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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR vs VR II
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07/08/2010 02:25:08 PM · #1
So, I'm interested in getting one of these two lenses and I was wondering if anyone had experience with both models. I've read what I could find on the web, but the reviews are mixed in regards to whether the new one is better than the old one (better being such a subjective term). I'm mostly interested in sharpness and focus speed. Given that I can pick up a used VR I model for about $1600 and the VR II model goes for about $2200, is the new model $600 better? I'm currently on a cropped sensor and will likely remain there for the foreseeable future.
07/08/2010 03:58:39 PM · #2
bump?
07/08/2010 08:38:40 PM · #3
Anyone?
07/08/2010 08:53:57 PM · #4
I have the VR II and my brother has the VR I. The VR II does better with a full frame camera, is sharper when focusing close and the VR II VR is nothing short of fantastic. If I work at it I can hand hold 200mm with my D200 at 1/10 sec. I look at lenses as a long term investment and I will eventually have a full frame body. The VR II will still be a great lens 10 years or more down the road. I'm far from rich and woud still go with the newer lens if I had to do it over.
07/08/2010 09:07:15 PM · #5
Thanks. That's good advice. Are their any noticeable differences in handling between the two?
07/08/2010 11:35:59 PM · #6
I owned the 1st edition, the VR, and it was likely the best lens I ever owned. I'm sorry I sold it but at the time it seemed like a good idea so that I could go longer (I purchased the 80-400 VR). The lens was very sharp and very fast. Used with a D70 and a D200 for almost two years and produced some of the nicest shots I have taken.
07/09/2010 01:07:45 AM · #7
When i bought my 70-200 i thought i was getting the VRI but i ended up getting the VRII just

The only thing i have noticed when reading up is the extra VR technology which is very good

At 200mm i have not had any camera shake problem. Not sure about the difference in sharpness but it is very good

Also new i think you can only get the VRII
Best to put extra investment and get the VRII for later wqhen ultimately you will go full frame

Does it justify the extra $600 probably not but later on most likely yes
07/09/2010 08:37:35 AM · #8
Originally posted by jbsmithana:

I owned the 1st edition, the VR, and it was likely the best lens I ever owned. I'm sorry I sold it but at the time it seemed like a good idea so that I could go longer (I purchased the 80-400 VR). The lens was very sharp and very fast. Used with a D70 and a D200 for almost two years and produced some of the nicest shots I have taken.


I have the 80-400 VR - I got a great deal on a used one. I like the lens but the focus is very slow. I will likely keep it because I like the length but I really want something faster (both aperture and focus speed) and sharper.
07/09/2010 08:44:54 AM · #9
Originally posted by mrtanz:

When i bought my 70-200 i thought i was getting the VRI but i ended up getting the VRII just

The only thing i have noticed when reading up is the extra VR technology which is very good

At 200mm i have not had any camera shake problem. Not sure about the difference in sharpness but it is very good

Also new i think you can only get the VRII
Best to put extra investment and get the VRII for later wqhen ultimately you will go full frame

Does it justify the extra $600 probably not but later on most likely yes


This seems to be what I'm finding on the web. The VR I was the best lens people had until they got the VR II. I just don't know if I can justify the extra $$. I think the VR I will be such a jump for me that I might not even notice or appreciate the extra lift I would get from the VR II.

If I were a pro or considering becoming a full-time pro I think it would be a no-brainer. But at this point I really like my day job and I'm really just interesed in getting better results and dabbling in environmental portraits.

The VR I will work just fine on a full frame, but it looks like it's softer in the corners and it vignettes more. Will I really regret that 5 years from now? I'm just not sure.
07/09/2010 10:10:28 AM · #10
The VRI which I own does vignette quite a bit on the full frame on the long end. Otherwise sharp as hell and perfect on a DX camera. I can't speak for the newer VR technology but I'd bet the improvements are nice but nickle and dime and might not matter all that much.

The last time I used the lens in November for a job, this is what I got...

<<< basic edit for DPC

Here's a better version of the same shot



I don't like the vignetting which doesn't show or exist in those shots but it's still a badass lens.

Message edited by author 2010-07-09 10:13:00.
07/09/2010 10:12:44 AM · #11
As with all major updated lenses in the last 5-10 years, the most important updates are happening at the rear lens elements.

