I have searched far and wide and can't find any topics discussing specifically how the autofocus of the 80-200 AF-D is compared to the AF-S. I am really interested in it's low light focusing. I will be using it to shoot weddings and will need it to be pretty good for dark churches. Thanks.
Shoots well in lowlight day light and more for the two ring version. I've shot everything from horse races to night time concerts, and it works well. Hunts a wee bit sometimes in real dark like, but I'm talking shutter speeds of 1/30th @ f2.8 ISO1600 or ISO3200. I'm pleased with it.
I've had the push pull, the ED and the 70-200VR. I have not had only the AF-S but found that the focus of the VR was not faster, and if it was somehow, then it was so insignificant as to be meaningless. They are all pretty good focusers. I think the body one mounts them on is the largest factor. The D2h or D2xs for example focused in a more torqued way in an obvious fashion that any of the smaller bodies with smaller batteries such as the D200, 300 or 700.
The other thing worth mentioning is that the VR looked worst in the corners on FF but had a bit better bokeh. So if you are planning to get the 80-200 AF-s for FF and don't need the VR, its the one to get. Great build and focusing close enough as to not make any difference - for sure. How much are they now?
With respect to speed I would bet it would depend on the body its being used with. The AFS is very quick on my d90 when it as good light but as the light falls it does slow down. Doesnt hunt though, which is quite nice.
I've said this many times in the past. In terms of AF aquisition, AF speed in continuous auto focus, as well as sharpness, the 80-200 AFS is fastest and sharpest, followed by 70-200 AFS VR, followed by the two ring 80-200 AFD. The difference was enough for me to NOT buy the 70-200 AFS VR no matter what. I've used all three side by side at one time or other. The difference between the 80-200 AFS and the 70-200 AFS VR was obvious, but between the 70-200 AFS VR and the 80-200 AFD negligible.
A while ago the 80-200 was going new for a bit over $800 making it one heck of a deal. I almost got a used one for $700 but the way prices have moved up is a shame.
I purchased the 80-200mm AF-s brand new back in 2000 for $1,419, now I noticed that KEH is selling them used in LN- for $1,600!! What happened? Unfortunately, I sold my awesome copy back in 2007. I would now like to buy another, but it's hard to stomach paying more for it used then I paid for it new.
My 80-200 is pretty good on my D3x. Sure, it's not as fast as a lens with an AFS motor, but it's good for most stuff. As was said before, it can almost keep up with the 70-200 VR. Almost
I shoot lots of different things with my AF-D version and the only complaint I have is weathersealing. It focuses well on my D300 and I rarely rarely rarely misfocus. When I do, I am willing to bet it is my own fault.
Just last week I was shooting collegiate rugby in less than ideal conditions and it never had a problem focusing or tracking.
jamphan wrote:
I have searched far and wide and can't find any topics discussing specifically how the autofocus of the 80-200 AF-D is compared to the AF-S. I am really interested in it's low light focusing. I will be using it to shoot weddings and will need it to be pretty good for dark churches. Thanks.
With D70, painfully slow and hunts a lot. With D200, pretty quick and doesn't hunt. With D700, downright "zippy" and no hunting.
