 Chris Gentile |
nikon 70-200 f2.8, VR lens, worth the $$$? I'm shopping for a new lens for my D70, to use primarily for wedding photography. I've beeen looking at Nikon's 70-200 f2.8 VR lens, but I'm debating as to whether it's wort the cost. Does anyone have any input? Is there a less expensive alternative from Sigma, Tamron or the other discount brands? Any input is appreciated. Thank you.
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Jon Close |
If you want the VR feature, then it's worth it. Otherwise, there's the Nikon AF-S 80-200 f/2.8D ED-IF (discontinued?) that has Silent Wave autofocus motor, or the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8D ED without. The Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX DG HSM (or the new Macro version) has virtually the same optical performance and HSM - Hyper Sonic Motor - is Sigma's equivalent of Nikon's Silent Wave AF-S. The Tokina 80-200 f/2.8 (discontinued?) is a nice, very well made, and good performing economical alternative. It is marginally less sharp as it does not use any extra low dispersion elements as do the Nikon (ED) and Sigma (SLD) models, but I think one would have to examine very large prints very closely to see the difference.
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Nancy Grace Chen |
I would say yes, DEFINITELY. Especially for shooting weddings. During the ceremony and for shooting details, it's indispensible for me... I can shoot at much slower shutter speeds and have gotten so many shots I wouldn't've otherwise gotten.
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Chris Gentile |
Thank you both for responding. Nancy, do you find the lens heavy to handhold throughout the wedding and reception. I'm worried that the ~3lb lense plus an SB800 flash unit would be too cumbersome. Do you have any trouble with the weight?
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Sharon Day |
I have a similiar combination but have only used the lens without the flash and it does get heavy. I think it depends on your age and physical condition whether it will become too much. I doubt it would have bothered me in my 30's when I was fit.
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Nancy Grace Chen |
Hmmm... I've used Nikon before when shooting for other photogs but I'm a Canon user myself (and they have an equivalent mechanism, IS=Image Stabilization). I forget exactly how big the Nikon 70-200 is. For the ceremony, you might want to mount it on a tripod if it is really huge. I don't know if it would be the best idea to use a flash with it anyways-- would a flash really do a good job reaching the distance over which you will be shooting? And the whole point of VR is to be able to shoot handheld at lower speeds. I do have a Canon telephoto that is pretty heavy, and I use it with a tripod or prop it on something like a chair back or something. Anyways, these are my thoughts... hope it helps a bit! NC
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