Choices.. Choices.. Choices..

[SwissJon]

Ok, so I've fallen in love with this 80-200 2.8 that I got, I love the capabilities it offers, the opportunities to get close to a subject with a short DoF offers countless options.. BUT I'm finding that there's a small amount of movement blur because the subjects I want to photograph, (people) I want to do hand held, with natural light that means slow shutter speed, even at 2.8..

So, having finally sold the last of my Sony gear, I'm finding myself with enough money to make a descision...

Either: I use the money I got from flea bay to buy a Nikkor 105 2.8 if ed micro.. I've already got a 60mm micro lens, so this would be for the 105 2.8 capabilities, micro adds nothing new.

Or: I sell this 80-200 lens I just bought, sell my 70-300 VR 4.5-5.6 if ed and buy the 70-200 VR II

Or: Something else.

What would you do, and why?

[RichardTaylor]

If your having problems at F2.8 "freezing" subjects in low available light I wouldn't go for another F2.8 lens.

I would be looking at F2 primes with focal lengths to meet your needs.
You should be able to at least double your shutter speed (at a cost of thinner DOF).

I sometimes shoot classical music concerts, in available light and for me this is the way to go. Even a IS/VR lens doesn't help that much if there is much movement in the subjects.
Also do not be afraid to use high ISO (1600+) and use noise reduction (sometimes selectively) if need be when PPing the RAW files

[SwissJon]

The problem I'm having is that when I use the camera to zoom in to 200mm, my shutter speed drops to about 1/100s, and handholding this heavy lens is a pain at those speeds.. The VRII claims four stops improvement, which suggests I could possibly get the speed down to 1/25, or increase the depth of field.

The only useful prime with 2.0 capabilities in my budget is the 105, which has now replaced the 2.8 105 in my dream list above..

I'm also umming and ahhing about a Hasselblad with 100mm lens that shop has in it's second hand department.. But then I know nothing about medium format cameras, so perhaps that's a dream for a different day???

[Rentham]

Why not bump ISO a stop or a stop and a third? I'd take a little noise over motion blur any day.

[tyasa81]

Swissjon.. Arent u shooting d7000? Trying increasin iso.. Unless u r shooting a lot at sunset, u should get a reasonable shutter speed of 1/200.. Otherwise u could sell it and get the 135 dc.. Since u r using it to shoot portraits.. And not sports.. So af speed isnt a consideration..

I have the 70-300.. Its good for a lot of things.. But i dont consider it my portrait lens... Im using a d7000 as well... Though i can say its vr is fantastic...

If i were in your shoes... I would either get the 135 or 70-200

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

I'm also umming and ahhing about a Hasselblad with 100mm lens that shop has in it's second hand department.. But then I know nothing about medium format cameras, so perhaps that's a dream for a different day???

I've been keeping my eyes out for one of these, but no luck. So this would definitely be my choice!

Otherwise, Nikkor 85mm 1.8 for sure. That's the next lens I'll be buying...
Just me though. Sounds like you're looking for something with a longer focal length?

ETA: I'd suggest keeping the 80-200 you just found. I don't know much, but I think you got a really good deal on it, and it would be a shame to get rid of it. Unless of course you're going to sell it to me.

[faeriegodess612]

Um,. tripod? I'm a lil confused here. Why would you want to take photos in low light without a tripod? Am I missing something?

[RichardTaylor]

@ SwissJon

To solve the weight problem try using a mono pod when you can - it makes a huge difference on long shoots as well as adding a little bit of stability.


@ faeriegodess61
(1) Tripods may not be permitted or would be a obstruction to other people attending the event

(2) It can be easier to track a subject when hand held or, sometimes, when using a mono pod .

[kirbinster]

Why not go with a used 70-200 F/2.8 AF-S VR1 ? You can get it a heck of a lot cheaper and it is a great lens.

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

@ faeriegodess61
(1) Tripods may not be permitted or would be a obstruction to other people attending the event

I understand that, but there isnt anything on Jon's Flickr that indicates a need for not having a tripod. He hasn't mentioned being at an event of any sort, be it a sporting event, a show of some kind, etc. Just said people. If he says a game or etc, then ok. A mono-pod at least? Even the pros use a mono. I'm just trying to figure out why someone would want to turn around and sell such an awesome bargain, or buy more gear that your just going to end up selling in a month anyways, because it isnt the magic wand you want it to be.

Now, if I'm completely off in left field here, by all means, correct me if I'm wrong. Please, prove me that I'm wrong. I'm not saying that everyone elses comments arent valid, just that I don't see the point in what I'm reading. So, please, correct me if I'm wrong or show me the justification.