Best Nikon telephoto for me?

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LexVR4

New member
I have a few options I can choose and I was wondering what is the best for me as a hobbyist? What are the different focus speeds? Pros and Cons of each? The prices worth it? I currently own a 180mm 2.8 AiS that is just too hard to use for fast moving subjects due to the manual focus.

The options:
Nikkor 70-200 2.8G VRI used
Nikkor 80-200 2.8D AF used
Nikkor 180 2.8 AF-D used

I will be using it on a D700
 
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Dave_W

The Dude
None of them. Instead I would hunt down a 70-200mm f/2.8G VRII either used or new. The difference between the VRI and VRII is quite large. So to use the old adage - "In for a penny, in for a pound" - buy the best lens in this focal length that they make. Besides, it's not like the money you spend on it just disappears, you'll get most of it back when you go to resell it.
 
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Kodiak

Senior Member
Dave_W said:
None of them. Instead I would hunt down a 70-200mm f/2.8G VRII either used or new. The difference between the VRI and VRII is quite large. So to use the old adage - "In for a penny, in for a pound" - buy the best lens in this focal length that they make. Besides, it's not like the money you spend on it just disappears, you'll get most of it back when you go to resell it.
Click to expand...

I will endose in its integrality this recommendation.

Hello LexVR4,

If there is one thins no one can afford, it is regrets!
Go for the best you can go for, given your camera, you will not regret it.

Have a good time!
 
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Kodiak

Senior Member
Dave_W said:
Besides, it's not like the money you spend on it just disappears, you'll get most of it back when you go to resell it.
Click to expand...

I really meant that I endorse in its integrality this statement. This last sentence is crucial.

Rick M said:
A third party option would be the new Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC, It gets good reviews and is around $1500
Click to expand...

Indeed, I also read some similar reviews. But with a "major" Nikon camera
in my hand, I would not settle for less. The D700 is a body that deserve Dave's
recommendation. UNLESS…

Yes, of course, if the few hundred bills are too painful for your budget, then
Rick's suggestion in not bad… but you will never have the same resale value
tipped by Dave!
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
I used to have the D700 and the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VRI. I sold the VRI version and upgraded it to the VRII due to the newer version is significantly sharper corner to corner and has very little to no light fall off on the corners.

If you were going to use the VRI on a DX camera, then you would have been good to go.

If your budget prevents you from buying that lens, the Nikon 70-200mm f4 VRIII might be a good alternate and some find this more beneficial due to its lighter weight and cheaper price tag.

There is a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 that is currently being advertised on other forum.

Nikon 80-200 2.8 2-ring, $250 Nikon spa treatment ~5 yrs ago, comes with hood and leather tube/case. $$675.00. Seller is in Ohio.
 
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LexVR4

New member
I don't want to sacrifice anything with a Tamron or a 70-200 f4 just to save a few bucks...I think the 70-200 VRII is a bit overkill, I don't get paid for this and it is pure fun. The 80-200 is a bit old and I think people claim it is slow. The 180 2.8 af-d is a bit cramped at a fixed 180mm. The 70-200 VRI can be bought for a good $1300 if found a the right place. The primary use would be far shots and possibly taking it to the track and doing some auto photos. I have always been a prime guy so this will be my first zoom if I decide to go with the 70-200.
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
Sounds like a good plan.

The tittle of your thread had the word "Best" in it which is why the VRII was suggested.

These are just our suggestions to you since we've been this route before. Your reasoning is similar to what I used to think before a few years ago especially when I was getting into DSLR from a D80 to D700.

I ended up spending more and wasted a lot of time since I found it out the hard way by buying and selling my equipment simply because I wasn't satisfied with the lens performance that I thought were good and did not listened nor understood what the experts were trying to tell me.

I hope you'll find a good bargain lens that you are looking for.
 
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jwstl

Senior Member
LexVR4 said:
I don't want to sacrifice anything with a Tamron or a 70-200 f4 just to save a few bucks...I think the 70-200 VRII is a bit overkill, I don't get paid for this and it is pure fun. The 80-200 is a bit old and I think people claim it is slow. The 180 2.8 af-d is a bit cramped at a fixed 180mm. The 70-200 VRI can be bought for a good $1300 if found a the right place. The primary use would be far shots and possibly taking it to the track and doing some auto photos. I have always been a prime guy so this will be my first zoom if I decide to go with the 70-200.
Click to expand...

All you sacrifice with the Nikon 70-200 f/4 is 2.8 and weight. It is as good optically and better with VR than the 2.8 VRII.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
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LexVR4

New member
I'd like to address something, I clearly stated that I wanted to know what the "Best Nikon telephoto for me". Notice the 'for me' part? That was stating that I have more specific criteria than others. I don't want to spend a ton of money into a lens that I don't need that top of the line VR or the best possible picture because I like to do this for fun not money and I have been happy with that for years. I just want to spend a good amount that balances quality and necessity. The problem I see with the new 70-200 f4 is that I have owned 2.8 or better for the majority of my time with a camera and I have grown used to the flexibility, narrow DOF and that creamier bokeh that the f4 simply can't match. The 70-200 2.8G VRI is sort of a dream lens status considering I don't absolutely need that VR but I do need a descent autofocus. The D700 is pretty fast with AF-D lenses so that places the 80-200 AF-D and 180 2.8 AF-D back in the lineup considering they are alot cheaper. I would like to see some pros and cons of only these three lenses. Not the VRII or the f4 or any other similar lens. Hope this clears it up :)
 
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