70-200 2.8E

Rx4Photo

After pretending that the focus ring was the zoom ring on my 70-200 VR2 I find that the lens actually sits more solidly into my left hand when holding it. I actually feel even more in control of the body of the lens.
So perhaps there was a more significant reason Nikon decided to swap these rings but I feel sure that ergonomics played into the decision. Those of you with this lens should try it. You'll feel more contact with the lens (and control) when "zooming" with the focus ring.

Photobug

DenverShooter said:

Perhaps reversing the focus and zoom rings let them fix the focus breathing problem??

Ducking and running for the exit.

Denver Shooter

NSXTypeR said:

Can anyone speculate on Nikon's reason for switching the zoom and focus rings?

They normally don't do that willy nilly.

Guys, I would really like to understand this move. I would be one of the first to throw bricks at Nikon about switching the two collars. NSXTypeR....you hit the nail..."they normally don't do that willy nilly".

You would think that Nikon would come out and say why they changed it. You two have asked the Million Dollar Question.

Vipmediastar_JZ

I was shooting the 300mmf4 today. I tend to hold my lens by default at the front of the lens then remember to try to hold it near the camera for better support. I do the same with the 70-200f4.

Ironheart

From the horses... er mouth:

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-nikkor-70-200mm-f%2f2.8e-fl-ed-vr.html

Enhanced handling
Innovative controls and design for working pros
The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR has four focus function buttons right on the lens barrel, perfect for engaging autofocus or AF Lock. The zoom and focus rings have reversed positions for more comfortable, stable zooming. Its magnesium alloy barrel, High Refractive Index (HRI) lens element and lightweight Fluorite (Fl) element located near the front of the optical group keep the lens evenly balanced. The tripod collar ring spins on ball bearings for smooth transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting.

BabaGanoush

I prefer the zoom ring to be at the base of the lens, close to the camera body, where I can work it with my finger tips. If it's at the front of the lens, there's a higher chance I'd end up pulling the lens sideways as I adjusted the zoom. I suppose I could get used to the change with practice, but when I simulated how this would all work using my VR II lens, it was a struggle.

Rx4Photo

Thanks Ironheart for finding Nikon's way of saying what I was thinking

Photobug

So the Nikon justification is....The zoom and focus rings have reversed positions for more comfortable, stable zooming.
Interesting. I have not had an issue with my VR model for balancing and shooting that lens.

framer

Let me chime in with a something I read somewhere but can't find it to quote it. They reversed the rings because it solved an internal problem to save weight, money and make a better optical formula in the process. I heard or read it somewhere weeks ago.

framer

Photobug

framer said:

Let me chime in with a something I read somewhere but can't find it to quote it. They reversed the rings because it solved an internal problem to save weight, money and make a better optical formula in the process. I heard or read it somewhere weeks ago.

framer

If that is demonstrated/confirmed in the lab test people will open their wallets for that lens. Looking forward to seeing the test results.

retread

The first review I have seen
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Tamron_SP_150-600mm_f5-6-3_Di_VC_USD_G2/index.shtml

retread

Here is a second
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/tamron_sp_150_600mm_f5_6_3_di_vc_usd_g2_review/

heartyfisher

Photobug

Here is the link to the partial review by KR of the new 70-200 FL. If you drill down you will find the comparison tables which KR does well. Much to my surprise, he likes the new lens.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-200mm-f28-fl.htm

Vipmediastar_JZ

Here's petapixel review.

http://petapixel.com/2016/11/22/nikon-70-200mm-f2-8e-review-worth-money-youre-pro/

Photobug

Lets keep posting reviews of this lens. I may be interested in Q1 or Q2 next year if the price drops $200. Thanks Vipmedistar for the link.

Photobug

Wow...the new 70-200 FL E lens is terrific. Love the feel in the hands and the zoom collar is really nicely positioned. With the heal of the hand under the shoe your fingers fall on the zoom collar. It's also easy to focus.

What I liked was the ultra smooth zoom collar and the smooth ball bearing support for rotating the foot collar. I just wanted to see what the lens looked like and now my mind is trying to figure out how to I pay for it.

WestEndFoto

Thom thinks this lens is a real winner, except door the change in zoom position.

Photobug

After three trips to two different camera stores I have determined for me that the switch between zoom collar and focus collar is not an issue.

Tomorrow I meet a fellow Nikon user who is buying my Nikon 70-200 VR. I have ordered the RRS LCF-11 for the new 70-200E lens. Looks like I will be ordering the new lens on Friday.

I was stunned this morning when I discovered that B&H is now offering the 4% Reward points for this lens. Checked Adorama and they are selling it with a lot of free stuff that I don't need. I have an extra used 77mm UV filter to put on the lens and in 45+ days I will use that 4% money to almost buy a Hoya or B+W UV filter. It looks like the moon has aligned in my favor.

Anyone care to share their experience with the new 70-200 f/2.8E lens? I'll be using it on the two bodies listed in my signature line.

Photobug

Got the RRS replacement foot on Wednesday and the lens on Thursday. Dropped a filter on the lens and changed the foot and read the instructions. Took about 25 pictures. Really really like the faster focus and the lens buttons to initiate focus.

Can't wait to get out of the house and take some pictures. I like it. If your on the fence, don't be. I decided to not sell on eBay and saved almost $200 in fees. It took only 9 days on Craig's List. So go for it if you have the original version like I did or if you have the VRII version.

Snowleopard

Possibly to auto focus rigs for video work.

Photobug

Last night shot a whole series of shots with the new lens at our grand daughters play. The lens is fantastic. The auto focus is unreal but you all know that. In practical use it's lights out better than my generation 1 70-200. Tonight will look at the image quality at ISO 4500 to 12000.