Fantastic Lens, Especially for the Price
This lens is fantastic! I had been debating between this and Nikon’s 2.8 version and opted to purchase the f4 primarily due to price, but also the very good reviews and recommendations/suggestions from others. Aside from saving $1000 over the 2.8, I have not yet found that I have lost anything in the bargain. Yes, I realize there may be times when I wish I had the 2.8 but being able to adjust the ISO on my D7000 that time has not yet come.
Images are razor sharp with very little vignetting or distortion and the colors are vibrant. Yes, vibrant. When you add that to the weight being about half of the 2.8, due to no tripod collar and less glass, this lens is one that will be staying with me for a long time to come. Speaking of the tri-pod collar - the balance without it is such that when I use my Manfrotto 3221W tri-pod with the 804RC2 pan/tilt head it is really a non-issue. And, as Nikon continues to improve on their already great VR (Vibration Reduction) technology, this f4, with the latest generation VR, really does not need a tri-pod in the vast majority of shots I have taken, or will be taking. For those times when it is quite dark, yes, I would need the tri-pod, as well as for some video shoots. But, when you want, or need, to walk around shooting with this lens that reduction in weight (the lens as well as the tri-pod) is totally priceless.
The 70-200 will produce slightly better bokeh (background blur) in almost all cases but that also depends on circumstances. I have been quite pleased with the results I have achieved thus far. The construction of the lens seems very good. Yes, mostly plastic, but isn’t almost everything nowadays. If you don’t accidentally drop it you should be fine. Focusing is quite smooth, and fast, and the lens hunts very very little. That it is only a 67mm lens (as opposed to 77mm size of the 2.8) will save a little cash on ND, UV and/or CPL filters. I use Hoya filters and they screw on and off effortlessly. And, like all Nikon lenses, it attaches to the body in a snap. For many people, like me, this is an absolutely incredible lens, especially for the price (and weight) difference. Highly recommended.Read full review
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