Nikon 80-200 AF-S vs 70-200 AF-S VR1 - Worthy Upgrade?

Neilc28

Neilc28

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Hi All,

Looking into selling my 80-200 AF-S F/2.8, not because it's not amazing, but because I'm tempted to pay a bit more for the VR of the 70-200.

Now as much as I would love to be able to gain a bit of stability, especially given it's weight! I have heard from numerous sources online that the 80-200 AF-S can be sharper, and for that reason I've held out so far. I could get a monopod I guess to help stabilize it!

Has anyone here changed from the 80-200 AF-S to 70-200 VR1? If so, what's the verdict! :thumbs:

Oh, and I'm assuming that the backfocus problem due to focusing on the limit is probably still apparent on the 70-200 as well?

Cheers all,

Neil
 
I went the other way and regretted it. The vr made a lot more difference than I expected. I found that I would often struggle to get a nice sharp image compared to the 70-200 at the lower shutter speed range. Didnt find it as nice to handle either, so yes, go for 70-200.
 
Went from 80-200 to the 70-200 VRll and never regretted it, it's a cracking sharp lens.
 
Well that's promising! It must be said that the 80-200 is a heavy beast! Would you say that the 70-200 was lighter and easier to handle in general?

Thanks for the feedback so far guys, much appreciated!
 
I wouldn't say it was lighter but I find it easier to handle and the VR is very worthwhile.
 
Unless you really need Vr, stick with what you have and save some brass.

I went from the 80-200 to the VR1,then the VR2. IQ wise, the 80-200 is no slouch.
 
I've had both and preferred the 80-200 AF-S, hard to put my finger on why though. I always felt the autofocus felt that little bit snappier on the 80-200, and the difference it cost to change certainly wasn't worth it.

Just don't make the mistake I did and let your AF-S go without getting its true value. They're pretty rare and in demand, so do a bit of research on what they're worth to the right buyer at the moment.
 
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Interesting comments so far! Does anyone know if there are copy variations on the 70-200? Last thing I would want to do is sell my sharp lens and get a relatively soft one in comparison.

Sorry for all the questions, just a bit concerned..
 
From all the info i have read on the web using a crop body the VR 1 is seldom less than brilliant!
 
I think it all depends whether you care about corner performance and vignetting at 200mm (on FX camera). The original 70-200 VR1 doesn't quite shine in that. On the other hand most people don't need sharp corners on a tele-zoom. In the centre of the frame there is not much difference between all existing versions of 80-200 and 70-200 lenses.

I am personally a non-VR believer and I would not replace sharp across the field 80-200 for 70-200 with VR.
 
I upgraded to the VRII. The 80-200 was great for sports but the VRII makes the lens usable for so much more due to being able to hand hold at 1/60th or so. I also see less missed focus shots on the VRII. It has a price premium but is the ultimate tele lens.
 
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