BSPhotog Online Upload & Sell: On
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CanadaMark wrote:
You mention that low light isn't a problem, so if I were you I'd probably grab a 70-200/4 VR. Same sharpness as the 2.8 II version, but half the size, price & weight. You get a pro-grade AF motor as well, which will be way faster than your 70-300. It's also still got you covered if you ever move to full frame, and has the latest version of VR. If you're dead set on the 2.8, you can get away the VR1 version as well if you don't see yourself moving to full-frame anytime soon, but the VR2 version is significantly better on full frame than the VR1 version.
If you want to add something more on the wide end, I'd keep the 18-105 for mid-range stuff, and buy an ultra-wide like a 10-24 for those tractor and landscape shots. If you want to replace the 18-105, skip the Nikon 17-55/2.8 and grab a Sigma 17-50/2.8 OS or Tamron 17-50 VC II.
Also whatever you choose, consider buying in Canada to save 20-25% thanks to your strong dollar. You still get the full warranty in the extremely unlikely event something goes wrong in the first 5 years. The 70-200/2.8 VR2 is around $1,700 and the 70-200/4 is around $1,000 at the moment.
I am not as big of a fan of the 80-200's as some people are, even though the optics are still good. VR is so *incredibly* useful in that range, even more so on a DX body like your D7000 where the field of view becomes 300mm. The modern 70-200 VR's can be had for such good prices these days that I wouldn't bother with the 10+ year old 80-200 lenses. You get all the latest lens coatings too. Just my thoughts anyway, YMMV....Show more →
Good point about the 70-200 f/4 VR! That should really be a solid contender for sure. It is hard to know if VR is absolutely necessary for everyone, especially with an f/2.8 lens. If you're shooting action, a wide aperture will help keep your shots crisp by allowing a higher shutter speed. This applies to both camera shake and moving subjects. The 70-200 f/4 loses a stop of light, but has VR. This means that it will allow a slower shutter speed to be used than would normally be acceptable without introducing camera shake. This doesn't help freeze motion, however. I think the 70-200 f/4 VR claims 2 or 3 stops of VR, so if you are normally able to shoot zoomed to 200mm with a 1/400s shutter speed and get a crisp image with no shake without VR, the VR would give you the same crisp image at 1/100s or 1/50s, respectively. Again, this does nothing for motion blur.
With a purchase like this, it is always great if you can rent/borrow a lens first to see how it fits your needs. I typically haven't needed VR on the long end with my 80-200, but I keep my shutter speed high when it is bright out or tripod/monopod the lens to keep it stable. I'm selling mine because I picked up a prime that fits my needs better on the long end.
If you do consider an 80-200, definitely spring for the 2-ring version (most current) as opposed to the push-pull. Also, avoid the 80-200 AF-S like the plague as they are pretty prone to AF motor failure. Good luck!
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