AF-S: the biggest concern for me to change system from Canon

When I did tests with the Kenko and Nikon 14s with my D700, I found the Kenko noticeably softer (more flare and fog) than the Nikon, although resolution was about the same, so I got the Nikon. I've also found Kenko machining to be sloppy compared to Nikon, so much so I've given up using their extension tubes for my 70-180 macro - they were just too loose (all three) for precise use.

I don't know about third party teleconverters but the 70-200 VRII takes the Nikon TC-14 very well. A couple of days ago I was really bored and did a comparison between the 70-200+TC, Sigma 100-300 and Nikon 300 f/2.8. See for yourself:



Full size: http://jarno.smugmug.com/Other/misc/i-rJKhxQK/0/O/300mm-compare.jpg

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 70-200.

Jarno
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Photos at http://jarno.smugmug.com

Kolen said:

The only concern I have now is the AF capability.

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My D700 focusses like lightening with both AF (70-180 macro) and AFS (24-70) lenses and I'm sure the D800 will too. Remember that large aperture lenses are deliberately slower focussing than f/2.8 or up because focussing is more critical. If you're doing sports, definitely rent one for a day to make sure it's fast enough for you.

There's no small or cheap option really. The closest would be the 70-200 of course and the 200-400 in terms of focal length, and there's of course the 200/2. I'm sure you knew this.

Kolen said:

Jon Rty said:

One solution I'd take a look at is the 70-200mm VRII together with the 2x TC III. It gives you both a 70-200mm F/2.8 and a 140-400mm F/5.6 with good quality:

http://mansurovs.com/nikon-70-200mm-vr-ii-review/5

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Thanks. That's actually sounds great. Do you know where I can get more samples? Thanks!

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I use the 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII when on holidays as it is better than lugging around my 300 f2.8 VRII + TC's. The IQ is excellent considering it is a 2x TC on a zoom! Here are some samples:

Model NIKON D700 + 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII
Focal Length 400 mm
Exposure Time 1/640 sec
Aperture f/6.3
ISO Equivalent 900



Model NIKON D700 + 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII
Focal Length 400 mm
Exposure Time 1/250 sec
Aperture f/8
ISO Equivalent 560



CROP:



This next shot is WIDE open. So not too bad wide open!
Model NIKON D700 + 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII
Focal Length 400 mm
Exposure Time 1/400 sec
Aperture f/5.6
ISO Equivalent 800



Model NIKON D7000 + 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII
Focal Length 140 mm
Exposure Time 1/320 sec
Aperture f/8
ISO Equivalent 6400



Model NIKON D7000 + 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII
Focal Length 340 mm
Exposure Time 1/60 sec
Aperture f/10
ISO Equivalent 6400



Model NIKON D7000 + 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII
Focal Length 400 mm
Exposure Time 1/250 sec
Aperture f/5.6
ISO Equivalent 1000



Model NIKON D7000 + 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII
Focal Length 400 mm
Exposure Time 1/250 sec
Aperture f/8
ISO Equivalent 3200



Model NIKON D7000 + 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII
Focal Length 270 mm
Exposure Time 1/160 sec
Aperture f/7.1
ISO Equivalent 3200



The 1.4x TCII gives superb IQ as well. Here are a few samples from the 70-200 f2.8 VRII + 2xTCII:

Kolen said:

Kolen said:

Kolen said:

I am a 5D Mark II user and after the launch of D800 and 5D Mark III, I am now considering to switch system.
The only concern I have now is the AF capability.

Currently I am using the Canon 200/2.8L USM and also interested in the Canon 100-400L IS USM. And I found no counter parts in Nikon.

I see a 180/2.8 in Nikon which is not AF-S, and I heard that is slow and not suitable for sports, which is mainly why I would have it.

And I am interested in the 100-400L IS USM but I can only find AF-S 70-300 or AF 80-400. The later one is considered to be slow AF again, which I want to buy it for, e.g., birding.

70-200/2.8 is too heavy (and expensive) for me to carry it around most of the time.

And I am thinking 70-300 is too slow, I was thinking a slow 100-400 and a fast 200/2.8 combination should work for me, but I can't find it (with fast AF) in Nikon.
Could you help me to resolve this dilemma? Thanks.

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--
Lance B
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b

Kolen said:

Thanks all.

I am now looking at the 70-200/2.8II with 1.4 TC and 2.0 TC, as suggested by many of you.

To get a cheaper TC with great performance, I am using the Kenko C-AF Teleplus PRO 300 DGX 1.4TC. It is said that the Kenko 1.4 TC is even better than the newest Canon TC (and I guess so in Nikon too?). And it's just a fraction of the cost of them.

What do you think? Will 70-200/2.8II with the newest Kenko 1.4TC and 2.0TC works well? If so, it is the cheapest and lightest combo I could have imagined.
Thanks.

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Just stick with the Nikon TC's, get the 1.4x TCII and the 2x TCII (not the older x TCII version). See my post above for my samples. The Nikon is the only manufacturer to us an aspherical element in any TC with the 2x TCIII.

--
Lance B
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b

Thanks all.
Last question: Which one is better:
D800 + 70-200 II + 2.0 TCIII
D800 + 70-200 II + 1.4 TCII in DX mode?

I am guessing the D800 might out resolve the 2.0TC combination anyway and using DX mode might be more economical both in terms of price and memory size.
Thanks.

The 2x is better. You'll have more pixels on the subject in good light, and in low light the larger sensor area used will compensate for the stop lost at equal viewing sizes. Even if per pixel sharpness is worse on the 2x, you have 36mp of them instead of 16, so at equal viewing sizes the image will be sharper. Besides, going with the 2x still gives you to opportunity to shoot in DX mode, giving you a 600mm equivalent 16mp image.

Kolen said:

Thanks all.
Last question: Which one is better:
D800 + 70-200 II + 2.0 TCIII
D800 + 70-200 II + 1.4 TCII in DX mode?

I am guessing the D800 might out resolve the 2.0TC combination anyway and using DX mode might be more economical both in terms of price and memory size.
Thanks.

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i agree - its too expensive to jump from one to another

slimandy said:

I wonder why you'd switch then? Buy the 5D MkIII and be happy.
--
http://www.andrewsandersphotography.co.uk

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