Nikon 70-200 f2.8 ED-VR II vs 80-200 f2.8 ED

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Here is a sample picture taken with my 18-200 nikon lens. I chose this because geometric patterns usually will show defects of a lens. With the VRII I can also hand hold this lens at night so the 2.8 vs 3.5 is a non issue especially if you shoot at higher ISO like 800 or 1600.

Great!, very sharp picture David.

I had an 18-200 which had very poor image quality (a poor copy to say the least) but this lens did not have the dreaded zoom-creep feature (the lens extends out while being carried). From what I read in the DP Review forums, and in the review of this lens, this is a fairly common phenomenon with the 18-200.

I took it back and got another copy which has excellent image quality, but has a severe case of the creeps. I guess that the creeps is better than poor pictures - Obviously, David, your 18-200 has superb picture quality. But, have you experienced the creeps?

Has anyone found a fix for lens creep?

The lens creep bothers me so much that I purchased a Nikon 16-85 lens for everyday use and it seems to be perfect in every way - including being light in weight which makes it a real pleasure to carry around. I used it almost exclusively on a recent trip to Europe with extremely good results. (I had a 12-24 and a 70-300 in my bag but rarely used either of them.)

I know, Ivan, that the 16-85 is not a "professional" lens - I have owned many of those - but the image quality is fantastic and it is much more pleasant to carry on trips, etc. My D300 is already heavy enough and a "professional" lens just makes it too heavy to enjoy. (Although a 70-200 is surely impressive looking).

For many years I carried a Canon 35-350L lens (white, professional, huge, extremely heavy), a 70-200 F2.8L, a 28-70 F2.8L and two camera bodies, and I could barely pick up my gadget bag, let alone hoist the camera plus lens to shoot - no fun at all.

I changed brands to Nikon, still have two bodies (D-300 and D-90) and some much lighter, but still excellent, lenses and I am much happier.

IVAN, by the way, the "new" 70-200 Nikon lens, introduced in 2009, is reviewed by DP Review at Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8G VR II Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

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[Masterlu]

Thanks Julian, I love the Nikon 2.8 glass but as many have pointed out you need wheels on your gear bag...

[JFR0317]

Ivan, I have the old version of the 70-200 f2.8 with VR, and as David says, it is very heavy and bulky. It does let you take great images, and I got a lot of use out of it on a trip to the Canadian Rockies.

That said, I also have and love the 18-200 lens, and I use that far more often for the same sort of reasons David cites. The only problem is that it is a DX lens, so it only gives partial frame coverage if used on a full frame body like our D-700's. Therefore, when I need the reach of the 18-200 (which is effectively 27-300mm from a 35mm equivalent standpoint), I use one of my DX bodies, usually the D300. Otherwise, I stick with my D-700 and the 24-70 f2.8 non-DX lens.

[Masterlu]

Thanks John, slightly OT; today I am going to break out my Nikon 14-28 f2.8 to see what that baby can do!

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Here it is:

Amazon.com: Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

Ivan, the 80-200 does not have image stabilization while both versions of the 70-200 do have that feature - Makes a huge difference if you hand hold your camera. While the price difference is great, the difference in overall image quality is even more dramatic than the difference in cost.

If all your pictures are taken from a tripod, go for the cheaper lens - the image quality was great, but if you EVER hand hold your camera, go for image stabilization (VR).

[1KW]

If I walk around with my D300/18-200 lens creep is not a issue if the lens is at the wide angle mode. If the lens is partially zoomed and then you walk around it will creep. A easy fix is to just put a rubber band around the barrel so that it covers the joint and it will not creep. You can pick up a black rubber band if you want at Wristbands Gallery - Wristbands | Buy Custom Rubber Bracelets and Silicone Wristbands I know the idea of doing this is dumb but it has worked fine for me.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jprice

Ivan, the 80-200 does not have image stabilization while both versions of the 70-200 do have that feature - Makes a huge difference if you hand hold your camera. While the price difference is great, the difference in overall image quality is even more dramatic than the difference in cost.

If all your pictures are taken from a tripod, go for the cheaper lens - the image quality was great, but if you EVER hand hold your camera, go for image stabilization (VR).

Great advice!

[1KW]

Here are a few pictures taken from one of the windows in my 2 channel room with the nikon 18-200 today. They were shot with natural light and you can see the difference in early morning light starting at sunrise over about an hour. This is why I love to take pictures at sunrise and sunset, look at the change in the color of the sky.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Here are a few pictures taken from one of the windows in my 2 channel room with the nikon 18-200 today. They were shot with natural light and you can see the difference in early morning light starting at sunrise over about an hour. This is why I love to take pictures at sunrise and sunset, look at the change in the color of the sky.

That is a nice view you have there.

[1KW]

Thanks Jim