The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is Nikon's newest professional telephoto lens for full-frame DSLR users, offering better image quality, improved build, faster focusing, and a more versatile vibration reduction system.

Lighter, better, more expensive than its predecessor, this new Nikon lens is pitched at being outstanding in its class. We look and see how it handles and performs using the Nikon D810 body and whether it reaches new heights in terms of image quality and can justify its price tag.

The lens is amazing. Ultra, ultra sharp. Fantastic autofocus, extremely well done. A really professional lens. About the A/m button, you can notice the difference between the M/a button, making this test: Switch the selector on AM and select AF-S mode on your camera; then rotate slowly the focus...

Amazing VR performance at slower shutter speeds. Produces extremely usable images even shooting at 0.5 sec exposure. My old 80-200mm can't even produce much usable images at below 1/160th shutter speed.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a solid upgrade to the older 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II. The new lens is notably sharper and focuses closer, but it does carry a higher price tag.

Quite sharp; Maintains f/2.8 aperture through zoom range; Optical stabilization; Sturdy build; Rotating tripod collar

Some distortion; Dimmed corners at f/2.8

If you're a photographer shooting weddings and events, you know the importance of having a 70-200mm in your kit: It's the lens that lets you capture key moments from a comfortable distance and snap portraits with blurred backgrounds. Photographers taking images as a hobby will find the lens to be versatile when working outdoors, capturing images of nature or urban environments. Nikon's recent update to its venerable 70-200mm f/2.8, the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR ($2,799.95), is an excellent performer, one that's even sharper than the older AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II ($2,424.00 at Amazon) . The improvement makes it an Editors' Choice. Design The 70-200mm f/2.8E ($1,896.95 at Amazon) is about the same size as similar lenses, at 8.0 by 3.5 inches (HD). It tips the scales at 3.2 pounds, supports 77mm front filters, and features an internal zoom design so that its physical length doesn't change along with its focal length. Front and rear caps, a reversible lens hood...

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens improves upon its predecessor, capturing sharper images and focusing closer.

Quite sharp; Maintains f/2.8 aperture through zoom range; Optical stabilization; Sturdy build; Rotating tripod collar

Some distortion; Dimmed corners at f/2.8

Great lens...one of the best Nikkor glasses I have in my collection!

Nikon did great with this version of the 70-200. The lense delivers with quality and features beyond the typicL

"Wow! I upgraded from the original 70-200 f2.8 VR to this lens having skipped the VR2 version. It took me a while to decide but after 10 years with my existing lens, I justified the purchase.

This lens definitely lived up to the hype. I've been eyeing this for a long time and finally pulled the trigger on it. It's everything I had hoped it would be, allowing me to take some incredible pictures in challenging light condition.