I just got my copy... the lens seems to be well built and the rings are smooth, unlike 28 AF-S. It's size is very similar with 180/2.8 AF-D. I did a few snapshots... the first impression is a good one and the VR is very efficient. Kudos to Nikon for this lens... I sold my f/2.8 copy because of size / weight issue... On D600 this lens goes very well!
Well, I was able to take a few pictures, nothing special, just to see the limits of this lens. I used it exclusively on D600 and I am very pleased with the output. These images were shot RAW and have very little tweaks here and there on View NX2, then converted in jpeg and batch resized. No noise reduction in camera or in PP.
My lens will get here on Wednesday, just in time for a two-day vacation. I am now kicking myself for not having paid the $4.00 for one-day shipping from Amazon
NickHenderson wrote:
No clue who that is, but he can't even briefly explain why he's not happy with it? But is telling "subscribers" to hold off on the purchase.
I don't have any shorts worth posting yet, but while playing with the lens last night in a VERY low light situation, I was quite impressed with the sharpness. I've also found that the VR is very strong indeed. It is as though the image you see through the viewfinder wants to stay exactly where it is, even if you move the lens a bit back and forth. One thing worth mentioning though. My copy is made in Thailand. I thought they were going to be Japanese based on the photos I saw of the prototype. It's no big deal though.
Well I did not accept mine as it was de-centered - left hand edge and corners much less sharp than the center or right hand side/corners. I thought it perhaps was my D800 mounting flange being misaligned to the sensor, but I've heard from some others having seeing similar de-centering issues with this lens. My 80-200AFS and 70-200VRII have no apparent centering issues at all on my D800.
I'm supposed to get a call when another shipment arrives and we'll see if the issue persists.
I am 90 percent certain that I am returning mine: IQ on my copy isn't impressive, and the build quality is lacking, in my opinion. I might be a bit biased, of course, as I am comparing f4 to the f2.8 vrii.
I am going to spend the day shooting tomorrow, and review the images that will determine ultimately whether I return the lens, or keep it.
Jammyn wrote:
I am 90 percent certain that I am returning mine: IQ on my copy isn't impressive, and the build quality is lacking, in my opinion. I might be a bit biased, of course, as I am comparing f4 to the f2.8 vrii.
I am going to spend the day shooting tomorrow, and review the images that will determine ultimately whether I return the lens, or keep it.
Jammy
Seriously you actually think a lens that cost almost Half as much should perform as well? Photography is all about choice and compromise isn't it?
I sold my 70-200 f2.8 VR1 and bought the 70-200 F4 VR lens. I am happy with it after one day. I can't wait to put to the test with some on the job shooting soon. I like the lighter weight. I shoot mostly weddings and have grown tired of lugging around a bag full of 2.8 lens. I went to the 16-35 F4 VR lens and have no regrets at all on that move after 2 months. I'm not sure switching the 70-200 will be the same but I'm going to try it.
jmcfadden wrote:
Seriously you actually think a lens that cost almost Half as much should perform as well? Photography is all about choice and compromise isn't it?
J
There is no reason it will not perform better - initial reviews indicate it does. It will not perform at 2.8 though and there is the rub.
jmcfadden wrote:
Seriously you actually think a lens that cost almost Half as much should perform as well? Photography is all about choice and compromise isn't it?
J
I did admit to my bias . However, I took about 20 images of co-workers, therefore unable to post them here, and all of the pictures were soft. I was using a tripod and shutter release, so I expected tack sharp images.
I purchased a 24-120 f4, after returning a 24-70 f2.8, and accepted all of the compromises that decision required. This has not been the case with my 70-200 f4: the images are soft, and if the trend continues I am returning the lens. I might have gotten a bad copy, so re-buy in another few months and try again.
. However, I took about 20 images of co-workers, therefore unable to post them here, and all of the pictures were soft. I was using a tripod and shutter release, so I expected tack sharp images.