lens selection

[firepix]

Recently purchased at Nikon d700 which I love. I'm looking to buy a zoom lens in the range of around 70-200 or 300. I know that Nikon 70-200 2.8 vr2 is a great lens but its also a bit pricey. I heard that the vr1 version doesn't perform as well on fx cameras. Any opinions on any of Nikons other zooms or maybe an off brand would be helpful. I've read a little about Sigmas new 70-200 2.8 but I'm sure it doesn't come close to Nikon.
Thanks for the help,
Dan

 

[SixDasher]

The 80-200 is a very good option, I have shot that lense for several years before biting the bullet on the VR2. It´s a great lens and very affordable. Never missed VR on this lens, and actually have VR turned off most of the time on my 70-200.

--
I'z lovez my AiS'ez

 

[BobSC]

I couldn't afford a new 70-200 so I bought an old used 80-200 f/2.8. It feels like a brick. But it's sharp and bright and it does what I bought it for.

 

[Apollo18]

I have a 70-200mm VR II and it is indeed very nice indeed. Before that though, I had a Sigma 100-300mm f4. This lens has an excellent reputation (if you google it, you will find many excellent reviews), and I certainly liked mine before I switched to the Nikon. Works great on FX and DX alike. Very sharp at f8, and not bad wide open. Doesn't like teleconverters much though.

--
My photos:
http://nickburtonswildlifephotography.blogspot.com/
http://nickburton.smugmug.com/

 

[nikoj]

Stretch further to get the VR2. It will be the lens that will not leave you second guessing for wanting more in the 70-200 class and will save you money in the long run. Sure wished the VR2 was available when I got my D700 when it first came out. I got the VR1 and almost sold it until recently when I picked up a D7000, on which it is an amazing lens and for sure, getting a second life. VR2's IQ on FX as I understand, is as good as VR1 on DX if not better... I think the IQ on Nikon 70-200 is almost as good as several of their fast primes in the said focal range including the very specialized 85 1.4, and 105/135dc's. I really think if you settled on something else to save a few bucks now, you'll actually end up spending more in the long run in trying to get to the best. At least that's been my own experience.

 

[firepix]

I thank everyone for there great opinions, its very helpful. I still like Nikons version of the 70-200 2.8 vr2 the best, but that 80-200 2.8 is still a possibiltiy. I am worried though that it doesn't have any vibration reduction.

 

[Dennis DH]

It shouldn't bother you that the 80-200 doesn't have VR.

It is an excellent lens, and if you need to do a long exsposure you want a tripod any way.
Personally I don't have any lens with VR and I don't miss it a bit.

 

[nikoj]

Not sure if you need the VR or not, that will depend on your shooting style, but the VR2 on this lens worked really, really well when I tried it out at a store; noticeably better than VR1 for sure. It'd really would be a no brainer lens for me had I not already have the VR1.

 

[oldhouse]

Just to offer a different opinion, I have the VRII version and LOVE the lens and the VR. There are times where you just don't have a tripod with you or can't bring one along.

My favorite image of 2010 was of my wife and son in the Virgina Beach Aquarium with the D700, 70-200VRII at 70mm f/2.8 ISO 4000 and 1/20 sec.
Whether you need or don't need VR is up to your own shooting style.

It shouldn't bother you that the 80-200 doesn't have VR.

It is an excellent lens, and if you need to do a long exsposure you want a tripod any way.
Personally I don't have any lens with VR and I don't miss it a bit.

--
Quinn

 

[calson]

The VR 1 can vignette but it is still a very good lens. If you do not need VR the 80-200mm f2.8 is an excellent lens for FX cameras.

Good info at this website regarding the 70-200 VR and the 80-200 f2.8 ED IF zoom lenses

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html

 

[WillTC]

I never buy anything else than a Nikkor lens again. Maybe image quality of 3rd party lenses may be good, but don't forget durability - except you're a 100% indoor shooter. None of my Nikkors ever got broken, but all of my former Sigma lenses didn't survive rock climbing.

Best,

Will

--
Swiss High Alpine Photography
http://www.wilfriedhaferland.com

 

[matram]

Hi,

Before I bought the 70-200VRII I used an 85/1.4 and a 180/2.8.

Both are optically excellent and bought second hand they were quite a bit cheaper than a zoom.

Of course the zoom is very flexible and the 80-200 is a good alternative.

--
Mats