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Replacement for Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR1 lens
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Apr 17, 2018 07:10:06   #
Papa j Loc: Cary NC
 
photostephen wrote:
I have a Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR1 lens, and it is not longer focusing to a sharp image.
(Yes I tested focusing against a flat paper with a proper focusing target. And I tested Focusing via Live View and Through the Viewfinder; contract and phase detection.)

I am trying to decide between the following options:

1) Send the lens back to Nikon for repair (cost about $600 or more depending on what they find)

2) Sending it to a third party place for repair (if you favor this option, suggest a third party place, I have no idea)

3) Purchasing either a Sigma or Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 lens with Optical Stabilization. If you recommend only purchasing the Nikon version, will you help me pay it, my budget is to under $1500.

Background -- I have had this lens for about 10 years. I purchased it pre-owned from a retired wedding photographer who used it for about 10 to 15 years. Thus the lens is at least 20 to 25 years old and is the older VR1 version, not the current Nikon VR2 version.

The lens did not experience a significant drop, just the usual jostling as one carries the lens from place to place in a padded bag.

The cameras I will be using it with are the D850 and the D750, so accurate focusing is important.

Having been a member of this forum for years, I know that many of you will have opinions, and not all of you will agree. So please, let's keep the comments positive and constructive, and please do not get snarky either toward me or anyone else who replies to this post.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
I have a Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR1 lens, and it is no... (show quote)


Hoggers referred me to Rick rigging on this site who does repair work I just sent him my lens for the same issue. No news yet but very hopeful . He is highly regarded here on the site. Send him a shout.

J

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Apr 17, 2018 07:13:26   #
fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York
 
I would never spend $600.00 dollars to repair such an old lens. Your half way to getting a new one.

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Apr 17, 2018 07:17:50   #
pila
 
New lens

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Apr 17, 2018 07:18:07   #
pila
 
New lens.

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Apr 17, 2018 07:18:32   #
pila
 
New lens.

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Apr 17, 2018 07:47:23   #
photostephen
 
A few answers and what did I finally decide.

To those who asked, I live in the United States.

Based on these very helpful responses, and some outside research, I decided to purchase a new Tamron 70-200 f2.8 lens. It should be delivered very soon.
As for buying used, I have purchased a few used lenses. Sometimes they were good, at least once I the seller was less than honest, and between the cost of the used lens plus the repair, I could have purchased a new lens. So I am going straight to the new lens with a warranty.

I will be selling my old Nikon 70-200 (with sample images so people can see the focusing issue -- and if they are not as picky as I am they will be happy). I am thinking of selling it for between $400 to $500.

So THANK YOU to everyone who responded, all your comments were VERY HELPFUL!

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Apr 17, 2018 09:01:09   #
cval52
 
Like my Tamron better than my Nikon. Had a chance to try both a Nes generation Tamron and a comparable Sigma a couple of werks ago. The new Tamron is a sweet lens And the Sigma also performed well.
A 25 year old lens is not going to be as sharp with a digital camera.

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Apr 17, 2018 09:15:18   #
fotogk Loc: Tuftonboro, NH
 
I have used KEH for repair of camera and lens. Was extremely happy very fast service and half the price of nikon. Have been using the repaired equipment dailey for over two years.

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Apr 17, 2018 09:21:41   #
cval52
 
I use Camera Service Co in Smyrna GA. Awesome technicians

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Apr 17, 2018 10:09:15   #
tenor57
 
I just bought the new Tamron 70-200 F2.8.8 g2. It is a very sharp lens. All the reviews have been raves.

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Apr 17, 2018 11:05:26   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
Kalina54 wrote:
Hi, I have a pristine Tamron 70-200 2.8 with image stabilization that I have only used a few times. I originally paid $1695 for it a few years back and it is still under warranty. I am only asking $750 for it. It is too heavy for me to carry around. It is comparable to the Nikon 70-200. Let me know if you are interested and I can send you pictures. Thanks, K


When you say your Tamron 70-200 is comparable to the Nikon 70-200 do you mean that the Tamron is built to the same tolerances as the Nikon? Is it comparable to the image quality of the Nikon? Is it comparable to the same resale value of the Nikon? Does Tamron make buy, grind, and polish their own glass as Nikon? (No to this one because Nikon is one of only two lens companies in the world that buy, grind, and polish their own glass) Does Tamron work with Nikon in developing their products to work only on Nikon camera's to make sure they are comparable? Is Tamron comparable when it comes to offering two locations to send their lenses in for servicing in USA with tech and email support every step of the way?
When you say comparable, just what do you mean?

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Apr 17, 2018 11:22:39   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
billnikon wrote:
When you say your Tamron 70-200 is comparable to the Nikon 70-200 do you mean that the Tamron is built to the same tolerances as the Nikon? Is it comparable to the image quality of the Nikon? Is it comparable to the same resale value of the Nikon? Does Tamron make buy, grind, and polish their own glass as Nikon? (No to this one because Nikon is one of only two lens companies in the world that buy, grind, and polish their own glass) Does Tamron work with Nikon in developing their products to work only on Nikon camera's to make sure they are comparable? Is Tamron comparable when it comes to offering two locations to send their lenses in for servicing in USA with tech and email support every step of the way?
When you say comparable, just what do you mean?
When you say your Tamron 70-200 is comparable to t... (show quote)


Probably means it will work just as well for just as long. I'm gonna guess that third party manufacturers have a few Nikon cameras laying around somewhere to make sure their lenses will screw into the front of a Nikon and work. Sometimes Nikon lenses are sharper, based on independent testing labs ... sometimes not.

Don't worry, your Nikon pension isn't being threatened.

---

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Apr 17, 2018 12:50:33   #
tenor57
 
Are you interrogating him? If he is selling the new Tamron g2, reviewers are claiming it is better than the Nikon 70- 200 FL F2.8. If you are only interested in Nikon product, simply decline.

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Apr 17, 2018 16:47:37   #
John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.
 
If you recently upgraded your cameras maybe this has caused the soft focus. Use the AF Focus Adjust (in the menus under the wrench). You cans google it and get instructions. I used the Focus Tune software. Found all my lenses were a few inches off perfect focus. Has made a big difference in capturing sharp eyes.

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Apr 18, 2018 20:35:09   #
stangro
 
Just a note: the original Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 G AF-S FX VR1 was introduced in 2003. Serial numbers 200001 thru 470705 (Feb '03 - Jul '09). So at most, this lens is 15 years old - not 25.

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