Help please. Nikon 70-200 VR or VRii

Jesus Quintana

Jesus Quintana

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Hi, I'd appreciate a bit of advice if anyone can spare time. I've decided to jump in and get the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 I am so stuck between the VR and VRii. I've read so much the last 4 weeks while I've been saving hard to buy one that I think my head will explode.

They both seem to have their positives and negatives but from all the reading I've done, it *seems* to be six of one/half a dozen of the other.

I'd love to hear from those who have 'upgraded' or swapped from one to the other (although I can guess which way the vast majority have traded!!)

I guess the thing I'm trying to explore the most is the VR although any other advice is most welcome.

I'm ready to buy this week if that helps speed up advice!!!
 
Get the VR2 - I love mine, its almost never off the camera...
If you can afford either then you will kick yourself if you don't get it.
You do also have the option of the F4 which is heaps lighter..
 
I had both, the VRII AF is better but i dont like the focus breathing issue, a big amount of what i use the lens for is withing the range of the most affected distance/focal range but wouldnt swap bak.
 
Much as I hate to do this...what about the 70-200mm f/4G ED VR AF-S? It has 'improved image stabilization over the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II', costs and weighs less and it rivals the f/2.8; see Thom Hogan's mini review: link.

I was waiting to buy a f/2.8 VRII for my FX body (I have the first version and that's fine for DX), but now I think I'll save some pennies and go for the f/4.
 
Oh dear. Just what I thought. Thank you everybody for your time and advice. My wife told me to get the VRii as she reckons I'll have the VR a week, flog it at a huge loss and drive her mad reading about the VRii for another 4 weeks!

That's the final nail in the VR's coffin I'm afraid. Thanks again.
 
Oh, PickleB....don't take me there please!!!! I've just had 4 weeks of Hell reading about the 2 I mentioned without throwing in the f4 as well!! For what it's worth, every comment I've heard from f4 owners has been positive :bonk:
 
Get the f/4. I did. It is approx 800g vs 1500g. The VR is great and the lens is sharp.
I'm not sure why you'd buy the f2.8?
 
Thegreatroberto said:
Get the f/4. I did. It is approx 800g vs 1500g. The VR is great and the lens is sharp.
I'm not sure why you'd buy the f2.8?
Click to expand...
Because it is F2.8 not F4,some people need F2.8,simple as that really mate.
 
Thanks everybody for the input...this forum could do with a 'Thanks' button under everybody's post!

I've got my heart set on the 2.8 as I know what I'm like (try over £25k on hi-fi over the years :cuckoo:)

It's not just the aperture/light issue with the 2.8 which has swayed me but the sum of all parts. Granted, the light issue is a massive one:) but there is more to it than 1 stop of light.

I'm a big lad so I reckon the weight won't be a problem :D:D

Roxy John, thanks for the link, it was a good read! Sounds like you had exactly the same thoughts and concerns as me. I'm still debating second hand vs new but new is winning all the time. I can't justify spending £1200 on a used lens when I can get it for £1500 new. I'd need an extended warranty/insurance cover for something that expensive that leaves the house all the time.
 
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Another vote for the VR2 here, because my VR1 sold when there was a dearth of VR2s for sale I had to wait for one to come for sale at Gray's - I paid the premium - but I have 18 months warranty - and I don't regret it. It is worth the premium, especially on FX but maybe not so much on DX. I have no opinion on the f4 but I like my telephotos to have tripod rings.
 
welshwizard645 said:
Another vote for the VR2 here, because my VR1 sold when there was a dearth of VR2s for sale I had to wait for one to come for sale at Gray's - I paid the premium - but I have 18 months warranty - and I don't regret it. It is worth the premium, especially on FX but maybe not so much on DX. I have no opinion on the f4 but I like my telephotos to have tripod rings.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that Welsh Wizard.

Can I ask about Grays please because their site isn't very forthcoming? What sort of warranty do they offer on 2nd hand lenses please?

Something someone (many people actually!!) wrote once has stuck with me. It was basically buy the best glass you can as bodies will come and go (or words to that effect!!!).
 
Still trying...

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
  • VR equivalent to increase in shutter speed by 3.5 stops
  • weighs approximately 1,540 g
  • £1,575

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR

Mini-reviews: link.

But I'm sure you'll enjoy your 2.8!
 
Jesus Quintana said:
...Can I ask about Grays please because their site isn't very forthcoming? What sort of warranty do they offer on 2nd hand lenses please?...
Click to expand...
In their words, not mine, "...a 12-month guarantee and the famous Grays of Westminster quality of service, which is, quite frankly, second to none": link.
 
Of course there is always the Sigma version. :shrug:
 
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PickleB said:
Still trying...

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
  • VR equivalent to increase in shutter speed by 3.5 stops
  • weighs approximately 1,540 g
  • £1,575

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR

Mini-reviews: link.

But I'm sure you'll enjoy your 2.8!
Click to expand...

:bang::thumbs:

PickleB said:
In their words, not mine, "...a 12-month guarantee and the famous Grays of Westminster quality of service, which is, quite frankly, second to none": link.
Click to expand...

:thumbs::bang:

realspeed said:
Of course there is always the Sigma version. :shrug:
Click to expand...

:thumbs::bang:

It took me a while to discount the Sigma. I know people say there are QC issues with them but the 2 I have (1 now as I sold the 10-20 yesterday!!) were fine. I love my 105 Siggy. I was actually so tempted to get the Sigma 2.8 new and buy a 300mm f4!!!
 
I've just got a 2nd hand Sgima 150mm F2.8 (non OS) - damm its good but a 70-200 VR2 replacement its not..lol
 
I have the Sigma version non os and got results I like





Just 2 examples
 
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Sorry for the late reply. i must have mussed my email notifications telling me there were replies.

Lovely shots there Bazza, very impressed with the last one. I like the bonehead on it, really smooth.

Anyway, just an update, I managed to get a Nikon 70-200 VRII off here. Very happy with what little use I've had out of it.

Thanks to all who replied and made my job of deciding no easier!!!!!
 
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