Nikon 80-200, AF or AFS

[Jim Schiffer]

Other than speed can you elaborate on the siginficant differences between these two? Bjorn seems to think the AFS is a little crisper. I definitely want the best images but if the differences are not distinguishable on the D1 (and future D1X) I think I can sacrifice the speed.

Thanks for your help.--Jim

 

[Uwe Steinmueller]

Jim,

the AF-S 80-200 is a very good lens. I think you can trust Bjorn on that.

Uwe

Other than speed can you elaborate on the siginficant differences
between these two? Bjorn seems to think the AFS is a little
crisper. I definitely want the best images but if the differences
are not distinguishable on the D1 (and future D1X) I think I can
sacrifice the speed.

Thanks for your help.
--
Jim

 

[Jim Schiffer]

Thank you sir, I think I will.

Jim

the AF-S 80-200 is a very good lens. I think you can trust Bjorn on
that.

Uwe

Other than speed can you elaborate on the siginficant differences
between these two? Bjorn seems to think the AFS is a little
crisper. I definitely want the best images but if the differences
are not distinguishable on the D1 (and future D1X) I think I can
sacrifice the speed.

Thanks for your help.
--
Jim

--Jim

 

[Fabio Amodeo]

I think difference between the two lenses is undistinguishble: not enough to justify the cost, if focus speed is not necessary. But there may be another difference: the 80-200 AF in heavvy use has a tendency to mechanical disalignement. It can be worked by service (it takes a couple of years of daily use to show) but sooner or later will come out again. AF-S might be a better choiche for daily use.
Fabio

 

[Bob Davis]

I tried a demo AF-S lens for one location job, but opted to buy the non-S version. I did not see any difference in quality between the two, but found the AF-S too large to fit comfortably in my case. Frankly, the quick-focus capability is not a selling point for me, as I don't do sports or other jobs that require this feature. I find the two AF-S lenses I have (17-35 and 28-70) to focus almost too quickly and quietly, often leaving me wondering whether it actually focused when in low-light locations. I like to hear it and see it work, and the non-S is plenty fast for my needs. And then there was the cost factor.

Other than speed can you elaborate on the siginficant differences
between these two? Bjorn seems to think the AFS is a little
crisper. I definitely want the best images but if the differences
are not distinguishable on the D1 (and future D1X) I think I can
sacrifice the speed.

Thanks for your help.
--
Jim

 

[Jim Schiffer]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I went with the 80-200 AF, 2-ring w/ bracket and love it. I've never seen the AFS and am sure I will like it when I do, but until then, this will be great. My primary lenses are the 17-35 and 28-70 and this will definitely be a very good addition.

Thanks again.
--Jim

 

[Laurie123]

My opinion, having owned the 80-200 AFS lens, is that you would do well to avoid it -- unless you will be using a tripod. The lens is very heavy and expensive. You cannot handhold this lens adequately.

Other than speed can you elaborate on the siginficant differences
between these two? Bjorn seems to think the AFS is a little
crisper. I definitely want the best images but if the differences
are not distinguishable on the D1 (and future D1X) I think I can
sacrifice the speed.

Thanks for your help.
--
Jim

 

[Bill Dewey]

I just "moved up" from the non-S to the S version, due to a "very good deal". I found the AF to be about 20% quicker, the quietness does take a bit of getting used to. But as I shoot fast moving dogs, often in arenas with bad light, the fast focus is a huge bonus. As to hand-holding, yeah, my left arm will be getting stronger, but it was no big deal. For reference I am a 51 year old non-hard-body.

Other than speed can you elaborate on the siginficant differences
between these two? Bjorn seems to think the AFS is a little
crisper. I definitely want the best images but if the differences
are not distinguishable on the D1 (and future D1X) I think I can
sacrifice the speed.

Thanks for your help.
--
Jim

--Bill Deweywww.deweydrive.com