Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 AF-D ED

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stevek

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Steve
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I'm debating whether it's worth trading in my Nikon - AF-S ED VR 70-300mm Len for a second hand Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 AF-D ED.

For me, the biggest pro would be the f2.8, which would be ideal for gig/concert photography, where-as currently I wouldn't even consider using the 70-300mm because of any potential difficulties in low light. The obvious downside to the 80-200mm is the lack of VR (certainly can't afford the f/2.8G AF-S VR IF-ED lens) and also the fact that I'll be relying on the motor in the camera body (D7000).

Having looked at some of the posts on here (and reviews elsewhere), the 80-200mm does seem to be highly regarded by many people, but would I be wasting my money doing this trade in?

Thanks.
Steve
 
What are you currently using for your gig/concert photography?
 
I recently treated myself to a nikon 80-200 F/2.8 ED...............the version previous to the one your considering I think.
It's the pull push focusing version.
Like many people I would have liked a more modern version but funds simply will not stretch to such a layout.
Having read many reviews, this particular versions main drawback appears to be its AF speed.
I've only had a very short time to try the lens out but here is one from yesterday:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=376523

Not the fastest moving object, and indeed the AF did struggle at times on my D80 but not an awful lot slower than the sigma 170-500 that I have.

My primary reason for purchasing is for sports shots...cycling, running, motocross and rallying and my intention is to use manual focus...predetermining a focussed location and panning although I'm not ruling AF out alltogether!
 
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pete.rush said:
What are you currently using for your gig/concert photography?
Click to expand...

Depending on the venue, I've used the following lenses:
Nikon - AF-S Nikkor DX 35mm 1:1.8G
Nikon – AF-D 85mm f1.4
Nikon - AF-S Nikkor DX VR 18-105mm ED

Samples of my gig photos can be found here: http://stevek47.smugmug.com/Music

With the exception of Amphi 2010 (where I was using the D5000 kit lens) and Amphi 2011, where I mostly used the 18-105mm lens, the remaining images were mostly taken with the 35mm or 85mm lenses.

It would just be useful to have a decent lens with a large(ish) aperture and some distance (I'm not in the press pit).
 
Asha said:
My primary reason for purchasing is for sports shots...cycling, running, motocross and rallying and my intention is to use manual focus...predetermining a focussed location and panning although I'm not ruling AF out alltogether!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information, nice gull shot by the way.

I can't imagine taking sports shots, so I would like to hope that the bands aren't going to move *that* fast. So I would hope the lens would be able to keep up! ;)

Thankfully I can have a play with the lens before I buy it, but the doubt will still niggle at me. Hence making this post.
 
stevek said:
Thanks for the information, nice gull shot by the way.

I can't imagine taking sports shots, so I would like to hope that the bands aren't going to move *that* fast. So I would hope the lens would be able to keep up! ;)

Thankfully I can have a play with the lens before I buy it, but the doubt will still niggle at me. Hence making this post.
Click to expand...

I reckon for gigs the lens will give you what you need presuming of course a 200mm reach is enough
 
Asha said:
I reckon for gigs the lens will give you what you need presuming of course a 200mm reach is enough
Click to expand...

Given the furthest reach I've used so far is 105mm, 200mm should be more than sufficient.

In small (local) gigs the 35mm or 85mm is more than adequate.

Thanks. :)
Steve
 
stevek said:
Given the furthest reach I've used so far is 105mm, 200mm should be more than sufficient.

In small (local) gigs the 35mm or 85mm is more than adequate.

Thanks. :)
Steve
Click to expand...

Looks like you've already convinced yourself! lol......Hope you get a good trade on the 70-300 if you take the plunge.
Good luck!
 
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