kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Want it, yes. Need it, not convinced I do.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I do mostly fire photography including fire/rescue helicopters and fixed-wing air tankers.

I also have a 17-50 for “closer” stuff and recently acquired the 200-500 as often 300 wasn’t quite enough.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

You don't need but you probably don't need some of the lenes you have.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

How often do you shoot 70-170mm in low light ?? ......or that you need max Bokeh ??
.

newvy

I’m surprised at the majority of responses. I had used a Nikkor 80-200. F2.8 Ed lens. Before vr. I found the optics to be better than my current Sony G 70-300. It’sa but heavier but that’s never been an issue for me. I swore up and down I’d never have a camera bag without this lens and find myself missing it terribly. I’ll have another 70-200 f2.8 As soon as I can afford it. Go try it, if you like it (I think you will) buy it. it’s extremely versatile and will give great results. I hope my opinion helps.

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

If it's an old AF-D lens - stay away. Nikon no longer has parts to fix any of them - the single ring for zoom/focus, which is a great lens, and the two ring version - both of which are available for not a not of money.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Not that often. To be honest.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Had the single ring version a few years ago. For a week. Didn’t like it. Sent it back for full refund. Should I have kept it? Paid too much for it anyway.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Yes, your opinion helps, but I also want to avoid duplicating focal lengths.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have found that there is a big difference in overlap of focal lengths and duplication of focal lengths. Also...having an 18-200mm DX zoom does not duplicate having a 24-70 and a 70-(or 80-)200. Different lenses for different purposes.

Also, I'd disagree at least a little bit with Gene. The reasonably ready availability of used lenses largely offsets the lack of parts or repair support for those lenses. In many cases, just discarding and buying a replacement for an older malfunctioning lens is significantly less expensive than having it repaired. Of course, rethinking is required as that pool of used lenses starts drying up.

User ID

Acoarst he really needs it.

But we all hafta live with unfulfilled needs. We try to choose our battles wisely. But even MORE important is choosing our advisors (hint - hint).
I have never found parrots to be preferable advisors vs a coin flip.

hrblaine

[quote=n4jee] I now have one lens, a 24-240 f3.5-6.3.

Does this lens work internally or externally? Thanks! Harry

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

You don't need the new lens!

User ID

Very likely not a need based purchase.

But it's a verrrrrrry good idea to buy it, and not a really great idea to pass it by.

Asking about or preaching about "need" is a popular squawk for UHH parrots. The "need thing" is clearly one of those things that "goes without saying". But parrots never need any real reason to endlessly squawk their lines.

Should the OP buy the lens ? The popular answer is apparently "Pretty bird, Polly is a pretty bird !"

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Lots of uncorroborated inferences… So typical of UHH…
Folks the poster shoots “…fire photography including fire/rescue helicopters and fixed-wing air tankers.”
Do you ever bother to actually read the post?

If shooting out of a helicopter the AD 80-200mm f/2.8 (D or Non-D version) is a very poor choice
From Experience (see below shot with a 50mm f1.4 Nikkor.) Horrific vibrations that only 1/2000 can tame at the short end... totally forget it at 200mm.

BTW: You will have to firmly tether your rig tightly to your body because you will likely lose your grip and it will fly about in the cockpit. A very dangerous scenario. Everything is tied down flying in turbulence (a potential flying low over massive forest fires etc.).

That said: I shoot the AD 80-200mm f/2.8 (first variant that actually can AF focus at ~ 5 feet)
All the “D” variants are geared differently and will either back or front focus at portrait distance.
See below, and count the eyelashes…

However my fav Nikkor is the AF 180mm f/2.8D which puts the current 70-200mm to shame in my humble estimation. It’s epic for events, sleek, lightweight and has superb color harmonies.
Again see below… It likely will be the one I go the promise land with.

Want mine? It’s yours for only $2500. Same with my 80-200mm f/2.8 (first variant, non-D type),
Again it yours for only $2500. Yep that’s what each is worth to me… They have paid for themselves many times over. Both of those stellar optics will never fail, built to outlast me…

Folks maybe consider supporting your inferences like the commercial shooters who hang out on flickr (a far better platform for serious commercial shooters (from my experience)).

Hope this helps kb6kgx
Thanks and all the best on your journey…

Shooting out of a helicopter with a 50mm f/1.4 to document hurricane bridge damage

(Download)

BTS on a Beauty Genre Shoot (count the eyelashes) : AF 80-200mm f/2.8 (one touch, non-D varant)

(Download)

Start of a girls' Cross Country Race: AF 180mm f/2.8D (count the eyelashes)

(Download)