Nikon 200mm f/2 VR
"Super-Chub" (2004-today)
© 2008 KenRockwell.com

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2D VR. It really looks like this! enlarge. I'd get it at Adorama or B&H Photo-Video. It helps me keep adding to this site when you get yours from these links, too. Thanks! Ken.

Introduction

This beast was introduced in 2004. It is intended for portraits and photographing indoor volleyball. It is very expensive and intended when you absolutely need f/2.0, otherwise any Nikon 80-200 or 70-200 f/2.8 zoom gives the same results for a lot less money in a much smaller and less expensive package.

The photo above is correct: this lens is extremely fat for it's length. It looks squashed above, and that's the way it looks. It's as big around as the 300 f/2.8 but not as long.

It has Vibration Reduction (VR) that helps eliminate hand shake. This lets you photograph still subjects at slower shutter speeds without a tripod. This is great for evening surveillance and landscapes. For sports the only application of VR is to help get better slow pan shots since it can't stop subject motion.

Specifications

It has nineteen elements in thirteen groups.

It focuses as close as 6.2 feet (1.9m).

It is 4.9 " (124mm) around by 8.0" (203mm) long. It weighs 6.4 pounds (102 oz. or 2,900g.)

It takes 52mm filters in an internal slot and comes with the HK-31 hood and a case.

It has a lovely 9 bladed diaphragm stopping down to f/22

Nikon Product Number: 2150, in catalog as of spring 2008.

Announced: 01 June, 2004.

Performance

Sorry, haven't tried it yet. I suspect it's spectacular as all Nikon fast supertelephotos have always been.

Recommendations

This is a lens that you let your sports magazine buy for you to to cover indoor volleyball. For your own money it's a very special purpose and expensive lens.

PLUG

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Thanks for reading!