downsizing lens: I am using a 70 to 200 2.8 nikon lens,which seems to keep getting heavier for some odd reason,I am 65 now,might have somethig to do with it, just don't...

oldie65 Loc: Miamisburg Ohio

I am using a 70 to 200 2.8 nikon lens,which seems to keep getting heavier for some odd reason,I am 65 now,might have somethig to do with it, just don't know...........what would be the next step down on a good lens not so heavy.my camera is nikon d300.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

Nikon makes an F4 version that is smaller and lighter but still well regarded...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/897230-REG/Nikon_2202_NIKKOR_AF_S_70_200mm_f_4_0G.html

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

oldie65 wrote:

I am using a 70 to 200 2.8 nikon lens,which seems to keep getting heavier for some odd reason,I am 65 now,might have somethig to do with it, just don't know...........what would be the next step down on a good lens not so heavy.my camera is nikon d300.

I'm only 54 but I downsized big time.

I used to shoot with a monster Canon 5DIII and a gaggle of large lenses.

I recently (about a year ago) sold off all of my DSLR gear and went to small mirrorless cameras. The cameras are smaller, the lenses are smaller and the quality of the images isn't lessened.

It's a movement for sure...many folks are figuring this out.

oldie65 Loc: Miamisburg Ohio

Thank you,I will check itout

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

oldie65 wrote:

Thank you,I will check itout

Fuji, Olympus, Sony, all have good mirrorless systems but I'm partial to fuji.

The X-E2 is my current "interchangeable" lens camera and the X100T will be my "fixed lens" camera.

amehta Loc: Boston

oldie65 wrote:

I am using a 70 to 200 2.8 nikon lens,which seems to keep getting heavier for some odd reason,I am 65 now,might have somethig to do with it, just don't know...........what would be the next step down on a good lens not so heavy.my camera is nikon d300.

How much do you use it, and at what settings?

I use a monopod with all my long lenses, so I often don't notice how heavy they are. :-)

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

oldie65 wrote:

I am using a 70 to 200 2.8 nikon lens,which seems to keep getting heavier for some odd reason,I am 65 now,might have somethig to do with it, just don't know...........what would be the next step down on a good lens not so heavy.my camera is nikon d300.

Better to not compromise and start an exercise program.

Sherman A1 Loc: St. Louis, MO

I understand what you are saying, this stuff can get heavy, particularly over a long period. I think the monopod suggestion is a good one and you might look at a different neck strap or system before you sell off all your gear. A minor change might be enough to make things work.

jsharp Loc: Ballwin MO.

rpavich wrote:

I'm only 54 but I downsized big time.

I used to shoot with a monster Canon 5DIII and a gaggle of large lenses.

I recently (about a year ago) sold off all of my DSLR gear and went to small mirrorless cameras. The cameras are smaller, the lenses are smaller and the quality of the images isn't lessened.

It's a movement for sure...many folks are figuring this out.

Don't be a hater of the DSLR and anti GAS

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

oldie65 wrote:

I am using a 70 to 200 2.8 nikon lens,which seems to keep getting heavier for some odd reason,I am 65 now,might have somethig to do with it, just don't know...........what would be the next step down on a good lens not so heavy.my camera is nikon d300.

Go with the F4 70-200

anotherview Loc: California

A good camera strap can help with the load of a camera and lens.

Ken Rockwell has this to say about camera straps:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/straps.htm

Check out http://optechusa.com/ for its line of camera straps. I buy mine here.

Have a good day.

oldie65 wrote:

I am using a 70 to 200 2.8 nikon lens,which seems to keep getting heavier for some odd reason,I am 65 now,might have somethig to do with it, just don't know...........what would be the next step down on a good lens not so heavy.my camera is nikon d300.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

amehta wrote:

How much do you use it, and at what settings?

I use a monopod with all my long lenses, so I often don't notice how heavy they are. :-)

I'm on board with that as well.
A lightweight monopod can really help out besides taking the weight for you.
My preference is a Sirui carbon fiber.

PS: Much less $ than a new lens.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

oldie65 wrote:

I am using a 70 to 200 2.8 nikon lens,which seems to keep getting heavier for some odd reason,I am 65 now,might have somethig to do with it, just don't know...........what would be the next step down on a good lens not so heavy.my camera is nikon d300.

Can't say this would work for you, but I solved the problem by installing heavier springs on my Jeep. :)

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I know it's been a few weeks since you asked but if you want to experiment with a lighter lens look for a used Nikon AF 70-210mm f4 with no internal focus motor.

Your D300 will run the focus mechanism just fine and you can find them used for under $200 - I got mine from National Camera (natcam.com) for $120 last winter.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Sell it all and go mirrorless...
EM1 with 12-40 f2.8 (24-80), the new 40-150 f2.8 (80-300) and 1.4x