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Archive 2012 · Which 70-200 for D800?

  
 
mes2424
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Which 70-200 for D800?


Month old D800 here.

Just converted from Canonland.

Time for a 70-200.
My choices:

Nikon VR 1
Sigma 70-200
Nikon 70-200 f/4
any other options?

Leaning towrd the VR 1 but not sure with the vignetting issue
I've tried the Sigma and it was very good but it seemed cheap build wise

Would love the VR II but not financially ready as I also need a 24-70 range next.

Shoot mostly family portraits & wildlife mainly but also do some local sports.



Dec 11, 2012 at 11:41 AM
BenV
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Which 70-200 for D800?


You're missing the newest competitor, the Tamron 70-200. I play on picking one up asap, if the reviews are correct its supposed to be stellar and on par for the VR2. BH has them for $1499 brand new


Dec 11, 2012 at 11:46 AM
wellsjt
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Which 70-200 for D800?


There is also the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 AF-D. If you can live without VR and AF-S, it's a lot of lens for the price.


Dec 11, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Kell
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Which 70-200 for D800?


cryin shame the VRII is out of your budget, especially since you said you shoot mostly family portraits, wildlife and sports...that's one of Nikon's absolute bread and butter lenses for those photos


Dec 11, 2012 at 01:31 PM
Peter Burian
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Which 70-200 for D800?


Well, I own the Nikon f/2.8 VR II model for my D800 and it is fabulous but am selling it because I will get the new, much smaller/lighter f/4 model. (I shoot mostly events and need to walk around a lot with my equipment and the f/2.8 lens is too heavy.)

I just listed it on the buy and sell board this morning. $1900, 9+ condition with box, etc.

I have not seen any test reports on the f/4 model since it is too new, but I know Nikon lenses and am convinced it will be excellent. That's what I will buy.

DP Review has started working with it: http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/12/05/nikkor-70-200mm-f4-samples-gallery

I have tested the Sigma and did not think it felt cheap. In fact, I would be happy with that lens if it were not so large/heavy ... although it's not as impressive as the Nikon f/2.8 lens (but also less expensive):
http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/sigma_70-200_2p8_n15/6



Dec 11, 2012 at 01:44 PM
Lee Saxon
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Which 70-200 for D800?


VR I performance at the tele end is bad. Worse than most people say. I had one for years for sports and was never happy with it.

I'd look into the new f/4 before the old VR I. I have no experience with it, maybe it's even worse, but being such a new design I doubt it.



Dec 11, 2012 at 01:46 PM
mes2424
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Which 70-200 for D800?


Kell wrote:
cryin shame the VRII is out of your budget, especially since you said you shoot mostly family portraits, wildlife and sports...that's one of Nikon's absolute bread and butter lenses for those photos



I agree 100%. If I had the money I wouldnt even be asking the question and already have one.
Is the VR 1 a bad decision?
Where can I see samples of the corners and the vignetting in actual photos shot with a D800?



Dec 11, 2012 at 01:46 PM
Peter Burian
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Which 70-200 for D800?


Yes, but the 80-200mm is a very old lens. Autofocus is nowhere near as fast (not Silent Wave). See http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/124

There is a newer -- but also discontinued -- model, the 70-200mm with the earlier Vibration Reduction system ... a few are for sale on the buy and sell board for about $1400 (vs. $1900 for the new VR II model).

That might be the best bet for someone on a tight budget. See http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/134/cat/13 ............ BUT do read this Review because there are some issues with the VR1 version of the Nikon lens.




Dec 11, 2012 at 01:49 PM
mes2424
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Which 70-200 for D800?


Peter Burian wrote:
Yes, but the 80-200mm is a very old lens. Autofocus is nowhere near as fast (not Silent Wave). See http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/124

There is a newer -- but also discontinued -- model, the 70-200mm with the earlier Vibration Reduction system ... a few are for sale on the buy and sell board for about $1400 (vs. $1900 for the new VR II model).

That might be the best bet for someone on a tight budget. See http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/134/cat/13 ............ BUT do read this Review because there are some issues with the VR1 version of the Nikon lens.



