Before you buy, watch this-Nikon 200 F2 Complete & Full Review

Very clear and precise review on this amazing lens. Good job Steve. As you said the 105 1.4 and 70-200 are more versatile and can deliver somewhat similar results but this thing just pulls ahead at a very fast rate when it comes to quality , creamy bokeh, sharpness and more. Simply amazing. THe focus is very fast and on point. This lens has a very unique background blur thats very pleasing to the eye. btw what mic is that your using when your reviewing the images via lightroom in this video?

What a lens! Vahagan has this lens too! Rock N Roll!

I support this lens in my 200 to 500 with the crux of my arm, which works very well. The focusing speed of this lens is amazing

Great review !

Listening to you, Steve, I hear the words I've issued for the last 6 months. I bought the 200mm f2 VR (first version) for half the price of the VII. On the Nikon Z9, it's a blast and pleasure to shoot - albeit heavy. A few things here you already know: For indoor sports, like ice hockey, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is much more useful. Yet, the players all see the shots I take from time to time with the 200mm f2 and the "Wow" words abound. I'm an amateur photographer - but I've shot wildlife, weddings, sports, dance and outdoor portraits with this lens. Like you, it literally never leaves my side most of the time. I'm going to add one other thing to what you've mentioned so far in the video: I agree, the separation, sharpness, color rendition, and smoothness of the bokeh is just the start of what makes this lens special. My friends (who talked me into a used copy of the 105mm f/1.4} - quickly realized the 200mm f2 has even more magical qualities. My Canon buddies ask if they can borrow the lens (because they love the images I generate even on the LCD with it). After shooting it side-to-side with the 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom - and the 180mm f/2.8 D screw drive lens on the D850, and the 105mm f/1.4 - there is little doubt which image comes off the 200mm f2. To my non-professional eye, the lens has the ability, shot with the correct angle and circumstance to render depth - dimensionality - approaching LEICA's dimensional lens optics. My images with the 200mm f2 breathe life - and make the viewer feel like they are there (and I got halfway through the video when you mention this same thing about 10 minutes after I wrote this). The people have depth to them (not cut outs) with the entire face (even turned) in focus. The immediate fall-off is dramatic. With ice hockey "ice portraits" - it looks like you're on the ice with the player and standing next to them. I love environmental shots with this lens. If you haven't shot it, it's hard to explain why it's so different - but most people don't see shots that look like these often, so your work stands out. If you can not "see" what this lens offers, it's not for you. For many, it's a one trick pony. For me, it's what made me fall in love with photography in the first place.

Great review! I own the 70-200 and the 105 1.4 and would love to own the 200 f2 some day if I am fortunate to find a nice one. Cheers!

Thanks for sharing. I have this lens it is beautiful the Sigma 105 f1.4 is almost the same sometimes It is not easy telling the two lenses apart.

one can tell there is some vignetting, but for portrait that's actually beneficial.

Nice! Please show us how you edit your photos 😊..

I used to own the Canon version, the Canon EF200mm f2.0, but in the end I barely took it out of the house after I purchased the Sigma 135mm f1.8, because the Sigma came pretty close, and I took the Sigma out the house daily

Its better than the Canon version.

I have a Nikon 200mm f2.0 VR with the VR from the VR II I love it! It's the best lens I ever had.

I just Picked one up on Ebay 200 MM F2 Vrii for $2,500 in Mint condition (late Serial #) super stocked with it. Shoot Pet Portraits and keeps up with the fastest Italian Greyhound.

my only issue using this lens to do portraiture was I need to be far away from my model and literally need to shout to her in order to communicate with her

I own this lens as well as the Canon version 200 f2. i love both and will keep both forever. the sharpness is top notch and the bokeh rendering is otherworldly and unmatched

Found one with a squealy AF for $1000 about 10 years ago second hand from auction. Got it serviced for $500 the next day at Nikon Ginza. Been a star performer ever since.
I use it almost exclusively for live concerts where I know my distance to subject and need the fastest shutter speeds possible.

Don’t use it as much as I would like since the 70-200 2.8 is the stalwart.

Could I bother you for the special lens cap details please?

Can I put this on the old d3200?

Stunning pics. Can we get the same quality with 24-70 f2.8 ??