70-200 vs. 80-200 on a D700

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Sorry if it has been debated already...I am going to get a D700 soon and will be getting a 24-70 2.8. For the longer reach, I am wondering if I should go with the more expensive 70-200 VR or a new 80-200 2.8. It seems like the 80-200 has gotten good reviews as well, but it will save a good chunk of cash that I could put towards a TC for a longer reach and maybe some other stuff too. The lens would probably be used for sports mostly.

Thoughts? Other suggestions for lenses? I don't want to compromise IQ. I have also heard that some other brand lenses struggle to focus if not shooting in great light so that is why I was looking at these nikon lenses

thanks!

I used to own a 70-200 before I went full frame, and I really loved the images that I got with a D2X. The only problem I had with this lens (with the cropped sensor) is the weight.

When I decided to go full frame, I had to sell some of my lenses to afford the new bodies. I ended up selling the 85 1.4 and the 70-200. (I regret selling the 85mm and will hopefully recoup this glass somehow). However, as a replacement for the 70-200, I picked up the 80-200, and I love this lens. I literally never take it off my D3, and the results are amazing. Also, it takes care of the size thing, as it is a lot smaller and lighter (but still built like a rock). I rarely used the VR, so this was not a huge compromise to me.

I do not have first hand experience with the 70-200 on a D3 or D700, so I can't comment on this from my own shooting. However, you can read threads and see examples of the problems that this lens is having on the longer end with FF cameras. Vignetting is a major problem for whatever reason, but not with the 80-200. The problem is severe but limited to wider apertures. It seems to go away at 5.6+.

So, to conclude, IQ appears to be the same on both lenses (which is to say, great!), so the question is, is VR worth $600? On a pro body, the faster focus of the AF-S is not really necessary. Also, it's hard to find the 70-200s available anywhere, let alone for for under $1700.

wareyes said:

So, to conclude, IQ appears to be the same on both lenses (which is
to say, great!), so the question is, is VR worth $600? On a pro
body, the faster focus of the AF-S is not really necessary. Also,
it's hard to find the 70-200s available anywhere, let alone for for
under $1700.

Click to expand...

It's in stock at B&H for $1630.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/274780-USA/Nikon_2139_70_200mm_f_2_8D_VR_G_AFS.html

I've used both the 80-200 and 70-200 on D80 and D70 bodies. Imo the 70-200VR is slightly better in terms of color and bokeh, equal in sharpness. The extra $600 is a point of controversy as to whether the additional cost is justified, but to attribute 100% of it to VR is a tad untrue. To list some features on the 70-200 that the 80-200 doesn't have - modern lens hood design, improved new tripod collar, 3 focus lock buttons, extremely smooth focus and zoom rings, a rubber mount gasket and faster(I'm talking about twice-three times the speed on intermediate bodies), surer focus with SWM.

Whether VR is worth some extra cash to you depends on what you'll use it for. I shoot weddings so VR lets me pull off many shots that would have been improbable or impossible without it. If you rarely shoot in low light or on the move, you can safely disregard VR as an advantage.

The 80-200 has much better corner performance (less vignetting, better sharpness) & is a bit lighter and shorter, whereas the 70-200 has better center sharpness, less/no CA, better bokeh, AF-S, and VR.

Personally I had the 70-200 and switched to the 80-200 AF-D N (two-ring) after a few months with the D3. But I'm not going to say that it's a better lens overall than the 70-200. It's a matter of taste and needs. But I would not buy the 70-200 new with the intention of using it on an FX camera - wait for a new version which covers the FX format, or buy one of the 80-200's which were designed for film.

I shot the 70-200 on my D700 the other afternoon shooting motorcycles in a shadowed apex after I had lost the sun. Shot the lens at f2.8. When I loaded the shots into LR, the vignetting was very pronounced. I was upset, despite having read the reviews on the combo. Didn't touch the shots 'till I got an order for the whole lot I had shot with 70-200. Did a batch vignette correction in LR, took all of about 30seconds, and the problem was no more! So I will not hesitate to use this combo again when needed.

Given the VR and extra sharpness offered by the 70-200, I see no reason why I'd opt for the 80--200. Maybe with the $800 I'd save I could buy another lens, but what $800 piece of glass is gonna' outperform the 70-200?
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You Will Never Walk Alone

If you're going to put a TC on it, you'll lose IQ and speed. Why not get the 80-400mm VR?

Chas B said:

If you're going to put a TC on it, you'll lose IQ and speed. Why not
get the 80-400mm VR?

Click to expand...

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I actually got to thinking about it and this lens might be a good solution as it has the reach.

you can get the 80 -200 2.8 and with the extra 800 get the the 85 1.4 at least that was what i did.

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Nikon D70
80-200 F2.8 ED
50 F1.8 ED
18-70 F 3.5-4.5 AFS ED
85mm F1.4 IF
105mm F2.8 VR AFS Micro
Kenko TC 1.4
SB800

The 80-200 is a superb lens (as is the70-200). If you use it in combo with the D3/D700 you should be fine as far as focusing speeds go (I personally have not encountered a situation where I have missed a shot due to the AF speed being too slow).

Buy either one (that suits your budget) and you will be very happy.

A couple of samples from the 80-200/2.8 below...

Cheers,
--------
Nikhil
http://shniks.smugmug.com

NT

http://fling.zenfolio.com

70-200VR. No question. Unless the funds are limited, of course.
--
Roger (W6VZV)
Huntington Harbour, California
Surf City, USA

'I want to die peacefully, in my sleep, like my Grandfather...'
Not screaming, and in terror, like his passengers...'

Not sure what you mean...

Cheers,
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Nikhil
http://shniks.smugmug.com

tagging means I post nt - no text. Just to keep track of the thread, because I am interested in buying a 70-200 Vr or an 80-200.

http://fling.zenfolio.com

Ah gotcha- all this fancy lingo... Good luck with your buying decision- regardless of what you buy- you will be very happy with either lens.

Cheers,
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Nikhil
http://shniks.smugmug.com