Thanks, that review pretty much has erased the VR 1 off my list. Maybe if the used price was under $1000 I might still consider it.
Back to the drawing board



Dec 11, 2012 at 02:19 PM
jhinkey
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Which 70-200 for D800?


80-200/2.8 AFS might do the trick for you if you don't need VR. It's not too far off from the 70-200AFS VRII in IQ, especially if stopped down just a bit, though I've used it at f/2.8 many a time with great success.


Dec 11, 2012 at 03:49 PM
Airphoto
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Which 70-200 for D800?


I would go with the 70-200 f/4. IT is a great lens all the tests are coming back fabulous. It will hold its value Great VR. I own the 70-200 2.8 VRII and is is awesome! I have lots of lenses but it is right at the top of my not sell list. It is on my camera when I take it from the bag!
I came form Canonland and the only lens I miss is the 100mm macro IS. I felt it has better macro vr than Nikon.
I like Sigma, I own a couple of their lenses(I bought both used), but it will not hold its value as well as Nikon.



Dec 11, 2012 at 03:57 PM
Peter Burian
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Which 70-200 for D800?


jhinkey wrote:
80-200/2.8 AFS might do the trick for you if you don't need VR. It's not too far off from the 70-200AFS VRII in IQ, especially if stopped down just a bit, though I've used it at f/2.8 many a time with great success.


The 80-200mm lens does not have the AF-S (Silent Wave or ultrasonic) autofocus system. That's the primary problem with that old lens. It is nowhere near as fast to focus as the newer lenses with the AF-S motor. It's fine if shooting in a studio where quick autofocus is not essential, but for most types of outdoor photography, a lens with AF-S .... even the AF-S 70-300mm G zoom ... is definitely preferable.



Dec 11, 2012 at 03:59 PM
tjpenton
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Which 70-200 for D800?


Peter Burian wrote:
The 80-200mm lens does not have the AF-S (Silent Wave or ultrasonic) autofocus system. That's the primary problem with that old lens. It is nowhere near as fast to focus as the newer lenses with the AF-S motor. It's fine if shooting in a studio where quick autofocus is not essential, but for most types of outdoor photography, a lens with AF-S .... even the AF-S 70-300mm G zoom ... is definitely preferable.



There is both an AF-S 80-200 and an AF-D 80-200



Dec 11, 2012 at 04:08 PM
Peter Burian
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Which 70-200 for D800?


<<There is both an AF-S 80-200 and an AF-D 80-200>>

You're right. My mistake! I was a Canon owner back when that lens was available and I did not even know it existed. P.



Dec 11, 2012 at 04:10 PM
jhinkey
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Which 70-200 for D800?


And a great shape 80-200AFS can be had for under $1K. Debating to keep mine as I have access to a 70-200VRII and a 70-200/4AFS VR is on the way.


Dec 11, 2012 at 04:22 PM
mes2424
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Which 70-200 for D800?


Do you feel the f/4 would be good enough for outdoor sports (football) and some wildlife, maybe using a 2x converter at times?


Dec 11, 2012 at 04:33 PM
ash4390
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Which 70-200 for D800?


I guess I'll be the oddball and say try the Sigma (assuming its the OS version). I picked mine up $1300CDN + tax and I'm absolutely in love with the thing!


Dec 11, 2012 at 05:22 PM
Scott Grant
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Which 70-200 for D800?


Lee Saxon wrote:
VR I performance at the tele end is bad. Worse than most people say. I had one for years for sports and was never happy with it.

I'd look into the new f/4 before the old VR I. I have no experience with it, maybe it's even worse, but being such a new design I doubt it.


Speak for your own lens!

My copy is awesome throughout. It's 6 years old and it's still earning my living.



Dec 11, 2012 at 05:39 PM
mes2424
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Which 70-200 for D800?


Scott Grant wrote:
Speak for your own lens!

My copy is awesome throughout. It's 6 years old and it's still earning my living.


And what DSLR are you using it with?



Dec 11, 2012 at 10:44 PM
lukeb
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Which 70-200 for D800?


wellsjt wrote:
There is also the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 AF-D. If you can live without VR and AF-S, it's a lot of lens for the price.


+1



Dec 11, 2012 at 10:51 PM
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