NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR I like!

The 70-200 FL is excellent but I would disagree that it is "better" than the 200/2 II, unless one is using back comfort levels as a metric of goodness. The 200/2 delivers a different look to the image, has higher resolution, can be used at 1 stop faster aperture. The 70-200 FL by contrast has better flare resistance and more modern autofocus and VR SPORT, which are useful characteristics, but not something that take away the merits of the prime.

 

Examples from the 200/2:

 

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in particular, I appreciate the ability to shoot with 200mm angle of view but blur the background distractions well. With the 70-200 FL, I often end up with images where the audience is almost as sharp as the skaters:

 

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(It's not an exact comparison of distance, magnification etc., but to illustrate the idea.)

 

The autofocus of the 70-200 FL is superb, which is why I chose it for these few seconds of photography (preceded by 7 hours of waiting by the roadside):

 

Meghan Markle and Prince Henry of Wales

 

When using the D850, I find the 70-200 FL more reliable in nailing the focus than the 200/2 II, which is probably due to the more modern AF motor and associated electronics. With the D5, both lenses focus fine. However, I would still not voluntarily give up the "look" of the images from the prime, if given the choice.

Edited May 23, 2020 by ilkka_nissila

The 70-200 FL is excellent but I would disagree that it is "better" than the 200/2 II, unless one is using back comfort levels as a metric of goodness. The 200/2 delivers a different look to the image, has higher resolution, can be used at 1 stop faster aperture.

Ilkka, I am glad you are speaking up for the 200/2 II lens. Your images are enjoyable.

Edited May 23, 2020 by Mary Doo

Agreed that the 200/2 will lose the background better, which is valuable to me (even though mine is the older one and a little less contrasty wide open than the mk2 - so I have half an eye on any updates). The 70-200 FL is, however, a lens that I'm happy to shoot at f/2.8 - it's only losing one stop, whereas the 70-200 VR2 I was often at f/4 and two stops down.