80-200 AF f2.8 anyone up for comments?

[jethro]

im thinking of purchasing one soon . does anyone own one? if so let me know the ins and outs.
jethro

[Werewolf]

I've had mine for about 6 weeks now Jethro and I find the image quality just superb. I use mine exclusively to shoot football (soccer) and it does all I want it to. Although I could use more reach. One of Nikon's best lenses IMHO.

Be warned - it's heavy, and you'll need a sturdy Tripod or (in my case) Monopod.

If you buy it new be aware that you'll need to buy the lens hood separate, as it is not supplied with the lens.

I'll post some images later.

[jethro]

thanks mate, ill be using it for exactly the same purpose. SPORT.
does the monopod suffice for stability and did your come with the lens collar?

[Onyx]

Now what about the older push-pull (aka one touch) version, with no tripod mount and no real way of mouting a collar for 'pod support?

[Werewolf]

Yep - the monopod is fine as long as it's a sturdy one. Depending on which type of sports you're shooting a tripod is great also, but I find the mono gives more flexibility all round. Before I bought the mono I used to use my tripod with only one leg extended! Worked ok!

A tripod collar is supplied with the lens. You also get a very fancy leather case too!

I found a mob in the US sold me a lens hood for $9.00US + postage, but I can't for the life of me find the details.

[birddog114]

Now what about the older push-pull (aka one touch) version, with no tripod mount and no real way of mouting a collar for 'pod support?

Onyx,
It's also a gem from Nikon, though it's older version but still doing a great job, try to twist your brain: how to "pod" it?

[jethro]

the one im looking at comes from b&h in the states
the item no is NI8020028DAQ
says it comes with the lens collar am i missing something?

jethro

[Werewolf]

Jethro, if you're buying it brand new you'll deffo get a lens collar. The older models were without it.

How much are BH quoting you (if you don't mind me asking)?

[jethro]

they want $800 US which i think is pretty reasonable

jethro

[Onyx]

Because of the current heavy discounting ($US200 in total rebates), it might be hard to find it in stock from a US source. Also, order a monopod with your lens as you'll need it (it's like $US50 extra!)

Now, the challenge to pod the unpoddable™.

[Glen]

Onyx, doesn't Kirk make a bracket?




just checked, sorry they don't

[Glen]

Onyx, rechecked a few googled sources, they used to make a bracket for that lens. Might be time to start watching the US ebay?

[birddog114]

Onyx & Glen,
Is this one can help with your new lust Onyx?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 535&is=REG

Onyx! If it's OK, ask your sister get one and ship it to you.

[birddog114]

they want $800 US which i think is pretty reasonable

jethro

B&H site advertise this lens for US$899.95 + Shipping
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 669&is=USA
After rebate US$100.00 = US$799.95 (Must have US address)
+ Shipping.
So it's will be closed to US$1000.00 shipped by FedEx to Australia, w/o rebate.

[Glen]

Birddog, you are spot on yet again! Well done

[redline]

well i've used both versions but i currently own the two touch version. I find it has a slightly faster af speed. but i would recommend the push-pull if you were into manual focusing.
I use it to do heaps of motorsport photography and stopping down to about 5.6 gives excellent dof and sharpness for 1 to 2 cars head on.
Although some ppl may suggest the 70-200 vr, i find the 80-200's focusing to be very accurate and good enough for what i do. perhaps sports with unpredictable movment like soccer or tennis may need the afs speed. I think that many pj and ss would have used mf back in the times where afs lenses didn't exist. just a thought anyway
heres a few of my lastest examples

[Onyx]

Onyx & Glen,
Is this one can help with your new lust Onyx?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 535&is=REG

Onyx! If it's OK, ask your sister get one and ship it to you.

Thanks for that Birdie. I never knew it existed for the one-touch!

Sorry for hijacking your thread jethro.

[the foto fanatic]

I like these pix a lot:

great panning action
deep colour
thoughtful composition
interesting subject

Let's see some more, redline!
Cheers