Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 with monopod vs 70-200mm vr

Sir SR

Sir SR

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Shaheed
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Hi people.

Just gathering opinion before the next saving plan. Fiscally, the nikon 80-200 f2.8 with a monopod makes sense. Although more handheld shots possible with the VR 70-200mm f2.8.

Has anybody used either/both of these. Am shooting on a D90

Thanks for your help
 
I've had the 80-200 and I have the 70-200. VR wasn't the reason I upgraded, it was down to the focus speed and accuracy (yes, even on a D700). Sharpness wise the 80-200 is excellent but the 70-200 is sharper, albeit only marginally. Ultimately, the 70-200 is a better lens in every respect, it's just whether the differences, which in some cases are only marginal, are worth the money. If you've never owned a fast aperture zoom lens of this range, and/or are getting into the kind of photography that perhaps requires this sort of lens for the first time, get the 80-200 as the investment isn't as hefty. If on the other hand you have the money to burn, get the 70-200. It's a best of a lens and it won't disappoint!
 
I've had the 80-200 and two 70-200 VRII's, the 70-200 focuses much faster and is impressively sharp and contrasty wide open, throughout the range. The 80-200 drops off in performance at the long end, it's soft and lacks contrast as you approach 200mm. The 70-200 is just sharp no matter what.
 
I presume we are all asking the AF-D version here? The 80-200 AF-S is as quick as you like but was only made for a short period so not too many around on the s/h market. I prefer mine (AF-S) over the 70-200 VR having used both, but I can't talk for the VR2 as I've not used one.
 
Like the post above, I had the AF-S version of the 80-200 and when I sold it and bought the 70-200 VR, I was surprised that they were so similar optically. I thought the 80-200 was better balanced on my d200 and was easy to hold steady. If you can find one, buy it and keep it forever!
Allan
 
I second the opinion of allanm; I have owned both the 80-200 AF-S and the 70-200 VR2. The 80-200 was the best lens I've ever used. Don't get me wrong, the 70-200 is terrific, and of course the VR has advantages. I do a lot of landscape, and the 70-200 is somewhat limited, though it does much, much better with closer subjects IMO. Maybe the mists of time are clouding my memory, but as I recall the 80-200 was fabulous both close-up and for distant landscape views. Either lens is a winner, and it partly depends on the type of photos you'll be taking.
 
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