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
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
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.
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
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?
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).
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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
