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Hi Guys,

I need a little Nikon help. I have a D300 that just replaced my old D40X. I currently have a Nikkor 55-200 VR that came with the D40X kit and a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Now here’s the thing, the 55-200 whilst good value isn’t fast enough (or so I have been told) for the kind of things that I like to shoot. I want to be able to reel off shots at motorsport and surf events and get cracking sharp images.

So the plan was to sell the 55-200VR or maybe just keep it as a spare and purchase something in place of it. I was thinking something like the Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 It’s a lovely looking lens and but I am so new to photography I need to know if it’s right for me.

Ideally I’d like one second hand to save me a little money but they seem pretty rare on the second hand market and there is always the lure of something shiny and new with all the paperwork and warranty benefits. I’m not fussed either way.

My questions are:

1. I know it’s a great lens but is it right for what I want?
2. Are there a few different versions of it that I need to know about while shopping on ebay and the like?
3. Are there other alternatives or if I want the quality I need to pay the moolah?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Benny

the sigma 50-500mm could be an alternative for you. a friend of mine has this lens on his d200, he takes some great surfing shots with this combination....i don't know what it would be like for motor sport....hope this helps.

Benny2707 wrote:Hi Guys,


2. Are there a few different versions of it that I need to know about while shopping on ebay and the like?

Cheers

Benny

I think there's four, from memory. Ken Rockwell's site describes them quite well.

Oh BTW I think you may have just starred in another thread on this site! (Apologies if I'm wrong)

Have you read the FAQ?

Cheers

digitor wrote:

Benny2707 wrote:Hi Guys,


2. Are there a few different versions of it that I need to know about while shopping on ebay and the like?

Cheers

Benny

I think there's four, from memory. Ken Rockwell's site describes them quite well.

Oh BTW I think you may have just starred in another thread on this site! (Apologies if I'm wrong)

Have you read the FAQ?

Cheers

 FAQ's have been found, read and committed to memory. Me being dumb, a by product of being at work and dealing with Clients and not taking my time with things.

Might you point me in the general direction of this thread so I might defend myself?

Benny2707 wrote:

digitor wrote:

Benny2707 wrote:Hi Guys,


2. Are there a few different versions of it that I need to know about while shopping on ebay and the like?

Cheers

Benny

I think there's four, from memory. Ken Rockwell's site describes them quite well.

Oh BTW I think you may have just starred in another thread on this site! (Apologies if I'm wrong)

Have you read the FAQ?

Cheers

 FAQ's have been found, read and committed to memory. Me being dumb, a by product of being at work and dealing with Clients and not taking my time with things.

Might you point me in the general direction of this thread so I might defend myself?

It's the one that has its first post in the middle of the front page, but as you have memorised the FAQ you no doubt already know that you can't (yet) post in it.

Cheers

Benny2707 wrote:Now here’s the thing, the 55-200 whilst good value isn’t fast enough (or so I have been told) for the kind of things that I like to shoot. I want to be able to reel off shots at motorsport and surf events and get cracking sharp images.

Are you talking about the speed of the autofocus or the speed of the lens itself (maximum aperture)?

Have you tried the lens on the D300? It is my understanding that a D300 will greatly improve autofocus on a lens such as yours - especially compared to a D40x. Obviously, the D300 won't change the maximum aperture.

The 80-200mm F2.8 is an excellent lens and well worth aquiring. The main 2 are the push/pull zoom and the 2 ring zoom/focus. They are both excellent. If you keep a look out the push/pull can be found for around $650....the newer 2 ring for around $ 800 second hand. The best way to buy a second hand lens is to stick it onto your camera and take a few shots with it. Download to a laptop and check the images for faults. You can do that right there in the shop if buying from a retailer.

Matt. K wrote:The 80-200mm F2.8 is an excellent lens and well worth aquiring. The main 2 are the push/pull zoom and the 2 ring zoom/focus. They are both excellent. If you keep a look out the push/pull can be found for around $650....the newer 2 ring for around $ 800 second hand. The best way to buy a second hand lens is to stick it onto your camera and take a few shots with it. Download to a laptop and check the images for faults. You can do that right there in the shop if buying from a retailer.

