80-200 or 70-200

[6tee7]

I am looking to replace my old 80- 200 af but slide lens for my D300. I have been using the old lens from my F4S until I could afford a new one.
I went to a store in Melb and was quoted 80-200F2.8 no Vr $ 1860.00 or a 70-200 with VR for $2800( no stock, must be waiting for the new lens to hit the market)

My question... Is there that much difference between the lens's that a weekend hack like me would be able to pick the difference.

My old lens is becoming more difficult to use, or maybe I am getting lazy. I am taking indoor pics of my daughter and her team members from the same club, at aerobic comps. The girls are moving pretty quickly around the floor and sliding the lens is cumbersome, also I am having probs with the light. The last comp was at msac in melb and ended up shooting at 1/200 F5.6 2000ASA with just acceptable results.

I was hoping to upgrade to something with more F stops to allow me more flexibility.

Any thoughts and advice greatly appreciated.

[surenj]

but any chance you could use a speedlight or two to improve the light?

Just thinking outside the lens...

[MATT]

The 80-200 will have no VR or AF-S. So it will have to use the focus motor inside the camera. The 80-200 is no slouch optically,but if you want fast focus you cant beat AF-s.

The 70-200 has gained legendary status among Nikon users and is being upgraded to a new version as you said shortly.

If VR is not a consideration look at eh 70-200 f2.8 Sigma lens. It has HSM for fast focus and is great optically. It can be had for around $1100-$1300. You wont be disappointed. I only upgraded mine to the Nikon Version because it was offered at a price I could not pass up.

There are a few 70-200 Nikons hitting ebay people trying to limit the losses once the new version hits the streets.

MATT

[6tee7]

surenj,

Not allowed to use flash as it "distracts" the competitors according to Gymnastics Australia!

[PiroStitch]

One thing to ask, did you try shooting wide open at f2.8? I noticed in the original post you were shooting at f5.6.

Even with VR on, you still won't be able to freeze the motion as that's dependant on either using a flash or a faster shutter speed.

In low light motion, try shooting wide open or using a lens with an aperture of f1.4, f1.8 or f2 even. If you're shooting at a distance, the DOF should be fine. Up close crops are a different story

[Lucifer]

I use to have the 80-200 f2.8. The AF is a bit slow. I can't keep up with the kids that I shot.

I upgraded to the 70-200 f2.8 vr... I am very happy with the results. I get 80% of my shot compair to only 40% from the 80-200. Kids are FAST!!!!

IQ is the same with both lens. VR helps when you at 200mm.

I had to sell the 80-200 and many other lens I don't use to get the 70-200, but to me the 70-200 was well worth the upgrade.

I am sure you can find some place where you can rent the lens. Try each one and choose for yourself.

[chasem]

what version of the 80-200?

i have the AFS version and i find the AF to be fairly quick. As for VR, i use a monopod. but i would like to upgrade to 70 but i dont think i would be able to afford it.

[Lucifer]

They don't sell the AF-S version new any more..... They were one of a kind lens....

I think the AF-D two touch version is the one in question here....

[agriffiths]

The 80-200AFS is a bit of a collectors item. I have the AFS version and it's fast. I tried the current non AFS version just for kicks and giggles but it just doesn't compare.

If you can't find a second hand AFS (not cheap btw) and need a fast lens do not consider the D. Go straight to the 70-200... or better yet, get your hands on the v2 70-200 .

[chasem]

The 80-200AFS is a bit of a collectors item. I have the AFS version and it's fast. I tried the current non AFS version just for kicks and giggles but it just doesn't compare.

If you can't find a second hand AFS (not cheap btw) and need a fast lens do not consider the D. Go straight to the 70-200... or better yet, get your hands on the v2 70-200 .

Yeah i herd that the AFS sells for more than the new 80-200. (not sure on how true that is)

[aim54x]

I have watched a few go off on ebay and they do fetch decent prices (around AU $1000). They have become sort after as they dont exhibit the vignetting that the 70-200VR (old version) does. I'll keep my 70-200VR for now maybe later on I'll get the v2, but I dont see myself justifying it any time soon.

[lightning]

Van Bar Melbourne hire out the 70 200 for $88 for the day or $48 per day for a week

[jamesw]

I picked up a mint AF-D 80-200 today on Ebay for AU$900 inc delivery. The AF-S models are priced at an incredible premium as they are pretty scarce, I was told that the going rate on Nikonians is $1600 and I bet they'd sell for higher on ebay if a few people got into a bidding war.

i'm not too stressed about super speedy AF, btw.

[Pa]

On ebay now...link below

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... ink:top:en