Nikon 80-200 f2.8 vs Nikon 70-200 VR I

[Phillip Balhao]

I have being taking photos for the last year or so. I do however not do a lot of photography, a fair amount. I want to start taking photos at sport events. I would just like to know which of these lenses is preferred. I currently only have the Nikon kit lens with a D7000 body. I also want to upgrade from this to another lens for general photography. My concern is if I get the 70-200 VR I my budget for another lens would be crammed. So I just would like to know whether the 80-200 would suffice, and which other lens could I consider for general photography.

[visagieh]

Phillip

This will help you decide
http://www.bythom.com/nikkor-80-200-lens.htm

http://www.bythom.com/70200VRlens.htm

And the VRII
http://www.bythom.com/nikkor-70-200-VR-II-lens.htm


Hannes

[WayneB]

Hi Phillip. I have a Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 push-pull, and it's the second one I have owned.

I find the lens focusses fast and accurately on my D2x without any speed issues, but it is somewhat slower to focus on other lower camera bodies with a screw drive. As is said in the review Hannes linked to, it is dependant on the torque of the camera body focussing motor. In terms of IQ I find the lens very acceptable but it does suffer from CA in high contrast areas such as sunlight highlights on occasion, and suffers more from this when focussing at close range. For someone on a budget like me it is a great way to get into fast glass photography. The optics are very sharp and it is still able to produce great results.

Take a look at the following images in my gallery shot with my push-pull versions. The one of the pidgeon's head demonstrates the CA around the contrast edge as I forgot to remove this before posting the image -

http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/galler...ng-day&cat=500
http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/galler...rsonal&cat=500
http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/galler...swim-2&cat=500

HTH

[Phillip Balhao]

Thanks guys, appreciate your input.

[Bernard Voges]

Hi Phillip,

I bought Wayne's first 80-200 push-pull.
It was, by all accounts, a fantastic lens and I couldn;t be happier with it. I have sebsequently bought the two-ring version, and now have the 80-200 AF-S version which you will have to pry from my cold dead fingers. The whole series is amazing optically. Built like tanks too. The newer versions improve focus speed, and some say that the 80-200 AF-S beats the 70-200s optically. I'm not in a position to judge. For a few thousand rand you honestly cannot do better than an 80-200. It is astoundingly good value, and leaves a few bob spare for a 28-70, if you can find one

Cheers,
Bernard

[WayneB]

Sorry to go OT.

Hi Bernard, I'm very glad to hear that she served you well and you were happy with the lens you bought from me! It was with a very heavy heart that I sold that lens to you when I had to, and I was over the moon when I found a replacement when I was back on my feet, which much like you they will have to pry from my cold dead fingers.

[Bernard Voges]

Hi there Wayne! Glad you found another. They really are gems.