The closer the minimum focus distance, the better the zoom by this standard. If you want pretty, then primes are the way to go.

Msmoto

The current 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII, when focused closest at the 200mm setting actually is about 170mm. So, a 70-210 or 220mm might be attractive so it is closer to the 200mm when close. And of course the closest focus distance, if shorter would be nice, or stick an extension tube in and you are there.

However, this lens is so good as is, I suspect it may be 2015 before update.

TaoTeJared

I seriously doubt one will be released in the next couple of years. Most higher lenses run on a 8-10 year cycle for upgrades historically. The caveat has been with the improved sensors lenses need to perform better and Nano coating really helps with ghosting that there was a quick push for an update to the 24-70 and 70-200 so they pumped them out. Also the newer version of VR added about a stop & a half which is a boon. I have the older 70-200 (bought it in '08) and just haven't seen the need to upgrade it anytime soon. It is a tank and you will easily get many years of good use out of it. I do recall that one of the things people wanted was the closer focusing distance and that was another reason they came up with a release. BUT......

The current 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII, when focused closest at the 200mm setting actually is about 170mm.

Isn't that just on the "close focus" <3m (15ft) (or something like that) that it does the weird 200mm reading but field of view (FOV) is actually 170mm equiv? And then doesn't it revert back to the 200mm FOV when it moves outside that really close focus range?

adamz

I wouldn't expect one till 2015. The current one is extremely good and IMHO there's no need to improve it right now. It's sharp on d800 and d7100 and this are the two most demanding cameras on the market right now (Nikon side).

Jackgough

Hey all, just wondering if there's any update on the thinking about a newer version of the 70-200mm f/2.8 now at this stage? Especially when Nikon are offering cash back on this lens & quite a sizeable chunk too. My thinking on there soon being an upgrade would be because of the new VR technology they install in the 70-200 f/4; that it was 6 years ago or there abouts since the last one was released; and for the sizeable cashback offer they currently have for the vrii model.

My hopes for a new model would be the new VR they stuck in the f/4 & at least a reduction in the amount of focus breathing the current model does at close range zoomed in to 200mm & of course to not make it any dearer than the vrii model currently is.

My main reason for asking is because I'm in the market for a 70-200 f/2.8 but would hold off if I knew there was a brand new model due out in the next couple of months. Why buy 6 yeat old technology when you've got state of the art around the corner, right?!

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Photobug

First, welcome to NRF.

Don't take those instant rebates as an indicator that the current lens is being replaced. This lens is typically one of the lens included in Nikon's instant rebate programs over the past couple of years. If I was in the market for a 70-200 F2.8, I would not hesitate to buy one now. In fact the best time to buy is when the rebate program is being offered. Typically only once per year but sometimes twice per year.

It's good to see the lens rebate back this year, in some years to get the instant rebate on the lens you have to buying a qualifying DSLR. My bet is that once the rebate closes it won't be back until early next year. I think the current rebate end this weekend - but I could be wrong.

sevencrossing

Jeez. I've used my 70-200/2.8 exactly twice in the last year.

Since i bough my AF-S NIKKOR 80–400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR that's twice as much as me

tcole1983

Funny how that is. Such a popular lens 4-5 years ago, but seems to be dropping out some. I don't own one, but don't want one either. Not that there is anything wrong with the lens. I think it does seem to be a popular wedding/event lens though...I would use it for that.

sevencrossing

Funny how that is. Such a popular lens 4-5 years ago, but seems to be dropping out some.

Rather than a 70 -200 I now use a 24 -120 and a 80-400
higher ISO performance and better VR makes f 2.8 less important
It is a good lens for theater and circus work, were you do need a wider aperture and tele zoom
For a wide aperture telephoto, people now seem to prefer something like the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G

Photobug

Not surprised @sevencrossing that you don't use the 70-200 since buying the 80-400. Time to sell that 70-200 and buy that wide angle/normal lens you been wanting. Sell it and be stricken with NAS. LoL

Hey @PitchBlack, why not sell yours too and get another ART lens. With all those D810/D800's you need more than one 50mm ART.

tcole1983

My best friend just got the 80-400 and is on a long trip without contact. He also has the 70-200 so I am curious what he will say when he gets back. He is planning on selling the 80-400 when he gets back...wonder if he will feel the same way after using it for a while. I think his initial impressions were slightly disappointed with lower lighting situations compared to the 70-200.

haroldp

My Travel kit where wildlife is on the agenda, is the 24-120 F4 VR and the 80-400 G on a D810.

My 70-200 / 2.8 VR1 is now a portrait lens for weddings, of which I now average 1 per year (for friends).

.. H

manhattanboy

The 70-200 was tested by Roger on the optical bench.
Have a look https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/03/just-the-lenses-the-great-200mm-shoot-out
I agree with the posts above noting that an update is unlikely given how it performs.

Jackgough

Thanks for all the replies & insight. There's also a sizeable rebate on the 80-400mm currently too. Here in Ireland the rebate offer runs until the end of May and claim the rebate before 28th June. Definitely got a lot to think about but I still have a few weeks to mull it over! Thanks again guys

Snowleopard

I would like to see a newer version of the 70-200 F/2.8 VR II that really reached 200mm. Remember that the VR1 and older 70-200's really hit 200mm and then when the VRII came out people were comparing the VRII to the VR1 and you were only getting like a 70-180mm VR II.

I never saw any official statement from Nikon on the difference....... For a lens in their pro line that costs $2,499, I would expect to to give what they spec it out to be at minimum.

proudgeek

This is true, but it only applied at very short distances. I believe if you were shooting at anything further than 5-6 feet it was a true 200mm at the long end.

Msmoto

Here is my test a couple years ago at 2 m distance from the subject: