Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm, G ED VR II

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II is one of those lenses that quickly earns a permanent place in your camera bag.

It's a proper telephoto zoom, giving you the reach to get closer to the action without needing to physically move closer. Whether you're photographing portraits, live music, sport, wildlife or the little moments happening further away, the 70-200mm range gives you plenty of room to work.

The constant f/2.8 aperture is a big part of its appeal. It lets you shoot in lower light, keeps your exposure consistent throughout the zoom range and makes it easier to create those beautifully soft backgrounds that help your subject stand out.

Nikon's second-generation vibration reduction helps steady handheld shots, while the Silent Wave Motor delivers quick, quiet autofocus when things are moving.

There's also something lovely about the way a longer lens changes how you see a scene. Backgrounds feel closer, details become more prominent and ordinary moments can take on a completely different perspective.

It's a substantial piece of equipment, built for photographers who want dependable performance and the flexibility to shoot across a wide range of situations.

A great choice if you're ready to give yourself a little more reach.

Best for

Portraits, sports, wildlife, live music, weddings, events and any situation where you want to photograph subjects from a little further away.

What to expect

The 70-200mm range gives you plenty of flexibility without needing to change lenses.

At 70mm, it's a lovely option for portraits and photographing people in their surroundings. Zoom towards 200mm and you can isolate smaller details, bring distant subjects closer and create beautifully compressed backgrounds.

The constant f/2.8 aperture is particularly useful for indoor events, concerts and photographing movement in changing light.

Nikon's VR II system helps reduce camera shake when shooting handheld, although you'll still need an appropriate shutter speed to freeze moving subjects.

This is a large, relatively heavy lens, weighing approximately 1.5kg. The tripod collar makes it easier to balance when mounted on a tripod or monopod.

On Nikon DX cameras, the field of view is equivalent to approximately 105-300mm.

The Nikon F mount also allows use with compatible film SLRs, although autofocus, aperture control and vibration reduction depend on the camera body.