70-200 from 80-200?

djacobox372 · Dec 7, 2009

Hmmm... 80-200mm sells for about $500 used, and a used 70-200mm vr costs about three times that.

I seriously doubt you'll see $1000 worth of improvement. But if you have enough cash to make that little upgrade worth $1000, might I recommend you spend $3000 and buy a 300mm f2.8 afs lens instead--at least that would be an upgrade.

iflynething · Dec 7, 2009

Only $500? I was thinking a little more

~Michael~

itznfb · Dec 7, 2009

The 80-200mm sells for $800-$1000 used. The 70-200mm VR sells for $1800-$1900 used or new.

iflynething · Dec 7, 2009

Used 70-200 just Open Box $1,852
NEW 70-200 VR I $1,899

80-200 List From Adorama

~Michael~

chip · Dec 7, 2009

Michael, If you are going to use the lens on a D300 than I would agree that the 70-200mm VR I is a better choice than the 80-200mm screw drive and no VR.

On a DX body you will not see any of the optical flaws on the 70-200mm VR I and you get fast AF and VR and a slightly bigger zoom range - that is helpful. It is worth the difference in price! Chip

iflynething · Dec 8, 2009

I would be using it on a 300, as well as a 700, more than usual on a 700 when I were to get it.

So you're saying the 70-200 would be better?

~Michael~

chip · Dec 8, 2009

iflynething said:
I would be using it on a 300, as well as a 700, more than usual on a 700 when I were to get it.

So you're saying the 70-200 would be better?

~Michael~

I see. If you will be mainly using the lens on a D700 the answer is trickier. Thom Hogan has a great writeup on the lens. I mean depends on what matters to you the most. If you want better optics you may buy the 80-200mm. If you want faster AF and VR go with the 70-200mm VR I. Better yet, if you have enough money buy the 70-200mm VR II. If you can get a great deal on the 70-200mm VR I you may sell it later on Ebay for a profit?

iflynething · Dec 8, 2009

Well, I actually already own the 80-200

I'm lost?

~Michael~

djacobox372 · Dec 8, 2009

itznfb said:
The 80-200mm sells for $800-$1000 used. The 70-200mm VR sells for $1800-$1900 used or new.

Not exactly... I was just in the market for an 80-200mm... I bought a mint example for $550.

Looking at completed items on ebay. The newest two-ring version, from a dealer, "like-new in box," go for $900 at the HIGHEST... but the vast majority sell for between $450 and $600.

djacobox372 · Dec 8, 2009

iflynething said:
Only $500? I was thinking a little more

~Michael~

You'll only get much more if it's the latest two-ring version, you have the original box, original case, and it's in like-new condition.

iflynething · Dec 8, 2009

Yeah, I'm probably going to get that then

~Michael~

dhilberg · Dec 9, 2009

djacobox372 said:
itznfb said:

The 80-200mm sells for $800-$1000 used. The 70-200mm VR sells for $1800-$1900 used or new.

Click to expand...

Not exactly... I was just in the market for an 80-200mm... I bought a mint example for $550.

Looking at completed items on ebay. The newest two-ring version, from a dealer, "like-new in box," go for $900 at the HIGHEST... but the vast majority sell for between $450 and $600.

I think you're talking about the push-pull model, which I see sell in the $450-$600 range. I wouldn't part with my mint two-ring model for less than about $800, and that's an absolute minimum.

If you got a mint 80-200 f/2.8 two ring for $550, then either the seller didn't fully understand what they were selling you, or it's not really mint (or they needed money).

It sells new for $1099 from any dealer, eBay or otherwise. About a year ago you could find it new for $899 everywhere (which is when I got mine), but that was before the big Nikon price hike last spring.