Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Review

February 8, 2013 | Mark Goldstein | Rating star Rating star Rating star Rating star Half rating star

Sharpness

Sharpness at 70mm

The sharpness tests for this review were carried out using a real-world subject rather than a test chart. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens was attached to a Nikon D4 body, which in turn was mounted on a sturdy tripod. Exposure delay mode was activated. Tonal and colour variances across the crops are due to changes in natural light during the session.

The full frame at 70mmThe full frame at 70mm

Centre sharpness is very good from f/4 onwards, and remains high through f/16. At f/22 there is a slight drop in sharpness across the frame due to diffraction, but the results are still usable.

Edge sharpness is best at f/5.6 to f/16, with a slight lack of sharpness wide open at f/2.8.

Aperture Centre Crop Edge Crop
f/2.8
f/4
f/5.6
f/8
f/11
f/16
f/22