Nikon 80-200 / f2.8 D vs. G? I use a Nikon 300S with a Nikon 24-70 / f2.8 as my walk-around outfit. Now have a need for the extra length. Cannot justify (to "Mama") the extra expense...

JWCoop

I use a Nikon 300S with a Nikon 24-70 / f2.8 as my walk-around outfit.

Now have a need for the extra length. Cannot justify (to "Mama") the extra expense of the new versions.

Cropped sensor works great for me, and the 24-70 is substantially better than what I originally bought with the 300S.

The D versions are available substantially less than Gs.

Here are the questions for those who have used both: (1) what is the actual difference between the two? (2) can I expect the image quality of either of these two to be comparable to the 24-70?

No need to comment on FF vs. Cropped. I am up on that.

I once owned a DX 70-300 which was "okay." Gave it away to our daughter.

What do you think?

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

80-200 being the old focal length as opposed to the new Nikon 70-200 now?

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I think he needs to look at "D" version vs "G". The D works for many.

JWCoop

80-200 D vs. 70-200 G. Both f2.8.

Kuzano

This was just covered in a similar post today.

Ken Rockwell covers both quite well in that post, and he explains G as gelded (no physical aperture ring on the lens-in my book a problem for perceived control issues). But, as a rule G lenses do not Manual Focus.

One review, the G:

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/28200g.htm

the other:

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/28200af.htm

JWCoop

Thanks, but not the lens. Looking at the 2.8.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Kuzano wrote:

This was just covered in a similar post today.

Ken Rockwell covers both quite well in that post, and he explains G as gelded (no physical aperture ring on the lens-in my book a problem for perceived control issues). But, as a rule G lenses do not Manual Focus.

One review, the G:

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/28200g.htm

the other:

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/28200af.htm

The op is asking about the 80-200 2.8 lenses.
I had the second version, the AF with a push-pull zoom.
While it was incredibly sharp, I’d go with a newer model with separate zoom/focus rings.
I used mine on the D200 and 300.
The earlier models can be had for a relatively low price, but they have no VR and focus a bit slower than the newer, 70-200 models.
If you’re shooting daytime sports, the VR isn’t much help, but I really make use of the VR at some events I shoot.

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/80-200mm-history.htm

JWCoop

That is extremely helpful. Thanks!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

JWCoop wrote:

That is extremely helpful. Thanks!

Several for sale on the Fred Miranda website.
Great place to buy and sell used
Example here for $495
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1545429/0?keyword=Nikon,80-200#14474183
Easy to sign up as a member to contact seller.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

JWCoop wrote:

I use a Nikon 300S with a Nikon 24-70 / f2.8 as my... (show quote)

I can find no reference to an 80~200 G lens. And which of the four 80~200 D versions are you talking about?

JWCoop

70-200 G. Whichever is the preferred D lenses which are 80-200.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

JWCoop wrote:

Whichever is the preferred D lenses which are 80-200.

With 5 ED elements (vs. 3 for the others), the Nikon ED AF-S 80~200mm 1:2.8 D produces the best image quality. Plus, the built-in focus motor is faster and quieter.

JWCoop

Thanks!

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

GoofyNewfie wrote:

The op is asking about the 80-200 2.8 lenses. br I... (show quote)

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Kuzano wrote:

This was just covered in a similar post today.

Ken Rockwell covers both quite well in that post, and he explains G as gelded (no physical aperture ring on the lens-in my book a problem for perceived control issues). But, as a rule G lenses do not Manual Focus.

One review, the G:

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/28200g.htm

the other:

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/28200af.htm

Any lens will manually focus. I believe you mean you cannot manually adjust the aperture as there is no aperture ring.