Anyone have a 200 f/2 VRI?

[BlairWright]

I am thinking about picking one up but was wondering if it can he shot hand held.

Thanks in advance, Blair

 

[pen]

With a fast enough shutter yes would be the answer. Rule of thumb is the shutter should be as fast or faster then the length of the lens. Of course learning to relax and breath right helps wonders.

 

[pen]

I should mention that I don't have this lens.

 

[Derrel]

Yes, sure, it can be shot hand-held for short periods of time, but it is VERY front-heavy, even on a D1 or D2-weight body. It is very short, and weighs about the same as my 300/2.8. It does not have the good balance of a 300/2.8, and it really does shoot best on a monopod. With a pro NIkon, it's sort of like an 11-pound kettle bell. When I was shooting it more regularly and shooting sports assignments and occasional portraiture shots with it, I was actively working out with weights and dumbbells. It shoots beautiful images--the bokeh is superb, the focusing is ultra-fast, and the sharpness is exquisite closed down to just f/2.2, and at f/4 is perhaps the finest,best-corrected lens I have ever shot. But as far as "hand-held"...it's a beast...I usually leave mine locked up.

 

[BlairWright]

Thank you Derrel, that is the feedback I was looking for... Looks like I need to get to the gym.

Blair

 

[KmH]

You have to compensate for the lighter wallet too.

 

[BlairWright]

KmH = True, this one is a bit more pricey than a 50mm 1.8D