AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR & D850: Just wondering if anyone with a D850 has been using this lens and how you feel about using it handheld? Or is it too heavy? Just updated...

Red Sky At Night

Just wondering if anyone with a D850 has been using this lens and how you feel about using it handheld? Or is it too heavy? Just updated from a D70 after way too many years and too many other distractions in life. I now own a D850 body and need to buy the glass. But I don't want to be tied to a tripod.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Red Sky At Night wrote:

Just wondering if anyone with a D850 has been using this lens and how you feel about using it handheld?

That would be normal.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Not sure why it would be different with a D800/D810 or D850.

Great combination!

Red Sky At Night

Gene51 wrote:

That would be normal.

Thank you.

Red Sky At Night

JeffDavidson wrote:

Not sure why it would be different with a D800/D810 or D850.

Great combination!

Thank you. Just didn't know if the weight would be a problem and I recently purchased the D850 body and need to buy a lens for it. I'm graduating from a D70. lol...

Now that I have the answer I was looking for I could delete this topic if I knew how???

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Red Sky At Night wrote:

Just wondering if anyone with a D850 has been using this lens and how you feel about using it handheld? Or is it too heavy? Just updated from a D70 after way too many years and too many other distractions in life. I now own a D850 body and need to buy the glass. But I don't want to be tied to a tripod.

I do not own the "E" version, but My VR II version is a very common partner on my D850 as it was on my D800E for a long time. Not at all that heavy compared to other options, like my Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 or my Nikon 200-400mm F4, now THEY get heavy!

Robeng Loc: California

Red Sky At Night wrote:

Just wondering if anyone with a D850 has been using this lens and how you feel about using it handheld? Or is it too heavy? Just updated from a D70 after way too many years and too many other distractions in life. I now own a D850 body and need to buy the glass. But I don't want to be tied to a tripod.

I use this combo all the time to photograph models. So far it has worked well for me. But understand I work in studio so weight is not a factor for me.

justhercamera Loc: NW Michigan

I have the Tamron version of that lens, with a D850, and I have no issue hand holding it and shooting. I was just shooting with it at lunch today at the local beach.

Red Sky At Night

justhercamera wrote:

I have the Tamron version of that lens, with a D850, and I have no issue hand holding it and shooting. I was just shooting with it at lunch today at the local beach.

I’ve considered that lens as well so thanks.

justhercamera Loc: NW Michigan

Red Sky At Night wrote:

I’ve considered that lens as well so thanks.

I am very happy with mine.

Largobob

Red Sky At Night wrote:

Just wondering if anyone with a D850 has been using this lens and how you feel about using it handheld? Or is it too heavy? Just updated from a D70 after way too many years and too many other distractions in life. I now own a D850 body and need to buy the glass. But I don't want to be tied to a tripod.

I use the 70-200 on a D810 (previously a D200) hand-held, frequently. It is a marvelous piece of glass. The VR, autofocus and build-quality are outstanding in my opinion.

NikonGal Loc: Central Oregon

I'd suggest renting one before purchase if you have any doubts. Would you consider the newest f/4 lens. I have an older version 70-200mm 1:2.8G AF-S VR ED and love it, used it on my D300s/D3 and then D4. I'm just not able to hand hold it steady any more. I tried my friend's 70-200mm f/4G ED AF-S VR and it did a great job for my type of shooting (fairly general except for birds in flight), so I purchased one. I also gave up my heavy D4 for the D850 recently and am currently enjoying the 850 and 70-200mm f/4 combination for hand held. Haven't had a chance to try birds in flight yet though. I still use my f/2.8 when on a tripod. Bev

Red Sky At Night

NikonGal wrote:

I'd suggest renting one before purchase if you hav... (show quote)

Thanks for the offer Bev but since I made the investment on a brand new camera I am thinking I will get the newest to go with it. And renting is a great idea. Is that your dog in your photo? It is gorgeous.

aardq

Used one for several years covering local hockey games with no problems. A lot depends on your physical abilities, but it shouldn't be any real problem hand held.
Good luck and enjoy.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

The E may be slightly lighter than the previous version, which I have. There is no reason that the two cannot be hand held. However, the lens is not a lightweight. I'm assuming that you're able to lift normal poundage and use good photographic technique. In that case you should be good. It IS significantly heavier than the 28-300 if you're familiar with it.