So, I've google searched extensively to find out the differences between the VR I and VR II versions of the 200/2, and am wondering if anyone else has stuff to add to what I've found out so far, and if the VR II is worth the extra $1,200-$1,400 AND waiting:
VR II advantages/changes:
- Nano coating for reduced ghosting and flaring (better color contrast supposedly also)
- A/M focus mode to override accidental brushing of the focus ring
- one more stop VR advantage
I've tried out the 200/2 VR II and it was damn impressive (feels like it focuses before I press on the focus button, sharp as heck also). But haven't had my hands on the VR I version for a test drive. I know I'll be shooting against the sun now and then, so would there be a way to mitigate against the ghosting that will happen if I use the VR I version?
I only ask because I couldn't find any real substantial comparisons from people who have used both the two (fairly pricey) lenses.
Thanks in advance. Looking to join the chubster owners soon!
Same here...
Can get second hand VR1 for 2600, new VR2 for 4000...
Searching with multiple engines give only forum's, no real comparisons .
I would like the extra stop VR of the VR2 and the faster AF, but is there a big difference in IQ? I also know the VR1 doesn't have ED elements, so you will see improvement shooting in the sun with the VR2.
Also tried the VR2 after trying the canon 1.8 IS and was blown away by the VR2.
Never got a VR1 in my hands though .
MazeRunner wrote:
So, I've google searched extensively to find out the differences between the VR I and VR II versions of the 200/2, and am wondering if anyone else has stuff to add to what I've found out so far, and if the VR II is worth the extra $1,200-$1,400 AND waiting:
VR II advantages/changes:
- Nano coating for reduced ghosting and flaring (better color contrast supposedly also)
- A/M focus mode to override accidental brushing of the focus ring
- one more stop VR advantage
I've tried out the 200/2 VR II and it was damn impressive (feels like it focuses before I press on the focus button, sharp as heck also). But haven't had my hands on the VR I version for a test drive. I know I'll be shooting against the sun now and then, so would there be a way to mitigate against the ghosting that will happen if I use the VR I version?
I only ask because I couldn't find any real substantial comparisons from people who have used both the two (fairly pricey) lenses.
Thanks in advance. Looking to join the chubster owners soon!...Show more →
The optical makeup is the same minus the nano coatings. I did this same search earlier this year and ended up with the VR I, one other difference is the manual/auto switch. The old one only has M/A and A while the newer one has the M/A, A and A/M switch.
The VR I vs VR II usefulness depends on your style of shooting. I personally keep VR off 90% of the time.
Regarding the nano coatings and sun flare I don't notice a difference. I've personally never run into issues with flaring but I always use the lens hood as well. This is comparing the 70-200 VR II with Nano coatings and my 200 F/2 VR I. A side by side comparison may help here but I don't currently have one.
My advice would be get one that you can get for a good deal regardless if it's VR I or VR II. If you get the VR I try to get a later serial number since the electronics in these lenses are normally rated up to 10 years.
playerofwar wrote:
Same here...
Can get second hand VR1 for 2600, new VR2 for 4000...
Searching with multiple engines give only forum's, no real comparisons .
I would like the extra stop VR of the VR2 and the faster AF, but is there a big difference in IQ? I also know the VR1 doesn't have ED elements, so you will see improvement shooting in the sun with the VR2.
Also tried the VR2 after trying the canon 1.8 IS and was blown away by the VR2.
Never got a VR1 in my hands though .
ED elements help with chromatic aberrations that fast primes often deal with and the VR I version definitely has it. I believe you are referring to the nano coatings which help with flare from the sun.
MazeRunner wrote:
VR II advantages/changes:
- Nano coating for reduced ghosting and flaring (better color contrast supposedly also)
- A/M focus mode to override accidental brushing of the focus ring
- one more stop VR advantage
One additional advantages is the VR II foot which is better somehow than the VR I.
Good luck with whichever you go for.....probably a V II
- I'll be shooting with a monopod and/or tripod on location if I can. Thinking my RRS BH-55 on a Gitzo GM2541 or 3531S--looking for a lighter and just as capable ballhead/pan-and-tilt (might do video) head later.
- Yes, I am referring to the nano coating. I'm not too sure with how much it helps with flare from the sun (since I anticipate shooting with the sun as part of the background about 10-20% of the time).
