Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 vr2 vs 135mm f2 DC for portraits

hark

hark

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ShootRaw said:
Wow..The Vr1 makes more sense to get at close focus...
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For that reason, yes. But the VR1 will yield more softness near the edges so it is a trade-off. The thing is...how many people who buy the VR2 will only close focus while at 200mm? I need it more for distance at 200mm. It is definitely something to think about when considering this lens. :)
 
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Krs_2007

Senior Member
VR ii close focus issue mentioned above has never been an issue for me as well as a lot of other people. I would try both if possible and see which one you like.
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
I think the new Tamron 70-200 2.8VC came in at 190mm. I debated a long time between the Tamron and the Nikon f4. One of the things I really liked about the Nikon 70-200 f4 is the focusing and zoom is completely internal. It is extremely sharp, I believe it at least matches the 2.8vr II. But it all comes down to your application, if you need 2.8...,
 
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hulk2012

Senior Member
gqtuazon said:
I have the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8VRII and a Zeiss 135mm f2 manual focus lens. Although the latter is different from the Nikon 135mm f2 DC, the Zeiss lens is a very sharp lens, dare I say sharper than my Nikon lenses.

Due to the focus breathing, the Nikon 70-200mm at 200mm has an equivalent of 135mm. The zoom lens offers greater flexibility when working in a tighter studio place. It is irrelevant when working outdoors.

Here is a recent sample that I took using the zoom lens at 200mm. It's not the best sample but it demonstrate on how it can isolate the subject from the background.

View attachment 104005
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What Zeiss you've got mate?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
S

ShootRaw

Senior Member
A couple with the new Nikkor 135mm F/2..
DSC_5038CC.jpgDSC_5054CC.jpg
 
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hulk2012

Senior Member
gqtuazon said:
That is what I have. Spectacular and sharp lens if that is what you are after. If you can MF, then it would be a great portrait lens as long as you are willing to pay for the steep price.
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Any drawbacks with fluidity of your shooting from clients perspective as manual focus takes time..?
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
hulk2012 said:
Any drawbacks with fluidity of your shooting from clients perspective as manual focus takes time..?
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No issues with younger clients. Older people tend to not like their images since all of their skin imperfections can been seen once their images are magnified with my D800E.
 
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hulk2012

Senior Member
gqtuazon said:
No issues with younger clients. Older people tend to not like their images since all of their skin imperfections can been seen once their images are magnified with my D800E.
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I agree. But I'm meant in terms of a time each photo is taken compare to af? Are they fine? What about you? Do you have many more misses vs af lens?
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
hulk2012 said:
I agree. But I'm meant in terms of a time each photo is taken compare to af? Are they fine? What about you? Do you have many more misses vs af lens?
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I work on a much slower pace with studio or even outdoor settings. Folks are very accommodating as long as they get a high quality image that they like. When working with toddlers, I use my 70-200mm f2.8 VRII since they are very impatient and moves a lot.
 
H

hulk2012

Senior Member
gqtuazon said:
I work on a much slower pace with studio or even outdoor settings. Folks are very accommodating as long as they get a high quality image that they like. When working with toddlers, I use my 70-200mm f2.8 VRII since they are very impatient and moves a lot.
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Right on. That's my dilemma between these two. Would you tell me whether there is much noticeable quality difference by your clients?
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
hulk2012 said:
Right on. That's my dilemma between these two. Would you tell me whether there is much noticeable quality difference by your clients?
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To me, I can see the difference when viewed on my monitor at 100% view. However, most clients are happy with an A1 , 8 x 10 print or 16 x 20. So the answer is no. The 70-200mm f2.8 VRII provides more versatility.
 
H

hulk2012

Senior Member
gqtuazon said:
To me, I can see the difference when viewed on my monitor at 100% view. However, most clients are happy with an A1 , 8 x 10 print or 16 x 20. So the answer is no. The 70-200mm f2.8 VRII provides more versatility.
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I guess you can achieve close quality by post processing these 70-200 vr2 like sharpening etc. Also what about focus breathing and not true 200mm on long end with these zooms? Is that an issue for you?
 
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