Nikon Lens Advice Wanted

[katieglenn]

I'm looking to buy a new lens for my D7000. Mostly I take portraits and action shots of kids so I'd like to have at least a 200mm zoom. Any advice?

[Shokinen]

What is your current lens / lenses ?
What is your budget ?
What is your most popular lighting situation ?

This will help answering better

[katieglenn]

Uh, yes, sorry! I guess that wasn't much to go on!

I only have the 18-55mm and 55-200mm Nikon kit lenses. I want something sharper and faster to replace the 55-200mm, which is what I use pretty much all the time. I have a budget of $2,500 and I'm trying to decide between spending it all on one lens or getting a couple - I'd kind of like to have a Lensbaby just for fun What do you think? I shoot mostly in natural light and usually outside. For instance, my son is starting T-Ball next month and I want to be able to capture those moments.

[OsmosisStudios]

I've never liked or understood the lensbaby thing.

If you've got the kind of cash around, i'd say look for a used 70-200 f/2.8 VR I (the older version) or and then look at something like an 85mm f/1.8D. Push comes to shove you can also get one of the (even older) 80-200 f/2.8 models, but you'll miss out on the VR (which can be a huge help at those focal lengths)

[katieglenn]

What's the difference between the VR I and II? Do you know? And I'm sure I wouldn't use it very often, but I think a lensbaby would just be fun.

[Shokinen]

VRI has only one mode.
VRII has 2 modes: Normal and Active.

Normal mode allow you to do panning and the Active mode is for when you are in a very shaky environement such as a moving car/truck.

Seriously, I beleive I used the active mode once...

[OsmosisStudios]

The VRI was soft in the corners wide-open on full-frame: the second version is better on full-frame, but is a LOT more expensive.

Using it on a D7000, the VR I will be just as good, but considerably less expensive.

Originally Posted by Shokinen

VRI has only one mode.
VRII has 2 modes: Normal and Active.

The VR I version has the Active mode too. The I doesnt refer to the VR system but to the version of the lens as a whole.

[katieglenn]

Thanks guys! I'm a little hesitant to buy used. I think I'll shell out for the VR II. The reviews look excellent. I appreciate your help!

[TBrown00]

I'd look for a used VRI from KEH (Buy & Sell New & Used Cameras ? Canon, Nikon, Hasselblad, Leica & More - KEH.com) since with a D7000 you don't need the VRII. That could save you quite a bit of money you could then spend on a second lens. The VRII has heavy focus breathing problems at the long end.

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The VRI was soft in the corners wide-open on full-frame: the second version is better on full-frame, but is a LOT more expensive.

Using it on a D7000, the VR I will be just as good, but considerably less expensive.




The VR I version has the Active mode too. The I doesnt refer to the VR system but to the version of the lens as a whole.

Thanks OS, I got it all wrong.
I though the 1st version on had an on/off switch...