So, I've heard and read how awesome and sharp the Nikon 70-200VRII is. But realistically, the price tag is higher than I can justify or afford. I have read a lot of very positive reviews about how sharp and well the 80-200 performs as well. If this lens is comparably sharp, I would definately give it some consideration. I don't care about the stabilization. I just need to cover this focal range with a good quality piece of glass. The reason I ask, is because I'm seriously considering the new D800. I figure that resolution will be uncompromising with less than top notch glass. I would not make the compromise if it meant crumby image quality. I would just put off the 70-200 until I could afford it.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Chris
Posted by Lance Warley on February 26, 2012 at 6:30 AM
You could always buy it, try it, and if you don't like the IQ, return it. That way, you can make your own decision, rather than looking at tests done by others.
Posted by Nick Baldwin on February 26, 2012 at 11:51 AM
I agree with Mr. Edwards; read Thom. He also has a good review of the 70-200: http://bythom.com/nikkor-70-200-VR-II-lens.htm
That said I have a VRI model 70-200 and it has never failed to deliver.
I am using it with the Ver III 2.0TC which Nikon assured me would work and they weren't wrong.
Greatly improved over older 2.0 TC, and delightfully quick on flying birds.
I have to say that is my #1 lens and have no doubt it has shot 20K or more photos in the past 7-8 years!
I even use it occassionally on my D700-for portraits and scenic shots.
Of course as a Avian enthusiast I perfer the extra "camera factor" so use it mainly on the D300.
Yes it is a bit more expensive but I know I have amoritized that cost many times over.
With the investment in the D800, keep the quality and go with the 70-200!
Posted by Mark Pelton on February 26, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Chris, lots of raves on Nikongear.com. It sounds like this lens is in another league.
Posted by Robert Cable on February 27, 2012 at 9:52 AM
Hello Chris,
I had the 80-200mm for eight years and upgraded to the 70-200vr 2 last year. The 70-200vr 2 is noticeably sharper,has better color and contrast, and the nano crystal coating does reduce flare. If you are getting the D800 (I have pre-ordered mine) save for the 70-200vr 2. You want to be able to get everything out of a D800, so you need the best lenses. The difference in the 2 above mentioned lenses was enough for me to upgrade my old 28-70mm to the 24-70mmvr and I am glad I did that as well.
Hope that helps
Posted by Greg Vaughn on February 29, 2012 at 12:25 AM
Chris,
The 80-200/2.8 was top of the line when it came out, and it's still an excellent lens. By all reports, the 70-200 has surpassed it and would be the natural choice, especially with the D800. However, if (1) you don't have a lens to cover that range right now and (2) the 80-200 is not within the budget anytime soon, I'd recommend trying to pick up a good used 80-200 to give you the coverage until the 70-200 is do-able. I don't think you'll lose much, if anything, when you go to re-sell, and in the meantime you'll have a lens capable of producing excellent images.
Discussion
6 repliesAny feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Chris
http://www.bythom.com/nikkor-80-200-lens.htm
That said I have a VRI model 70-200 and it has never failed to deliver.
I am using it with the Ver III 2.0TC which Nikon assured me would work and they weren't wrong.
Greatly improved over older 2.0 TC, and delightfully quick on flying birds.
I have to say that is my #1 lens and have no doubt it has shot 20K or more photos in the past 7-8 years!
I even use it occassionally on my D700-for portraits and scenic shots.
Of course as a Avian enthusiast I perfer the extra "camera factor" so use it mainly on the D300.
Yes it is a bit more expensive but I know I have amoritized that cost many times over.
With the investment in the D800, keep the quality and go with the 70-200!
I had the 80-200mm for eight years and upgraded to the 70-200vr 2 last year. The 70-200vr 2 is noticeably sharper,has better color and contrast, and the nano crystal coating does reduce flare. If you are getting the D800 (I have pre-ordered mine) save for the 70-200vr 2. You want to be able to get everything out of a D800, so you need the best lenses. The difference in the 2 above mentioned lenses was enough for me to upgrade my old 28-70mm to the 24-70mmvr and I am glad I did that as well.
Hope that helps
The 80-200/2.8 was top of the line when it came out, and it's still an excellent lens. By all reports, the 70-200 has surpassed it and would be the natural choice, especially with the D800. However, if (1) you don't have a lens to cover that range right now and (2) the 80-200 is not within the budget anytime soon, I'd recommend trying to pick up a good used 80-200 to give you the coverage until the 70-200 is do-able. I don't think you'll lose much, if anything, when you go to re-sell, and in the meantime you'll have a lens capable of producing excellent images.