 Marie Anti |
New AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8G ED-IF lens I have a Nikon D-100 camera and want to get a faster zoom lens for it. Nikon is advertising the new AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF lens. My question is has anyone used this lens yet? Is it worth the $1700.00 to buy it, or is there a comparable lens that can be used that is just as fast.
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Jon Close |
It's worth it if you really want VR. Alternatives that are just as fast (f/2.8) are: Nikkor AF-S 80-200 f/2.8D ED-IF ~$1420-$1500 Nikkor AF 80-200 f/2.8D ED ~$800-$920 Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX APO IF HSM ~$700 Tokina 80-200 f/2.8 AT-X Pro ~$600 The AF-S (Silent Wave) Nikkor and HSM (HyperSonic Motor) Sigma are the fastest focusing of these.
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Marie Anti |
Thank you Jon for the prompt response to my question. I always thought the more expensive the lens, the better... but I guess not so. I don't know what VR means, but I suspect I don't need it.
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Jon Close |
Actually, I do think that price is a good indicator of overall performance/quality. It's just not a linear scale, ie. a $1400 lens is generally better than a $700 lens, just not "twice" as good. ;-) For example, the $800-$920 80-200 f/2.8D may not focus as fast as the Sigma, but it has more rugged build and can be used with Nikon bodies that do not support Silent Wave af focusing. VR is Vibration Reduction, Nikon's system of moving internal lens elements to counteract camera shake when shooting hand held. Where one might be limited to shooting with a shutter speed of 1/250 or higher to keep images sharp, VR allows 2+ stops slower shutter speeds (say 1/60 or 1/30) to be used and not get blur from camera shake.
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Marie Anti |
Thanks Jon, It looks like the Sigma @ $700.00 is the better lens for me. I get so frustrated when I have one of my dogs right in front of the camera and can't photograph because they are closer than 10 ft. By the way, is there such a lens that would have a macro capability, without falloff in the photo, on a zoom lens, or do you have to buy macro rings or do they even work on the D-100? The macro settting on my Nikkor 28-85 is great if the object is flat. Once you get something that has depth, it is impossible to focus and 1/3 of the photo has horrible falloff.
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Bob |
Have heard a lot of complaints about Sigma, they wouldn't even be on my radar screen. Go with the Nikon 80-200 at F2.8 if you don't want the VR or maybe the Tokina but for $200 more I vote for Nikon. You won't live to regret it later. I have a D100 and a Nikon 28-80 G lens that was under a 100 bucks that shoots great at few feet. Save yourself a lot of money let the D100 be the aperature ring.
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Marie Anti |
Thanks Bob. I don't need the VR and the Nikon sounds good to me. Marie
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