The best lens (Page 3): A useful comment overall, but I'm not sure the following is discoverable in any detail: criteria to evaluate and it starts with ... types of glass and elements...

forjava Loc: Half Moon Bay, CA

A useful comment overall, but I'm not sure the following is discoverable in any detail: criteria to evaluate and it starts with ... types of glass and elements to reduce aberration, vignetting, distortion

True, Nikon's lens schematics will indicate low-dispersion glass in certain elements; but ED glass is not a constant formula and process from lens to lens. That's just for starters. Barely! And then there are the simulations that advise lens designers where to grind elements to preclude flare and so forth, with insights well beyond the abilities of mortals to analyze.

So why do I think this? I've tried to get a handle on these things, including coatings, but the useful content is closely held at Zeiss, Nikon, and Canon, probably with good reason. I have, however, pulled together a bibliography of especially useful discussions. Comments by the lens designer Sato now on nikkor.com will give you a hint how little we customers really know about the designs.

Mark7829 wrote:

I have no idea why anyone would come here and get ... (show quote)

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

alexlink wrote:

My preference is Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS

:thumbup: :thumbup: .... I have this one! it is a nice lens

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

jcboy3 wrote:

According to dxomark, the best lens is the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF.2 Nikon (score 50). But the next best is the 85mm version, so I would recommend that as being in your desired range (focal length, not price).

That was not Jules' question, JC.

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Jules Karney wrote:

Hi club members

It's time for the big decision. I am going to buy either a Nikon 70-200 2.8 g ed if af-s af lens used for 1479.00.

Or a new Tamron Sp 70-200 2.8 di vc usd zoom lens for 1499. I need opinions on which one to buy. I shoot a lot of sports.
I have watched, read opinions for both lenses, now I need comments from club members who have actually used both of them. I trust our members.
Thanks in advance.

You would fine both Lenses to be almost Identical in Picture Quality.
Craig

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Jules Karney wrote:

Hi club members

I trust our members.
Thanks in advance.

Jules, don't know anything about any lenses, but I've got some really nice property in Florida I'd like to sell you though!
I'm glad to show it to you, but we need to wait until the dry season!!!
Cordially yours......., SS. :lol: :lol:

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

When does the dry season start down there on your property???:):)

SharpShooter wrote:

Jules, don't know anything about any lenses, but I've got some really nice property in Florida I'd like to sell you though!
I'm glad to show it to you, but we need to wait until the dry season!!!
Cordially yours......., SS. :lol: :lol:

btbg

As long as the used Nikon is in good condition its a great choice. I have had two Tamaron 70-200 2.8 lenses and they have eventually both failed.

Tamaron lenses work well when new and cost less than Nikon, so that's what I started with. When the first one broke less than one month after the six year warranty ended I bought another, thinking that all lenses were like that. When the focusing motor on it slowed so that I couldn't focus quickly enough on things like volleyball I sent it back to Tamaron for repairs. They returned it saying it worked correctly and didn't need repairs.

I replaced it with a used Nikon and have had no similar problems.

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

btbg wrote:

As long as the used Nikon is in good condition its... (show quote)

Thanks for the info. My Nikon lens should be delivered on Monday, so the fun begins then.

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Jules Karney wrote:

Hi club members

It's time for the big decision. I am going to buy either a Nikon 70-200 2.8 g ed if af-s af lens used for 1479.00.

Or a new Tamron Sp 70-200 2.8 di vc usd zoom lens for 1499. I need opinions on which one to buy. I shoot a lot of sports.
I have watched, read opinions for both lenses, now I need comments from club members who have actually used both of them. I trust our members.
Thanks in advance.

Congratulations on your new Nikon 70-200 2.8.
Craig

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Jules Karney wrote:

Hi club members

It's time for the big decision. I am going to buy either a Nikon 70-200 2.8 g ed if af-s af lens used for 1479.00.

Or a new Tamron Sp 70-200 2.8 di vc usd zoom lens for 1499. I need opinions on which one to buy. I shoot a lot of sports.
I have watched, read opinions for both lenses, now I need comments from club members who have actually used both of them. I trust our members.
Thanks in advance.

While I shoot Canon, I would observe that until recently, the value proposition for third-party lenses was: Almost as good as the OEM, and about 35% less. Both Tamron and Sigma (particularly Sigma) appear to be challenging the accepted wisdom by offering better lenses at comparable prices. But, for me, in general, if the OEM's cost is about the same as third-party, OEM wins.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

MT Shooter wrote:

With the current $100 rebate ($1399 after) and the 6 year warranty, I am afraid I would have to recommend the Tamron over that first generation Nikon.

I concur, however, I think the rebate on that Tamron model is $200.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

MT Shooter wrote:

With the current $100 rebate ($1399 after) and the 6 year warranty, I am afraid I would have to recommend the Tamron over that first generation Nikon.

I would respectfully disagree as I used that "first version" until about a year ago. I did have to send it back, twice, for focus adjustment,, but when finally fixed, it was a superstar. I held onto it as I really liked the focus stops towards the front of the lens became essential to my sports work. Yes, I know that Tamron now makes better products, but I was never convinced of that with this particular lens. When it comes to a better price, the Tamron wins. When it comes to a better photo, I'm not convinced. As a camera dealer, MT may just know a bit more than me, so I do need to leave that door open! Overall, either would, most likely, be a great choice,=. Best of luck.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Mark7829 wrote:

Sorry trusting our members without validation is r... (show quote)

I agree with you to a certain extent. I have seen a member rave about a certain lens and then proudly post terrible photos he's taken with it. I have, however, come to respect certain posters' opinions over others and, at times, there is a consensus among posters that helps to answer questions.