80-200 or 70-200

[TJ K]

Ok well right now I have 700 and it seems like my d90 just won't sell so I think i'll probably just go for the glass. I'm really leaning towards the 80-200 but how important is VR? Has anyone here owned both and what are your thoughts. It will take me a lot longer to save up for the 70-200 also. Thanks!
TJ

 

[Phranquey]

Go for the 80-200. It is a great lens, and it will hold decent value, so if you still want the 70-200 later, you can still sell it to fund that venture....exactly what I did.

 

[TJ K]

How did you like the 80-200 and how do you think it compares to your 70-200? Thanks!
TJ

 

[Derrel]

I really think the VR feature is nice for doing a couple of things; one is panning. I like panning, and a stabilized lens is better than a tripod for panning. Back in the "old days", slow-speed pans of 1/3 to 1/8 second were often spoiled by a slight bit of up-and-down camera motion, but with the VR and IS lenses, panning is a lot better; the keeper rate goes up like 90 percent.

Stabilization is also useful for shooting from a moving platform-car,bus,boat,ferry boat,aircraft, or when you are slightly winded or out of breath OR when it's really windy outside. I think VR is a really useful feature. My 80-200 experience is from the older, mechanical AF models which are kind of clunky and slower focusing than the 7-200 VR is. The 70-200 VR, the original model, is a pretty good lens on DX,and it handles great, due to the skinny barrel.

I think the 70-200 VR is also excellent for shooting slow-speed flash shots hand-held, dragging the shutter to pick up ambient light. VR is not a necessity, it's a nicety. Like a remote control, for your TV set. Remember when there were no remotes?

 

[Phranquey]

I had the two-ring D model 80-200, and the image quality was fantastic. If I had to put a figure on it, I'd have to say it was about 90%-95% the IQ of the 70-200.

The focusing on the D model wasn't lightning fast, but it wasn't bad, either.

As far as the VR, I do love having it when needed. I don't use it all that often, but it's definitely nice to have eventually.



IMO, if you have your heart set on the 70-200, the 80-200 is a great stepping stone in the mean-time, while you save up the remainder of your funds.

 

[TJ K]

I might just save for the 70 then. Hopefully the prices will drop a bit more in a while because of the VRII and all. I'm hoping for it but not counting on it.
TJ

 

[Inst!nct]

Why dont you try selling your d90 at a price it cant be had at new

 

[Phranquey]

I might just save for the 70 then. Hopefully the prices will drop a bit more in a while because of the VRII and all. I'm hoping for it but not counting on it.
TJ

I wouldn't count too much on that. If recent history has anything to say, the prices will be going up quickly (i.e. - SB800's). From many recent posts on the 'net, there are more than a few complaints regarding the new 70-200 VRII's, so the VRI's might be getting snatched up, and fewer people will be parting with the ones they have.

 

[kundalini]

I can only speak for the 70-200mm..... f'kin awesome. Either on the D300 or D700, f'kin awesome. There are reports that the 80-200 is better corner to corner, but I don't find an issue with my limited experience (1 year). Works great on the D80 & D300, but I prefer it on the D300 for birding.

Never mind the subject in the photo, but look at the separation in this.........

.
pretty buttery in my opinion.......


Apparently the 80-200mm is quite good also, but this is all I know.

 

[jdag]

Love my 80-200 AF-D. I am sure that the 70-200 VR focuses faster, but I don't have a problem with the 80-200.

 

[fstop]

I don't have either so I can't comment on IQ, but I can say I've been eyeing the completed listings on ebay and some mint/near mint shape 70-200's have been going around $1350 on ebay.

Eventually going to pull the trigger myself. Keep it in great shape and worst case it'll command ~$1000 several years from now. I'd be in it for the haul, but to look at it as a few year rental for $350 bucks is a steal.

I haven't looked much at the 80-200 2 rings but probably not a bad buy either. Also check out Craigs. For every clown trying to command retail on used glass there's an occasional great deal.

 

[jnm]

if you're selling the D90 what camera is next? the 70-200 VR1 supposedly vignettes on full frame bodies when wide open.

i used it on a crop sensor over the weekend and i do love it, it's a great lens for sure.

 

[clbd39]

I've only shot sports at night under some stadium lights with the 70-200, but it was a great lens, very heavy and sturdy, I was disappointed in the speed of the lens but it was still fun and exciting, I am purchasing the 80-200 for personal use however, I have no need for the VR right now and it's not worth an extra 800-1000 in my opinion for me

it really depends on what you "NEED" it for

 

[TJ K]

Why dont you try selling your d90 at a price it cant be had at new

Look in my sig it's NR. Look around ebay my price wasn't far off most go for 7+

if you're selling the D90 what camera is next? the 70-200 VR1 supposedly vignettes on full frame bodies when wide open.

i used it on a crop sensor over the weekend and i do love it, it's a great lens for sure.

Hopefully the d300(s). If i sell my d90 i'll get a new body and it i keep my d90 i'll get 80-200 most likely.
TJ

 

[djacobox372]

I have the single ring 80-200 and love it. Only cost me $500 in mint condition.

One thing to consider, if you upgrade to a d700 you'd be getting about the same stop increase in iso as you get with VR.