70-200 f/2.8

[MindyRaeL]

For my next purchase, I'd really like to get a 70-200 f/2.8 lens. The new Nikkor 70-200 is way out of my price range, but I think I've got it narrowed down to a few options.

New Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD IF or Used Nikon 80-200 f/2.8D

A couple reviews say the autofocus on the Tamron hunts in low light, and others say it's just fine. Can anyone confirm or deny this? I've got the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, and it doesn't autofocus very well in low light. If the 70-200 hunts like that, then I'll go with a Nikon brand.

As for the Nikon brand, it seems like there are two versions of this. A newer one with a ring zoom and an older one with a push/pull zoom. There is a considerable price difference between the 2, but I'm not finding much info on the older one. Anyone ever use either of these? Is there a huge difference?

Thanks for your input!

[kirbinster]

The 80-200 f/2.8 is non-AF-S and non-VR, meaning it won't focus as fast and has no vibration reduction - it is a very heavy lens to. I had a two ring version and it was sharp, but the lack of VR is an issue if you are not using a tripod. What about a used 70-200 f/2.8 AF-S VR-I - you can find them for around $1,400 these days.

[sk66]

I agree with the VR1..there is almost NO benefit to the VR2 on a crop body...
I generally prefer Sigma EX series lenses with 3rd party (I still own a couple) but it still won't behave like a Nikon lens on a Nikon body.

[Digidave]

What about a used 70-200 f/2.8 AF-S VR-I - you can find them for around $1,400 these days.

You know, I see people mention this all the time. Not once have I seen anybody give a link to one. If you have one for sale, I'll buy it tomorrow as long as I don't have to pay an arm & a leg for shipping. Oh, & don't say you just have to look around. I have been looking for months now!

[MindyRaeL]

Originally Posted by Digidave

You know, I see people mention this all the time. Not once have I seen anybody give a link to one. If you have one for sale, I'll buy it tomorrow as long as I don't have to pay an arm & a leg for shipping. Oh, & don't say you just have to look around. I have been looking for months now!

More like $1500. . And I believe it qualifies for free shipping.

But it's still more than I want to spend. I may just wait a while and save up.

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by Digidave

You know, I see people mention this all the time. Not once have I seen anybody give a link to one. If you have one for sale, I'll buy it tomorrow as long as I don't have to pay an arm & a leg for shipping. Oh, & don't say you just have to look around. I have been looking for months now!

Pricing might not be as good where you are. You can find them for that on Craigslist in the NYC area. I bought mine for $1,200 about two years ago that way, and bought my dad one about four months ago for $1,200 as well - you just need to keep your eye open.

[homank76]

I'll sell mine for $1350 shipped, but you pay for any customs or vat or taxes due. Give me a reason to get the VRII, Lens is perfect, body has some bumps as I use it in the real world.

[Digidave]

Originally Posted by MindyRaeL

More like $1500. . And I believe it qualifies for free shipping.

But it's still more than I want to spend. I may just wait a while and save up.

Holy crap! I look there all the time! I must be doing something wrong.

[homank76]

Originally Posted by Digidave

Holy crap! I look there all the time! I must be doing something wrong.

I would sell the Tamrons and replace them before you upgraded anything else.

[ccting]

Originally Posted by MindyRaeL

For my next purchase, I'd really like to get a 70-200 f/2.8 lens. The new Nikkor 70-200 is way out of my price range, but I think I've got it narrowed down to a few options.

New Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD IF or Used Nikon 80-200 f/2.8D

A couple reviews say the autofocus on the Tamron hunts in low light, and others say it's just fine. Can anyone confirm or deny this? I've got the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, and it doesn't autofocus very well in low light. If the 70-200 hunts like that, then I'll go with a Nikon brand.

As for the Nikon brand, it seems like there are two versions of this. A newer one with a ring zoom and an older one with a push/pull zoom. There is a considerable price difference between the 2, but I'm not finding much info on the older one. Anyone ever use either of these? Is there a huge difference?

Thanks for your input!

see mtf curve then u know the great difference...it is not about cost, it about the ROI. If you, as professional photographers who depends on photography to live, i strongly suggest you get the best for better return on investment. as u know i am srongly fussy about lenses. it will be the 2nd lens 4 me. its bkeh same as bokeh king. no flare , etc sharpest zoom llens ever made by nikon. If you buy less quality lens, what is difference with your existing lenses 18-200mm? Hopefully u dun end wth another dissapointment..Just get what you wish for.. and concentrate on business..Dun buy the VR 1, buy the latest version - great difference.