- How much faster is the AF on the VR II, if it is faster? Because I tried it out and fell in LOVE with the VR II AF speed.
@playerofwar:
If you can get me a VR I or VR II at close to your prices in pristine condition.... PM sent!
*The VR from the VRII is slower to react than the VRI. I cannot see the "one stop VR advantage",
*The A/M additional focus mode is a real bonus,
*The flare resistance on the VRII is better than the VRI in extreme conditions,
*The VRI is sharper than the VRII @f/2 (for my copies anyway),
*The VRI handles TCs better than the VRII (for my copies anyway).
Honestly, if you're using RRS, the factory foot doesn't matter,as it would serve you to get an RRS foot.
I have the VR1 and have now need or wish to get the VR2. Optically, they're the same except for the nano coating. But even without the coating, the VR1 is a phenomenal lens. Use the lens hood, and you're good to go. (I ALWAYS use my lens hoods anyways unless there's a specific reason I can't.)
That's $3,567 for the VR I and $5,489... but then, why would he even mention it as the prices on the B&S thread are better?!
Because everything tech is EUR=USD. Almost always...
Announcement price of D800E was 3300 (USD and also EUR), and this is for nearly every lens/body/laptop/tablet/television/console/...
So, if I could get it for those prices in the EU, then you should also have prices close to those I supposed...
Buy and Sell is also terrible here: A lot of people that want 90% for a 3-year old lens or 80% for a body 2 generations old.
It's even worse for Canon gear here (when I was selling off my Canon-gear, I checked other second hand prices and some were like 95%; I sold most of it for 60% and still got a lot of people wanting it for 10% of the price...)
The thing you have to consider if you are selling is this: Would I buy this item for this price? If you tell yourself 'maybe', it's too expensive. Lenses as-new and latest generation should be less than 70%, body of this gen also 70% and an older generation 50% or less.
Accessories are nearly unsellable IMO, only batteries, battery grip and flashes are attractive. But stuff like straps, extension plates, L-brackets and other mounts.
playerofwar wrote:
Can get second hand VR1 for 2600, new VR2 for 4000...
Not sure about the $2600 number but the way I look at it is from a depreciation perspective. Let's say your values are correct and you resell in 10 yrs. Will each have dropped $1,000? Don't know but it that proves to be true, then the depreciation was $100 per year for each and in that case, buy and enjoy the VR2. I recognize this is highly speculative so no arguments, please. I'm just making a point about depreciation.
playerofwar wrote:
I also know the VR1 doesn't have ED elements, so you will see improvement shooting in the sun with the VR2.
IIRC, the VR1 has an extra low dispersion element, the only lens in Nikon's line-up to have one at that time. I just checked Nikon's website and they are now calling these elements Super ED.
MazeRunner wrote:
Still wondering which one focuses faster:
- VR I:
- VR II:
I've had the VR II in my hands before and it was DAMN fast. Is the VR I slightly (tiny wee bit) slower?
Hey Maze,
The VR1 video you linked above is my channel. Yes, I recorded that and I can't believe there's one thumbs down, probably a 180 2.8 user, lol.
I have actually shot both VR1 and VRII, and I wish I kept the test shots for you to analyze. Trust me, you will NOT spot the difference. I couldn't, and I really tried to justify the extra $1500. AF speed is the same. This isn't like the 70-200 VR1 to VRII update where the difference is quite apparent. I also shoot some backlit scenes.. do I see some ghosting? Sometimes... but not enough to ruin the image..actually I think it adds drama and I love it. Not sure how the VRII would fare on a backlit situation, but I am extremely satisfied with my VR1. Here's an example of the 200/2 VR1 on a strong backlit scene:
Would the VRII be $1500 better? Not sure..
But if you're the kind of person who won't be able to sleep if you didn't opt for the latest and greatest, then absolutely go for the VRII. Nothing wrong with that! If you go with the VR1, you might be wondering what you're missing, which means you will be miserable and not taking photos
VRII Pros:
-Brand new, with warranty
-Guaranteed to have fresh new motor
-No first AF squeak like most VR1's when sitting unused for a while
-Better VR
-Nano Super Coat
-Better resale
-No wondering "what am I missing"?
VRII Cons:
-Expensive
-Not sure if it's really "$1500 better"
-VR1 just as good 99.99%
. 
and I can't believe there's one thumbs down, probably a 180 2.8 user, lol. 