70-200/2.8 v1 and v2, side by side

<p>I've finally had a chance to compare my trusty old Version 1 Nikkor 70-200/2.8 VR with its newer counterpart, the nano-coated Version 2 with its swanky newer VR module.<br /><br />My first observation is that the Version 2 weighs only a fraction of the original. I mean, less than a fifth of the weight. This is going to be a <em>huge</em> difference after a long day in the field.<br /><br />Normally I find Nikon gear completely intuitive and ready to use, but in this case I think I still need to actually read the manual - I'm having some trouble removing the front and rear lens caps. I'm sure it's something simple that I'm overlooking.<br /><br />I'm also noting that the newer model's AF/M switches don't slide like the original. I'm thinking that they're probably just touch-sensitive, and don't have to actually move. This is also, I think, how the zoom and focus rings must work, since on the newer version, they don't actually turn in any way. The tripod mount is also different, in that it isn't actually threaded. That's probably an accessory I'll have to buy later. Also, there was no Nikon warranty card included in the box, but I think they just have you do all of that online these days, which is great for efficiency and I'm all for it.</p><div></div>

<p>There is, though, an unexpected and fancy feature on the newer model. You're only a few twists away from exposing the coffee cup and internal thermos stopper features, which make this version <em>ideal</em> for use while shooting sports and wildlife in the field on a cold day. Excellent work, Nikon, I'm impressed! It was well worth the upgrade price.</p>

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<p>Nice!!</p>

<p>Matt, don't ever leave this Nikon 70-200 thermos bottle inside your car. Someone may break the window to get this "lens."</p>

<p>Wait a minute. Are you saying this isn't actually a lens? I'm going to have to go back to that guy in the van in that alley and have some stern words with him!</p>

<p>Matt, is that a VR 1 or VR 2. The VR 2 version has much better spill-prevention when you are driving.</p>

<p>Hopefully you paid under $100.00 for your VR 2 model as pictured. </p>

<p>Quite a savings over the original VR I.</p>

<p>Dave</p>

 

<p>Matt,<br>

If filled with the beverage you depicted in a recent WPOW can you achieve a substancial OOF blurr ... um, your own blurr, not the "lens?"</p>

<p>Good job for 4-1</p>

<p>Joe</p>

<p>I bet there will be some people at holiday locations trying to sell to the tourists sand filled "VRII" lenses at bargain prices; they can offer them together with the "classic" Rolex watches or car CD players...</p>

<p>and I got one of the first VR IIs; now I'm going to have to sell it and get one of these new ones because the new version actually has much greater use. Talk about your NAS.</p>

<p>It's often been pointed out that VR is not helpful in certain situations, as when subject motion demands a sufficiently fast shutter speed that VR cannot keep up. VR can also be detrimental, as when a lens is on a tripod. But the most obvious destructive effect of VR is found for the lens on the right. When the internal elements of this lens need to be <strong><em>shaken, not stirred</em></strong>, VR reduces the shaking, as it is designed to do, and truly gets in the way.</p>

<p>Matt, with the weight of the VR2 1/5 the VR 1...did you measure full or empty?</p>

 

<p>You know, now that I've had a chance to look this thing over, I realize that it's possible the box isn't actually Nikon standard.</p><div></div>

My wife got me one of those fancy 24-70 mm f2.8 coffee mugs and I almost messed my pants at first when I saw it then after a nano second I realized it was not real. During that nano second I actually thought "damn 24-70 is not ideal for DX" then I came to. Its actually a terrible coffee mug as far as that goes but I do love it!

<p>"...the box isn't actually Nikon standard." You mean that it is gray market?<br>

Stan</p>

<p>It's the <strong>VR III</strong> version!!</p>

<p>I recommend filling it with brandy. That way if a client doesn't like your work, you can persuade them by 'showing them your equipment.'</p>

<p>You'll have to be careful though. I did that once and had to spend a night in lock-up :(</p>

<p>Epic trademark and trade dress infringement (unless it's a Nikon licensed product).</p>

<p>I was wondering if the VR actually works to prevent spillage in a moving vehicle?</p>

<p>I've done more research. There are no trademark issues involved, here, as this was a gift from my brother.</p>

<p>Mark, I guess your new lens will give you a perfect creamy boquet when huse properly,<br>

Btw, do you shoot instant or do you apply a CF filter.. ?</p>

<p>fantastic review! I may have to switch to Nikon now!</p>

<p>:-)</p>

<p>I guess the bokeh of this version 2 varies a lot with its contents?</p>

<p>What a wonderful way to start the day ;-) My first post read in a Photography forum in days - - Loving it - It's put a huge smile on my face this morning. :-)</p>

<p>And no one, once, even said: Its April Fools Day!</p>