I was cautioned against buying this old lens but decided for $300 (canadian) it was worth the risk.
I must say I've been pleasantly surprised. I took it on a recent trip to Gros Morne park in Newfoundland because my 200-500 was just too much since I just had carry-on. I think this one is going to get a lot of use.
Hope this helps anyone who might come across one. The pic of the Caribou is one of the first I shot with it. Saw nine caribou that day.
I never buy before reading the reviews. You will find this review interesting.
I recently bought one used. I was really impressed with the improved image quality compared to the low budget 55-200 and 70-300. Heavy but a real performance champ.
I don't know why you would have been advised against that lens, it doesn't have some of the features of newer lenses, and autofocus isn't as fast, but it still has great optics. One does not always need the "latest and greatest"
I had one of these for years before the autofocus failed. While the newer 70-200 is faster and better glass, that lens in no slouch! If it’s working right, that lens is DEFINITELY worth $300 (US or CAN).
Technical it’s an old lens, slower in focus, but I love the glass and the weight is good.
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Jack47 wrote:
I was cautioned against buying this old lens but decided for $300 (canadian) it was worth the risk.
I must say I've been pleasantly surprised. I took it on a recent trip to Gros Morne park in Newfoundland because my 200-500 was just too much since I just had carry-on. I think this one is going to get a lot of use.
Hope this helps anyone who might come across one. The pic of the Caribou is one of the first I shot with it. Saw nine caribou that day.
That lens is a winner. BUT Be aware that lens has had issues and is not easy to get repaired. If it does need servicing, try Midwest camera repair.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
yes, that is a very nice lens. I had one for a few years, but I wasn't using it enough, so I sold it to MPB or KEH. I forget which.
I've been using an old push-pull version for 20 years. Still one of my favorites. Have considered updating to the 70--200 2.8, but for the price difference makes that unlikely. Fortunately, there is an independent repair guy in the area I used when it needed some work. Good luck with yours.
I purchased one about 20 years ago. It's superlative in its performance. For that zoom range and aperture, I couldn't ask for better.
--Bob
Jack47 wrote:
I was cautioned against buying this old lens but decided for $300 (canadian) it was worth the risk.
I must say I've been pleasantly surprised. I took it on a recent trip to Gros Morne park in Newfoundland because my 200-500 was just too much since I just had carry-on. I think this one is going to get a lot of use.
Hope this helps anyone who might come across one. The pic of the Caribou is one of the first I shot with it. Saw nine caribou that day.
That is a great lens. Very sharp. It doesn’t have Image stabilization and is a little heavy. It is built like a tank and is crisp, tack sharp. A great purchase for outdoor work.
I've had one for at least 25 years. Still is incredibly sharp and focuses as fast as I need it to. Only reason I would upgrade would be for VC.
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