Talk me into a 70-200 2.8 please !

DesmondDesmond Registered Users Posts: 187 Major grins
edited May 11, 2007 in Cameras
Ok , for the weddings I have done I followed some advice and bought a 17-50 f2.8 lens which I have really come to appreciate . Now I want to replace the 18-200VR with a 70-200 2.8 .
I really like the sound of Nikon's 70-200VR but it is very pricey [NZ$ 2700] [ the NZ$ is probably around US75c but is slowly getting stronger which leads me to think this is a good time to buy ]
The Sigma 70-200 2.8 [NZ$ 1299 ] seems to get good reviews but I like the sound of the VR in the Nikon especially when the light gets dim and I am shooting at 200mm . If anyone out there has some advice that tells me that I don't need VR and can save some money or that I would be throwing money away if I don't get it ..... please let me know . { I know I don't need to cover the full range but the 80-200 seems just a bit too much further from 50mm than I would like it to be }
Nikon D80 , D50 , SB600 , SB800 , Nikon 18-200VR , Tamron 28-75 di 2.8 , Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 , Nikon 50mm 1.8 . Tamron 17-50 f2.8 , Nikon 70-200 VR f2.8 .

Comments

  • HubcapHubcap Registered Users Posts: 6 Beginner grinner
    edited April 30, 2007
    Desmond: Buy this lens! wings.gif It's the best lens I have ever used, period! Image quality is outstanding! AF is snappy and VR works wonders in low light! Last week I shot a play rehearsal using with no flash and the pictures were amazing. I also use it for sports with the TC1.4E - can't be beat!
  • Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited April 30, 2007
    I shoot Canon rather than Nikon and have the Canon versions of both the 17-55 IS and the 70-200 f/2.8 IS.

    For weddings and any other low light environment, the IS is something that you really don't want to pass up. OK, it doesn't stop action, but for those slow moving moments (vows at the alter, for example), the IS/VR will get you an addtional 2 or 2.5 stops - priceless. In many instances the IS will not make the shot, but it will make it possible to get the shot when nothing else will. If you can find the funds, buy the right tools for the job.
    Scott
    My Photos
    Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
    Equipment List - Check my profile
  • MitchellMitchell Registered Users Posts: 3,503 Major grins
    edited April 30, 2007
    The 70-200mm, f2.8VR has always puzzled me. Everyone talks about this as a "must have" lens. I've owned mine for 2 years and only recently have begun to appreciate the utility of this lens.

    I shoot mostly with the 28-70mm, f2.8 which serves me well. During a recent engagement shoot on the beach, I forced myself to try the 70-200 for some long distance portraits. This lens really excels at this type of portrait. Nothing like the great separation you can get with a long, sharp lens.

    145419076-M.jpg

    Only you can decide, but I think it may compliment your style.
    Mitch
    http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,131 moderator
    edited April 30, 2007
    If you buy the Sigma 70-200mm, f2.8 EX DG Macro APO HSM, you may find a tripod or monopod valuable.

    Also check out the ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 D, which I think you will find has a bit more sharpness when it's used at f2.8, vs the Sigma.

    Review here:
    http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200.htm
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited April 30, 2007
    78529294-L.jpg

    I've shot with both lenses, if you can afford it go for the Nikon version.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • JESTERJESTER Registered Users Posts: 369 Major grins
    edited April 30, 2007
    15524779-Ti.gif I agree with Harry. I have owned both lens. I gave the 80-200 to my daughter and bought the 70-200 VR. I have lucky kids...they get all my hand-me-downs. I know the VR edition is expensive but I think it is well worth the $$$. I also recommend the NIKON. I never could understand why someone buys a nice expensive camera and puts a cheaper brand lens on it.
  • DesmondDesmond Registered Users Posts: 187 Major grins
    edited April 30, 2007
    Well that generated enough replies ! I am no longer in two minds and realise I "must have " the Nikon 70-200VR . Just a bit of shopping around to do ...
    After a search last night in New Zealand I found the lens for NZ$4200 , 3500 , 3200 , 2999 , and 2400 on an auction site that gives a 90 day warranty and claims that the warranty is covered locally , with the option of a 3 year warranty for an extra $200 ...... Then there is the local store that offers 36 motnhs interest free at $2999 ...
    Nikon D80 , D50 , SB600 , SB800 , Nikon 18-200VR , Tamron 28-75 di 2.8 , Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 , Nikon 50mm 1.8 . Tamron 17-50 f2.8 , Nikon 70-200 VR f2.8 .
  • sirsloopsirsloop Registered Users Posts: 866 Major grins
    edited April 30, 2007
    IDK if I'd really call a 70-200/2.8 a wedding lens. Like Mitchell mentioned, you'll probably only find it useful outdoors on portrait sessions where you are looking to really separate out the background. You can still acomplish this w/ a big aperture prime but some people like a more candid natural portrait session. I'd say this is where you would use the 70-200....

