New lens arrived today!

tirediron · Jan 18, 2011

Ken Rockwell Fan said:
Joo is crazy if you part with it.

Ehhh... depends. That's a good price for that lens, but it's a LOT of money to tie up in glass you won't use. I certainly wouldn't part with mine and use it constantly, but not everyone does.

Take it out, do some test shots, and then see how it fits in to your shooting style.

eric-holmes · Jan 18, 2011

That's the thing I keep thinking. It's a lot of money. Especially at this time. But I also know that this lens will be good for years and years and I eventually want to do some weddings, this would be good for football, excellent for portraits, etc.

Robin Usagani · Jan 18, 2011

so your only other lens you have is th 18-105? This lens will be your money lens for sure man. Didnt I suggest that to you a few weeks ago to buy primes?

eric-holmes · Jan 18, 2011

Crappy weather today. Complete overcast, misty, foggy, rainy. Here is two quick pics from my porch.

Derrel · Jan 18, 2011

You just bought a 70mm. An 85mm. A 135mm. A 180mm. And a 200mm. ALL IN ONE TUBE...with superb bokeh...and Vibration Reduction. Seriously...you need to use this lens for a while before deciding it's not worth $1099...

eric-holmes · Jan 18, 2011

Yeah, and I really need a sunnier day. The f/2.8 was shot at 1/60 and the f/4 was shot at 1/40. I have to get my shutter speed up.

This is such a tank I feel like it is going to snap off the front of my camera. Are that a justified fear?

Overread · Jan 18, 2011

I've had a 70-200mm f2.8 stuck on the end of my 400D for ages - no metal housing or anything on the body and its still fine. Though you want to support the lens every time (even with VR you wouldn't get a clear shot otherwise

) its no worry about weight.

And I agree that you really want to wait for a good day of light to let the lens really shine out with its quality. Dull days can make a mockery of even the best glass possible

Robin Usagani · Jan 18, 2011

Eric, use that for a year or two.. when you sell it, you probably can get it sold for the same price. Think of it as free rental. Just dont break it LOL

Derrel · Jan 18, 2011

I used the same 70-200 VR you have Eric, on my lightweight Fuji S2 Pro, which was built on the cheesy Nikon N80 film body, with no problems whatsoever. I'd say the D90 is a little bit more robust than that camera was. I think maybe you ought to try some of the slow-speed VR capabilities this lens brings with it. Try some panning shots at say, 1/6 second. Overread is right about dull days making a mockery of lenses--dull,low-contrast wintery weather does not make lenses "shine"...

eric-holmes · Jan 18, 2011

Thanks for the extra kick guys. I am really ready to see what this lens will/can do.

kundalini · Jan 18, 2011

I doubt you will lose any money, might even make some, but keep it for a while and run it through the gears.

As an aside..... when the lens is mounted on your camera and you're taking pictures, make sure you have the lens hood attached. It'll make the girls swoon and your testicles will enlarge. :biggrin:

eric-holmes · Jan 18, 2011

kundalini said:
I doubt you will lose any money, might even make some, but keep it for a while and run it through the gears.

As an aside..... when the lens is mounted on your camera and you're taking pictures, make sure you have the lens hood attached. It'll make the girls swoon and your testicles will enlarge.

Since I bought it used, it did not come with one. But after hearing that, it will by my next purchase!!!

Derrel · Jan 18, 2011

Well, here is the best lens hood for the Nikon 70-200 VR when the lens is used on a crop-frame body....Mamiya RB/RZ Lenshood f/360mm Lens

it is a Mamiya branded, soft rubber lens hood for their 360mm lens. This hood, when used on a 1.,5x Nikon, does not vignette at 70mm, and it gives MUCH better protection from the sun because, well, it is longer at the sides than the stock petal hood and because the hood can be mashed down a bit to throw a literal shadow onto the front element when shooting towards the sun.

I much prefer this Mamiya hood to the stock Nikon hood. it also cushions the end of the lens against impacts, with its strong, yet flexible rubber construction.

eric-holmes · Jan 18, 2011

Thanks, Derrel. Just wondering, how does the stock lens hood mount? Is it the twist and click kind?

Derrel · Jan 18, 2011

Yes, the stock lens hood is a twist and click...I think it has a locking release button....I forget...I use the Mamiya 360 hood...the stock hood's in a box full of lens caps and old hoods and photo junk...