2nd Guessing a GAS Attack
Aug 13, 2017 17:47:40 #
Yesterday I went to a local retailer to check out 2 of Nikon's newer AF-P DX lenses , the 10-20 and 70-300 zooms with VR. Although the lenses are very sharp, light, and fast focusing, the plastic mount and feel of the lens was a bit of a turn off. While there, I spotted a used AF 80-200 mm 2.8 D.. I had read many good things about the lens optical and build quality . A GAS attack ensued so I bought it. I've now shot over a 100 pics with the lens on my d7100 and am quickly coming to the conclusion that I'll need a monopod or tripod to get sharp pictures. Anything hand held has been blurry even after I've increased ISO, shutter speed, etc. My hands are simply too shaky. I haven't decided what to do yet. I may call the shop and hope for a trade with one or two other lenses, with VR.
Thought I'd pass this expensive experience on.....
Thought I'd pass this expensive experience on.....
Aug 13, 2017 17:55:34 #
You'd probably be happier with the 70-200 f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR (the original 'v1' of this professional grade lens)
As you seem to have discovered, trying before buying is a much better approach ...
As you seem to have discovered, trying before buying is a much better approach ...
Aug 13, 2017 18:05:56 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
You'd probably be happier with the 70-200 f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR (the original 'v1' of this professional grade lens)
As you seem to have discovered, trying before buying is a much better approach ...
As you seem to have discovered, trying before buying is a much better approach ...
Agreed. I tried it in the store but that doesn't compare to having it in your hands for a few hours a day. I did use it with a monopod this afternoon and could see a huge difference.
Aug 13, 2017 18:08:11 #
Aug 14, 2017 05:57:52 #
bobgreen wrote:
Yesterday I went to a local retailer to check out ... (show quote)
I bought an 80-200mm f/2.8 from KEH . I turned out to be the first buyer of that lens. It was NOS (new old stock). I got a brand new lens for $660.
Aug 14, 2017 08:24:32 #
I have and use a 80-200 2.8 when I want really high end shots off my D810. However if I have to carry it a long time, I switch to a 70-300 vr or a 70-210 f4. I bought three 70-210's for about $100 each. Either lens will do the job quite nicely for you on your D7100 and the weight is greatly decreased. I generally use a mono pod for most non vr lenses while walking any distance which I can also use on the 70-210 f4 or 80-200 2.8 for stability. There is also a 70-200 f4 vr which sells for from $800- $1250 new. They all will do better work than most of us can utilize. Lastly, I wouldn't worry about the composite outers of some of the newer lenses. They are strong and light weight.
Aug 14, 2017 08:52:36 #
Remember the rule of thumb for eliminating camera shake when hand-held -- your shutter needs to be the FASTER of 1/60 or the reciprocal of your focal length. In other words, at 200mm, you need to be shooting 1/200 or faster shutter speed. As a Marine Corps Sniper, I can generally fudge this by about half, but it takes every bit of my marksmanship skills to do it, and sometimes that's not enough...
Aug 14, 2017 12:05:18 #
cmcaroffino
Loc: Sebring, FL
I had a couple of those 80-200 2.8 lens and they were solid, sharp lens but I sold them because I found that I needed a tripod for sharp landscape pictures and the newer lens with VR are just as sharp and much lighter to carry and handle. Those 2.8 lens were great for shooting action shots but I don't do much of that type of photography any more. I agree that the new AF-P 10-20 and 70-300 are plastic and don't have the feel that those solid metal lens had but in the end the IQ is what matters to me and those lens take great pictures and are lighter to carry around which I appreciate the older I get.
Aug 14, 2017 23:37:35 #
bobgreen wrote:
Yesterday I went to a local retailer to check out ... (show quote)
That is a lens I owned for a while and sold. Loved the build quality and the image quality as well, but I didn't have many keepers using it hand-held.
The lens has a quirk, incidentally, that's mentioned in a footnote to the Compatible Lenses section. It gives a false in-focus reading under certain conditions.
Aug 15, 2017 23:38:11 #
Issue resolved thanks to my local retailer, District Camera and Imaging in DC. I decided to return the 80-200 lens hoping I wouldn't lose too much money, pay a restocking fee, etc. I was able to switch the lens for a new Nikon 10-20, a newly refurbished Nikon 70-300 F4/5.6 VR, filters for the 2 lenses, a high capacity memory card, and a new Nikon battery for backup. My cost? $6.75. Not bad! Gotta like dealing with great people and in person. I support local businesses; they earned more of mine today.
Aug 16, 2017 03:47:34 #
Good to hear you supporting your local business. I do the same. I'll only buy from the big three if the local doesn't have it. On principle, I refuse to buy from a big box.
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