    My Canon 70-200/2.8L is my bread and butter... but I shoot sports mwink.gif
    http://www.tallmanphoto.com
  • MitchellMitchell Registered Users Posts: 3,503 Major grins
    edited April 30, 2007
    sirsloop wrote:
    IDK if I'd really call a 70-200/2.8 a wedding lens. Like Mitchell mentioned, you'll probably only find it useful outdoors on portrait sessions where you are looking to really separate out the background. You can still acomplish this w/ a big aperture prime but some people like a more candid natural portrait session. I'd say this is where you would use the 70-200....

    My Canon 70-200/2.8L is my bread and butter... but I shoot sports mwink.gif

    Interesting thought here. I own the Nikkor 180mm, f2.8 which might be a great option for you. It's a great, sharp prime lens which would give you a similar effect but at a fraction of the cost.

    Great bokeh with this lens on long distance portraits. Please ignore the smiling children...
    45336384-L.jpg
    Mitch
    http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
  • DesmondDesmond Registered Users Posts: 187 Major grins
    edited May 1, 2007
    I would probably rather go for a 70-200 zoom for the extra versatility .
    I often go to 200mm with my 18-200 at the ceremony, and when walking from one location to the next during the formal shots , it captures some very natural shots . I like to capture quite a wide variety of pictures at a wedding and would probably go for having the 17-50 2.8 on my D80 with the 70-200 2.8 on my D50 . I won't say cost is not relevant but I have saved up enough to buy the 70-200 cash . I would like to steer my career [ presently auto electrical ] towards photography and think the 70-200 would be an investment .
    Nikon D80 , D50 , SB600 , SB800 , Nikon 18-200VR , Tamron 28-75 di 2.8 , Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 , Nikon 50mm 1.8 . Tamron 17-50 f2.8 , Nikon 70-200 VR f2.8 .
  • DesmondDesmond Registered Users Posts: 187 Major grins
    edited May 11, 2007
    Today I took delivery of my new Nikon 70-200 VR f2.8 ......
    Nikon D80 , D50 , SB600 , SB800 , Nikon 18-200VR , Tamron 28-75 di 2.8 , Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 , Nikon 50mm 1.8 . Tamron 17-50 f2.8 , Nikon 70-200 VR f2.8 .
  • ivarivar Registered Users Posts: 8,395 Major grins
    edited May 11, 2007
    Desmond wrote:
    Today I took delivery of my new Nikon 70-200 VR f2.8 ......
    clap.gifbarb
    Ivar
    www.ivarborst.nl & smugmug
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,131 moderator
    edited May 11, 2007
    Desmond wrote:
    Today I took delivery of my new Nikon 70-200 VR f2.8 ......

    That didn't take too long. Which kidney did you sell?

    You are going to love that lens! clap.gif
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • DesmondDesmond Registered Users Posts: 187 Major grins
    edited May 11, 2007
    ziggy53 wrote:
    That didn't take too long. Which kidney did you sell?

    You are going to love that lens! clap.gif
    I'm one of those people that hates owing money or borrowed items . I finally paid off my car and have been debt free for 6 months , I didn't go out and buy another car just because mine was paid off and I've been saving for a while ....
    Nikon D80 , D50 , SB600 , SB800 , Nikon 18-200VR , Tamron 28-75 di 2.8 , Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 , Nikon 50mm 1.8 . Tamron 17-50 f2.8 , Nikon 70-200 VR f2.8 .
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