Thanks for the heads up Matt. I have been searching for the lens and have found three. Two are at L&P in Artarmon. One is $550 and is older than I am, the other is pretty old as well and is $900. They are both push pull and I am more comfortable with a ring focus/zoom. I have also found one on this site for around the $800 mark which in the end is fair I guess. A saving of $169 over one new but I guess a saving if the lens is a cracker is a saving none the less.

If I can sell the 55-200 VR that I have for a little bit, even $100 then it means the lens will have cost me closer to $700 all done and dusted which is fine with me.

The current model 2 ring is much more user friendly than the old push-pull, as it comes with a tripod mount. If the one for sale s/h here is still available, grab it in a flash!

Cheers

digitor wrote:The current model 2 ring is much more user friendly than the old push-pull, as it comes with a tripod mount. If the one for sale s/h here is still available, grab it in a flash!

Cheers

Thanks for the input. I'm hoping fingers crossed that I'll be able to get the one that's on here. Someone else is seeing it tomorrow but if it doesn't sell to them then it'll be all mine. It'll be a great addition to the family.

Thanks everyone for the advice. If this one doesn't come through I'll be on the look out for another one

The main role is to take shots at surf events and motor sports.

Is x-200 a long enough lense for this. I think the surfer tends to be a small thing in a lot of water with only a 200 unless you have a spot you tend to be real close.

I know that is my question as I am struggling between the 70-200 f2.8 and the 100-400f4.5-5.6 in the canon range (or bigma, sigma, tam, tim ton... for the same reason

I'd be looking at at least a 300mm prime.

I know Nikon do a f4 300mm prime that isn't expensive. Not sure what Canon have available?

I personally get tempted by the 300mm f4 vs the 70-200 f2.8 VR -- but not yet. 1 toy has to go before new toys can arrive

Matt. K wrote:The 80-200mm F2.8 is an excellent lens and well worth aquiring. The main 2 are the push/pull zoom and the 2 ring zoom/focus. They are both excellent. If you keep a look out the push/pull can be found for around $650....the newer 2 ring for around $ 800 second hand. The best way to buy a second hand lens is to stick it onto your camera and take a few shots with it. Download to a laptop and check the images for faults. You can do that right there in the shop if buying from a retailer.

Benny, I agree with Matt. The 80-200 2 ring variety with tripod collar is a beautiful lens. It is absolutely as sharp as a tack. I sold mine for $850 about 3 or 4 months ago and have regretted the decision a lot since.

If you can get a good one for $800 or so, you'll have a great piece of glass.

Cheers
John

johnd wrote:

Matt. K wrote:The 80-200mm F2.8 is an excellent lens and well worth aquiring. The main 2 are the push/pull zoom and the 2 ring zoom/focus. They are both excellent. If you keep a look out the push/pull can be found for around $650....the newer 2 ring for around $ 800 second hand. The best way to buy a second hand lens is to stick it onto your camera and take a few shots with it. Download to a laptop and check the images for faults. You can do that right there in the shop if buying from a retailer.

Benny, I agree with Matt. The 80-200 2 ring variety with tripod collar is a beautiful lens. It is absolutely as sharp as a tack. I sold mine for $850 about 3 or 4 months ago and have regretted the decision a lot since.

If you can get a good one for $800 or so, you'll have a great piece of glass.

Cheers
John

Thanks for the input John, from everything I have read you're spot on. And if you've owned one and regret parting with it then all the more reason for me to chase this one down. Fingers crossed I get it and not someone else.

I think I might need something a little longer for the surfing work. Maybe a 400mm f/4 like the guys above suggested. I guess I just need to see how much they might be and see if it fits into the budget.

Thanks again guys for all the information and support.

Cheers

Ben

P.S. Anyone got a 400mm Nikkor they want to part with

http://www.keh.com have quite a few of them.
well respected and trusted site as well.

Another (albeit more expensive) option is the Sigma 300/2.8 with a 1.4 and/or 2.0 TC. This is supposed to be a great combination and will probably be what I replace my 80-200 (and my 80-400) with. I have the Nikon 80-400VR which I find quite good, but for the additinal sharpenness at the long end I'm considering the Sigma 300/2.8 plus TCs. The equivalent Nikon solution is about twice the price of the Sigma.

Cheers
John

Fingers crossed I might be the new owner of the 80-200 f/2.8 Here's hoping.

The next thing to save for is something a little longer like a 300mm or a 400mm but if I make this purchase it'll be a little while between drinks.