A quick specifications comparison between the new Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens and the old 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II version:
| Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II | |
| Focal Length Range | 70-200mm | 70-200mm |
| Zoom Ratio | 2.9x | 2.9x |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Format | FX/35mm | FX/35mm |
| Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) | 22°50′ | 22°50′ |
| Minimum Angle of View (DX-format) | 8° | 8° |
| Maximum Angle of View (FX-format) | 34°20′ | 34°20′ |
| Minimum Angle of View (FX-format) | 12°20′ | 12°20′ |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.21x | 0.12x |
| Lens Elements | 22 | 21 |
| Lens Groups | 18 | 16 |
| Compatible Format(s) | FX DX |
FX DX |
| VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Nano Crystal Coat | Yes | Yes |
| ED Glass Elements | 6 | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | — |
| Super Integrated Coating | Yes | Yes |
| Fluorite Lens Element | Yes | No |
| Fluorine Coating | Yes | No |
| AF-P (Pulse Motor) | — | — |
| AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.6ft.(1.1m) | 4.6ft.(1.4m) |
| Close Range Correction | — | — |
| Focus Mode | Auto Manual Manual/Auto |
Auto Manual Manual/Auto |
| Rear Focusing | — | — |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 77mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on | Screw-on |
| Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length) | 3.4in.(88.5mm) x7.9in.(202.5mm) | 3.4in.(87mm) x8.1in.(205.5mm) |
| Approx. Weight | 50.5oz.(1430g)(including tripod collar) | 54.3oz.(1540g) |
| Price | $2,799.95 | $2,099.95 |
New Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR:
Old Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II:
Next is the MTF chart from the even older “VR-only” version:
