Nikon 80-200, AF or AFS

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,

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

Uwe

Jim Schiffer said:

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

Click to expand...

Thank you sir, I think I will.

Jim

Uwe Steinmueller said:

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

Uwe

Jim Schiffer said:

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

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--Jim

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

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.

Jim Schiffer said:

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

Click to expand...

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

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.

Jim Schiffer said:

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

Click to expand...

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.

F. U. Bee said:

Jim Schiffer said:

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

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--Bill Deweywww.deweydrive.com