Nikon 70-200 VRII.....tough decision

ZerodogZerodog Registered Users Posts: 1,480 Major grins
edited May 18, 2011 in Accessories
I have been grappling with this decision all year. Should I upgrade to a VRII from my faithful 80-200AFS? I rented one once. And I got some fantastic shots with it. But in some still shot tests I swear I could barely tell the difference. And if anything the test I did maybe showed the 80-200 was slightly sharper. But, the last few events I shot with my 80-200 I swear, it seems to get "tired". The AFS might not be AFSing as good as it did earlier in the day while tracking. Or maybe I am tired and it is me shaking more? If it is me shaking more, maybe VR will help a bit? Don't really know because I only own one VR lens.

So here comes the kicker. I wanted to rent the VRII again to try at superbike. Pictureline is booked for that weekend for the rentals. But they did happen to have one available from a failed online transaction. They do not know when or if more are coming. This seems to be the case with all other big online stores. They are on backorder. So I reserved the lens last week to think about it.

It seems that the same thing is happening with Nikon's high end lenses that happened with the high end bodies. They are becoming very scarce and unavailable for the time being. There are rumors that some of these popular lenses could be outsourced to some of Nikons other facilities outside of Japan. This could be fine for quality, but not good for resale. "If" they make these in China or Thailand you can bet that they will cost the same new, but sell for much less used than ones made in Japan.

I might be crazy doing this, I think I am biting on this one and just getting the new lens. I figure if I do not like it, the VRII will be pretty easy to sell in a month or 2. And I have a few events coming up that 2 lenses in that range will be helpful.

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited May 16, 2011
    VR (optical image stabilization) is both a benefit and a curse for autofocus.

    It is a curse in that it can take a moment for the VR to engage and, during that time, AF be negatively affected, slowing AF acquisition.

    Once the VR does engage it is generally a benefit in that it provides a more stable image for the AF section.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited May 16, 2011
    If you sense a reduction in AF speed or accuracy as an event progresses it is generally because of falling light. A flash with an AF-assist light is a tremendous benefit indoors and at night, or when you shoot in very overcast conditions. Still, even AF-assist is not the same as having more ambient scene illumination. AF sensors have reduced sensitivity in reduced light conditions.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ImageX PhotographyImageX Photography Registered Users Posts: 528 Major grins
    edited May 16, 2011
    Zerodog wrote: »

    I might be crazy doing this, I think I am biting on this one and just getting the new lens. I figure if I do not like it, the VRII will be pretty easy to sell in a month or 2. And I have a few events coming up that 2 lenses in that range will be helpful.

    Not crazy. You clearly have been wondering about upgrading.... and now your mind will be at ease. You will have a current and amazing lens that you could easily sell at any time if you had to. It sure is optically better than your old one.... even if not by much. A week from now, you will be telling us how glad you are and how much you love the 70-200 VRII.... and the nano coating. :D
  • ZerodogZerodog Registered Users Posts: 1,480 Major grins
    edited May 16, 2011
    It seems to be a rare deal lately to get to shoot anything that is not in horrible light. That is for sure a factor. But, this is not what I am seeing. What I am seeing or imagining, is more hunting as time goes on. And by time I mean hrs of constant tracking. And maybe less of a solid lock with AF. I will do some real tests at superbike with both lenses. It will be interesting to see side by side, in full daylight which is better at tracking and which is sharper in the real world.

    Ziggy good point on the VR. I might need to turn it off if I see any issues with it.
  • ZerodogZerodog Registered Users Posts: 1,480 Major grins
    edited May 18, 2011
    I went for it. I have yet to do anything with it but fondle it in the store. Gotta try it out. Maybe this weekend at moto trials. Maybe some baby shots of my friends little one.
  • ImageX PhotographyImageX Photography Registered Users Posts: 528 Major grins
    edited May 18, 2011
    Zerodog wrote: »
    I went for it. I have yet to do anything with it but fondle it in the store. Gotta try it out. Maybe this weekend at moto trials. Maybe some baby shots of my friends little one.


    Congrats... on acquiring one of the best lenses in the world. thumb.gif
  • ZerodogZerodog Registered Users Posts: 1,480 Major grins
    edited May 18, 2011
    No excuses now, ever....
  • ImageX PhotographyImageX Photography Registered Users Posts: 528 Major grins
    edited May 18, 2011
    Zerodog wrote: »
    No excuses now, ever....

    I'm sure you will be more than happy and it will help your photography. You sort of know what it can do since you had the 80-200 but this one will be even better. It's a step up from my VR1 and I'm always amazed at some of the stuff I get with it! You will be too!

    You saw this pic already but it's thread relevant and just 70-200 awesomeness. :D Congrats again.




    nik2569.jpg
  • ZerodogZerodog Registered Users Posts: 1,480 Major grins
    edited May 18, 2011
    It is panning shots like that are where I think the VR will be awesome.
  • ImageX PhotographyImageX Photography Registered Users Posts: 528 Major grins
    edited May 18, 2011
    You're gonna love the added stop you get with VR. You may not notice just playing around like you probably have been but once you get down to business, you're gonna be happy. I'm jealous you got the VRII. My VR1 is awesome but I'm going FX soon and it will vignette slightly while yours won't. Ah oh well.... I'm still keeping the D300S! Either version just seriously kicks ass.
  • ARKreationsARKreations Registered Users Posts: 265 Major grins
    edited May 18, 2011
    I just upgraded my 80-200 to the 70-200 VR II and I was absolutely amazed at the difference. The VR II is by far the most incredible piece of glass I've ever used. For as much as I love the 24-70 and it's ability to auto focus, the 70-200 just blows it away! If you are eve remotely considering one, stop thinking and just do it - you won't regret it!
    My local dealer still has them listed as in stock, PM if you want a link...
    Ross - ARKreations Photography
    http://www.arkreations.com
    Nikon D700 | D300 | D80 | SB-800(x2) | SB-600(x2)
    Nikkor Lenses: 14-24 f/2.8 | 24-70 f/2.8 | 50 f/1.8 | 85 f/1.4 | 70-200 f/2.8 VR II | 70-300 VR
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