increased depth of field, sharp at f/2.8, an extra 2-3 stops of light for dull days and a bad back
there's really no comparison,the 80-200mm is streets ahead in image quality compared to the consumer lenses.
The fact it's a 20 year old design and you can still buy it new is testament to it's quality
Already have the 70 - 300 VR and I am wondering what a 80 -200 AF D F2.8 will give me over the lens I have? Thanks in advance.
I'm in the converse position. I'm lucky enough to have the 80-200 AF D f2.8, but would like a little more reach when trying to photograph some of the birds in my garden. I'm torn between trying a 70-300 you have or the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED. I you believe what you read the latter is slow to focus and I'm not sure how big a deal that is when tracking Sammy Squirrel or Woody Woodpecker. The 80-200 D is quick enough on a D90, that I know - or the wildlife around here are a bit lazy .... The f2.8 aperture is also very, very nice and as others have said, the quality of the pictures through that glass are very, very good indeed (to my unprofessional eye).
I'm in the converse position. I'm lucky enough to have the 80-200 AF D f2.8, but would like a little more reach when trying to photograph some of the birds in my garden. I'm torn between trying a 70-300 you have or the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED. I you believe what you read the latter is slow to focus and I'm not sure how big a deal that is when tracking Sammy Squirrel or Woody Woodpecker. The 80-200 D is quick enough on a D90, that I know - or the wildlife around here are a bit lazy .... The f2.8 aperture is also very, very nice and as others have said, the quality of the pictures through that glass are very, very good indeed (to my unprofessional eye).
Would you not be better off getting a TC to use with the 80-200?
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I should have read this post first shouldn't I... it explains the TC issues http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=156693 looks like the Kenco TC will be ok.
Hmmm, you have a point there although I did wonder when FITP mentioned that he didn't lack the lack of togetherness/stability. With a lens that heavy you want it solidly mounted - at least I would. I've invested too much in both the lens and the body to risk both with a weak link.
The kenko isn't a weak link, I use one on a 80-200mm f/2.8 and a 300mm f/2.8 which weighs 2x what the 80-200mm weighs and it's solid enough