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Archive 2018 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank

  
 
alexxn
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


I'm looking for a 70-200 f/2.8 lens for my D700 that is somewhat easy on the wallet. I'm new to Nikon having come from Canon and their 70-200 f/2.8 IS Version 1.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated



Jan 04, 2018 at 01:04 AM
lukemeup
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


Define 'won't break the bank'.

Tamron 70-200 G2 is getting some good reviews.

If you don't need 2.8 and can get by with f4 - 70-200 f4g is pretty awesome. Way lighter than 2.8, great VR and IQ on par with 2.8 vrII (at f4 of course). And you can get it used for ~$800ish.



Jan 04, 2018 at 01:26 AM
Oscarsmadness
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


I had a 80-200/2.8 AF-D that I used frequently with my D700. If you need f2.8, it's veeeeeery good! And there's one on the B+S board right now i think. I sold mine two weeks ago.


Jan 04, 2018 at 02:27 AM
Oscarsmadness
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1524677

this one



Jan 04, 2018 at 02:38 AM
Sauseschritt
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


Well, the AF 80-200mm f2.8 pre-D push-pull is an excellent performer thats available for very cheap on the used market. There are no changes in the optics between this and the current version of the AF 80-200mm f2.8, which is D (theres also a push-pull version with D in between these two version) and has two rings, but is usually traded at much higher prices.

Obviously no image stabilization and no fast autofocus for sports though, and its push-pull, meaning you choose the focal length by moving the focus ring forward or backward.

If you need autofocus for sports and/or image stabilization, the aforementioned Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC G2 would be the given choice.

Though you can sort of add image stabilization the old way, before image stabilization was invented, by using a monopod.



Jan 04, 2018 at 03:29 AM
pr4photos
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


Push pull version can have focusing issues at 200mm on digital cameras; twin ring doesn't suffer from this

I have had both the push pull and currently have the twin ring, and have just ordered the Tamron G2 to replace my Nikon lens



Jan 04, 2018 at 07:29 AM
Todd Warnke
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


Grab a version 1 70-200VR. Rugged, sharp, and while not "cheap", it's certainly affordable. Sold mine for a VRII, and always regretted it.

Peace,

Todd



Jan 04, 2018 at 09:33 AM
alexxn
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


tek9 wrote:
Define 'won't break the bank'.

Tamron 70-200 G2 is getting some good reviews.

If you don't need 2.8 and can get by with f4 - 70-200 f4g is pretty awesome. Way lighter than 2.8, great VR and IQ on par with 2.8 vrII (at f4 of course). And you can get it used for ~$800ish.


I'd like to stay close to $1200 if possible, and yes I definitely need f/2.8



Jan 04, 2018 at 10:29 AM
CanadaMark
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


I don't know what your budget is, but I think you will be happier with a used 70-200/2.8 VR II than any of the third party options. They are easy to find in good condition for $1200-$1300 and lots of people are selling them now that the 70-200FL is out. Since you are full frame, I would definitely not get the earlier VR I version as the corners are really weak, it has first generation VR, and that lens is now 15 years old.

Personally I am not a fan of the third party 70-200's, build quality, focus speed, and stabilization are all superior on the Nikon versions. Some of the third party versions some pretty close to the image quality of the older Nikon 70-200 VR II though if you get a good copy.

Edit: Just saw your reply with a budget of $1200, a gently used Nikon 70-200/2.8 VR II is a no-brainer in that case.



Jan 04, 2018 at 10:29 AM
Blakehfreeman
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


Tamron G2 or if you're patient grab a used Nikon 70-200 VRII [ive seen a few for 1200 on the boards]. You need 2.8 for light gathering or because you want 2.8?

alexxn wrote:
I'd like to stay close to $1200 if possible, and yes I definitely need f/2.8




Jan 04, 2018 at 12:36 PM
TooManyShots
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


pr4photos wrote:
Push pull version can have focusing issues at 200mm on digital cameras; twin ring doesn't suffer from this

I have had both the push pull and currently have the twin ring, and have just ordered the Tamron G2 to replace my Nikon lens


Yes, it does....If you have a AF problem free 80-200 AF D 2 ring version, that's great. In most cases, is not. Back focusing is the main issue with the lens. Even more so when the shooting distance is close and near the MFD AND zoomed in. The back focusing issue can not be fixed using the AF fine tune setting. I had to physically change the front lens element group position to make the lens to focus more away from the sensor. I later had to mask the focusing distance electrical contacts to fool the lens/camera that the shooting distance is actually more closer than 10ft. Frankly, I won't pay more than $500 for one. Also, the front element isn't sealed AT ALL. More than likely any used copy you get would have tons of dust and debris inside the lens...unless the lens has been sealed with a front filter.

The lens is sharp enough at wide open with a bit of glow and CA. It can be easily corrected with software and some mild sharpening. I enjoyed using it.

Go for the Tamron 70-200 vc version 1. It can be had for around $700.



Jan 04, 2018 at 01:58 PM
Pinthura
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


I too had a similar budget to work with. After researching this for a couple of months and trying out a few options, I picked up a Tamron 70-200 G2. While I am yet to put the lens to good use, initial impressions are pretty good.
(I see there is a rebate going on which makes the price even more attractive - see details in Tamron website).



Jan 04, 2018 at 02:56 PM
Bohemien
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


alexxn wrote:
I'd like to stay close to $1200 if possible, and yes I definitely need f/2.8


+1 for the 70-200 VR II, that's the one I'd get with that budget.



Jan 04, 2018 at 03:14 PM
indusphoto
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


I dont think that you can go wrong on this. Any of the 80-200, 70-200 are excellent. I had 70-200 VR I, never noticed the soft corner issue that the internet was a buzz about.

Tamron VC lens both G1 and G2 are very good, probably the best in price range, however if you shoot sports, stick with Nikon 70-200.



Jan 05, 2018 at 02:56 AM
Unclejoe1116
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


I'd look for a VRII. It's got focus breathing issues, it's heavy, and 200mm turns closer to 135mm at close distances, but that is a phenomenal lens. Focus is tack sharp, beautiful drop-off, super adaptable. Stays glued to one of my D750s at all times.


Jan 05, 2018 at 12:27 PM
Spectro
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


I've had a 70-200 VR1 since the D2X days and am still using it on a D850 and D5 almost 9 years later. It's a workhorse that I have used in all seasons and weather conditions and I feel no need to replace it. I'm not saying this to sway you towards it but to say that any Nikon 70-200 2.8 in good condition regardless of version is worth a look.


Jan 05, 2018 at 04:44 PM
cope07
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


Tamron G2, its better than anything available for Nikon, other than the 70-200 E. also has arca swiss foot built in


Jan 05, 2018 at 05:07 PM
Oscarsmadness
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


Given your budget, choose the nikon 70-200mm f2.8 vr2. I have one and it's stellar. Some people have said the AF motor in the VR1 version is starting to break. I don't know if this is because of the age of the technology or because of the age of the specific copy these guys are using, but this is what I'm hearing.

i've sent you a pm



Jan 10, 2018 at 01:31 AM
Max Power
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


Oscarsmadness wrote:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1524677

this one


Man, I do not agree with that guys gear condition rating..... Condition 10 with a broken manual focus switch? Um, okey dokee....



Jan 10, 2018 at 06:16 AM
Oscarsmadness
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Need a 70-200 Lens that won't break the bank


LOOOOOL. more like a condition 6 (mechanical imperfections) but hey, seller's gotta put his stuff in a good light i guess


Jan 10, 2018 at 10:53 AM
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