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yellow15 · (This post was last modified: 08-18-2010 08:36 PM by yellow15.)

Introduction

left: NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II (we call it "VRII" from now on)
right: NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR (we call it "VR" from now on)
[Image: 70200vs1.JPG]

the VR is longer but slimmer. VRII is shorter but fatter.

VR has the shinny gold plate
[Image: 70200vs2.JPG]

VRII has the big N (Nano Coating)
[Image: 70200vs3.JPG]

VR has a manual focus override button on the lens
[Image: 70200vs7.JPG]

VRII doesn't have that button, instead the M/A switch has an extra position to
provide the manual override function
[Image: 70200vs6.JPG]

VR's switches
[Image: 70200vs4.JPG]

VRII's switches, notice the extra position in the M/A switch
[Image: 70200vs5.JPG]

the lens hood, the longer one is VR's lens hood, shorter one is VR II's
[Image: 70200vs8.JPG]

Sharpness

Test Equipment and Settings
Nikon D700 +Nikon 70-200 VR/Nikon 70-200 VR II
Manfrotto MF3 Tripod, 804 RC2 head
ISO200 Aperture Priority Mode, Timer Mode
Unedited JPG default settings
Manual focus with LiveView at maximum magnification

70mm

[Image: 70mm.JPG]

100% Center Crop
Left: 70-200VR Right 70-200 VR II

[Image: VR_70mmCenterA.JPG]

f/2.8

f/4

f/5.6

f/8

100% Corner Crop
Left: 70-200VR Right 70-200 VR II

[Image: VR_70mmCornerA.JPG]

f/2.8

f/4

f/5.6

f/8

135mm

[Image: 135mm.JPG]

100% Center Crop
Left: 70-200VR Right 70-200 VR II

[Image: VR_135mmCenterA.JPG]

f/2.8

f/4

f/5.6

f/8

100% Corner Crop
Left: 70-200VR Right 70-200 VR II

[Image: VR_135mmCornerA.JPG]

f/2.8

f/4

f/5.6

f/8

200mm

[Image: 200mm.JPG]

100% Center Crop
Left: 70-200VR Right 70-200 VR II

[Image: VR_200mmCenterA.JPG]

f/2.8

f/4

f/5.6

f/8

100% Corner Crop
Left: 70-200VR Right 70-200 VR II

[Image: VR_200mmCornerA.JPG]

f/2.8

f/4

f/5.6

f/8

CA
Strong light behind the object
[Image: ca.jpg]

Red - Area 1
Blue - Area 2

100% crop - Area 1

[Image: VR_TestA.jpg]

VR @ f/2.8

[Image: VR2_TestA.jpg]

VRII @ f/2.8

100% crop - Area 1
[Image: VR_TestA-corner.jpg]

VR @ f/2.8

[Image: VR2_TestA-corner.jpg]

VRII @ f/2.8

I will be updating the rest of the test results asap when i have time

ArcspacE · 07-08-2010, 04:34 PM

Interesting.
Appears the 'old' one has the edge at the longer end, or am I missing something here?

CTM · 07-09-2010, 06:45 PM

DID YOU BUY ONE???????

ArcspacE · 07-09-2010, 06:52 PM

It's his brothers....

yellow15 · 07-09-2010, 07:26 PM

Arcspace: the VRII is suppose to be better at the long end. so i'm not too sure... to be honest, i haven't even look at my sample pictures yet.

CTM: yeah it's my brother's.

CTM · 07-10-2010, 09:38 AM

I am surprised that the 70-200 V1 is sharper in the corners at 200mm?? The V2 seems to perform better at 70 and 135mm in the corners.

In the centre, I feel that that V1 seems to be a little sharper at 70mm and 135 mm? Is it just me? Thanks for the comparison though!

yellow15 · 08-18-2010, 08:37 PM

added "introduction" and "CA" photos.

more will come soon!

velvia_world · 08-22-2010, 09:08 PM

Thanks for the comparison testing. yellow15. I have to agree with Arcspace, the VR1 in these samples do appear to be sharper on the long end.
vw

belmont · 09-07-2010, 06:22 PM

I was wating for months for my pre-order of the VR2 ... after months of more wait (released, but not in stock - thank god for that), I saw the Bokeh comparisions and it's the same as with the new 85/1.4 - I don't like Nikon's "new" Bokeh, I am sorry to say this. It started with the 24-70 and has been like this with every new prime lens.

Of course this is just my opinion. But it's clear now. I will get the old 85/1.4 (gotta be quick now, has to be done this year) and I am really glad I bought the 70-200 VR1 ... I love it's Bokeh Wink

Thx yellow15 for the nice thread, very well done! One question though - were you forced to adjust the VR2's distance when making the 200 mm pics? I am wondering, since as far as I know, the VR2 is not really capable of 200 mm, more like 180 mm.