Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR version 1 or 2 on Z6

legalese143

New member
Hello all. First post here... Z6 shooter with an 85 1.4g, 50 1.8g and 35 1.4g lens collection.

Budget considerations:


I'm looking to add a 70-200 2.8 lens. My budget would ideally be around $750 which limits me to version 1 of the Nikkor 70-200 options.

I can stretch up to $950 if it would really be a noticeable difference in image quality, contrast and sharpness on my average sized 24 megapixel sensor (by modern day standards). If I did stretch the budget, I could consider a more heavily used Nikkor VR II option or even the well reviewed Tamron G2 in to possible choices for me.

How I want to use the lens:

I will mostly get this lens to shoot at 200 mm for maximum compression for that very specific look that this setup gives to portraiture. A sample image of the look that I'm going for is at the bottom of this post (I know this image has been post-processed, but the style of composition and compression achieved are what I'm looking to replicate).

I will probably not be doing too many tight headshots as I have my 85 1.4g for most of my portrait needs... the 70-200 would really mostly be to add that very compressed background look. I know the Nikkor VR II has focus breathing issues, but I wouldn't be experience that since I will not be shooting at minimum focus distance often.




Your recommendations?

Can I achieve a contrasty, sharp image (like the one below) from the version 1 of the Nikkor 70-200 VR, or is 24 megapixels, or is the age of that lens going to hold me back from achieving my desired outcome.

sample.jpg
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

With your budget limitation, you might want to take a look at the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 G2. Try this search "nikon vs tamron 70-200mm f 2.8".
 
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