Nikonian64's reviews

Nikon 200mm f/2G ED AF-S VR II Nikkor

There are surprisingly few thorough reviews of this legendary Nikkor prime. I was fortunate to find a "Used" lens recently refurbished by Nikon - with a 6 month warranty at half the RRP. Still a serious outlay but I've never regretted the purchase.
I use it to back up my 300 f2.8G VRII and mainly for wildlife but also portraiture. I can confirm independent reports that the 200 f2G performs very well with TCE14 II and TCE2 III. As do nearly all current Nikkor tele primes (I can confirm the 300 f2.8G also couples very well with both these Nikon TCs). In fact, according to reliable reports and published tests, so do the G and E FL models of the 400 f2.8, 500 f4 and 600 f4 Nikkors (the 800 f5.6E has its dedicated bespoke TC).
The 200 f2 is a stocky little handful but being quite short in its length, this concentrates the moment of mass when hand-holding (compared to the 300 f2.8G even though these primes almost weigh the same). The VR delivers. I use my 200 f2 on the Df and D500, and look forward impatiently to coupling this lens with the D850.
But it is important to remember that focus can be tricky to clinch on more challenging (ie moving) subjects, but this is a weakness of the photographer not the optic! It is also a sound tactic to check and fine tune the AF to your camera(s). This is easier in the D500 (and apparently in the forthcoming D850).
The 200 f2G VRII is one of the best Nikkor primes ever made. There is little more to say!