Blurry Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II

2010-02-19 • SEND FEEDBACK •
Related: focus skew, image stabilization, lens mount / sensor parallelism, lens skew, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, Nikon Lenses, optics, quality control

In December 2009, I took delivery of a test sample of the new Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.G VR II (see various blog entries, including this one).

The right side of the frame shown here is blurred and dull, a hallmark of optical misalignment, dropping the MTF to turd-level.

Stopping down to f/8 largely rectifies the issue, but at f/5.6 the right edge can be seen to be weak in relation to the left and center. At f/2.8, it’s badly blurred, but not always— it depends on where the lens is zoomed, and where it is focused! Infinity is definitely the worst case here. I ruled out a camera issue by virtue of comparing two lenses on the same camera and seeing symmetry with the other lenses.

Shown below are left and right edges at f/2.8. The subject is at least 1/4 mile away. If you want details, you can read about it in my review in DAP.

Left edge

Right edge