Anti-reflection coatings eliminate a lot of 'wash' behind the lens and end up giving better results in pretty much every situation. The fact that the II is reported as sharper on a FF supports the idea that the II has better rear element coatings.

If this is the case, regardless of how you use it, resale value will be a major concern as the older version will lose a fair bit of value.

Fairly quickly too I would guess.

FWIW, my first DSLR + long lens experience was with a friend's D70 (then new) and an 80-400 VR. Oddly, I wasn't that excited by it at the time, even though it's ridiculously impressive from the outside, especially to a noob. However, I found the handling to be quite lacking and didn't see a huge improvement from the S2 IS I was using that day (evening light).
07/09/2010 12:09:14 PM · #12
Originally posted by eqsite:

Originally posted by jbsmithana:

I owned the 1st edition, the VR, and it was likely the best lens I ever owned. I'm sorry I sold it but at the time it seemed like a good idea so that I could go longer (I purchased the 80-400 VR). The lens was very sharp and very fast. Used with a D70 and a D200 for almost two years and produced some of the nicest shots I have taken.


I have the 80-400 VR - I got a great deal on a used one. I like the lens but the focus is very slow. I will likely keep it because I like the length but I really want something faster (both aperture and focus speed) and sharper.


Yup, that is what I was saying. You can't beat the 70-200 for speed and sharpness. That is why I was sorry I sold it to go longer with the 80-400. You will not be disappointed no matter which you buy, the 70-200 VRII or the original VR.
07/09/2010 01:01:07 PM · #13
Thanks to all for the advice. I still haven't made up my mind, but it's good to hear some real world experience.
07/09/2010 01:22:50 PM · #14
I was facing the same dilemma a few months ago when I finally decided to get one of those. I think the existence of VRII is already factored in the price of used VR, the price difference is very substantial. I was able to get VR in virtually new condition for $1525, and the new VRII at the time was sold for $2400. In my mind, the extra money I would have to pay for VRII was not justifiable, at least for my occasional usage of it (by no means it is a walkaround lens :)). I am very happy with this lens (VR version, that is), its speed and sharpness, and bokeh are all wonderful, and I don't mind some loss of sharpness and slight vignetting in the corners on long tele shots, I actually like it :). It would be very rare for me to have something very sharp in the corner of the frame.
07/10/2010 02:38:40 AM · #15
The VR II also focuses a little faster. The VR I is also has a very fast autofocus. I don't think you could go wrong on either as long as you want to stick to a DX body. DP Review has a very in depth review of the VR II. Actually I think the review if anything is a bit over critical. Since the VR I was considered a class leading lens they really tore it apart. Amoung other things they faulted it for not being resistant enough to flare. I've had mine since it first came our and haven't had a hint of flare. They must have been using some almost impossible test standard.
07/10/2010 08:41:10 AM · #16
I wish I had the problem of trying to decide which one of these I was going to buy......8>(
07/10/2010 09:03:25 AM · #17
Originally posted by NikonJeb:

I wish I had the problem of trying to decide which one of these I was going to buy......8>(


Yes - life is rough ;-)
07/13/2010 07:23:24 PM · #18
Well I just pulled the trigger on the version one model. I found a great deal on FM (at least I hope it's a great deal). Now the waiting and anticipation begins...
07/16/2010 12:20:05 PM · #19
It just arrived and it's a thing of beauty! I'm giddy as a school girl :) It's going to be tough to get anything done today.
07/20/2010 12:55:04 AM · #20
congrats

my 70-200 did not come of the camera for about 1 month i like it that much
07/20/2010 12:59:06 AM · #21
Originally posted by eqsite:

It just arrived and it's a thing of beauty! I'm giddy as a school girl :) It's going to be tough to get anything done today.


School girls shouldn't have such an expensive piece of equipment, I think you should give it to me!
07/20/2010 10:34:16 PM · #22
want another one Iain?
09/19/2010 06:00:11 PM · #23
I bumping this up again. A question I wonder if DPC can give me a "true" or "false" answer on.

Aparantly the VR II has a "shorter" focal length when focused closed, but somewhat similiar to the old version when focused at infinity?

09/19/2010 07:23:31 PM · #24
Well if anyone sees any good leads for a used one, I'm seriously thinking about this. I just have trouble with the concept of spending $2300 on a lens!
09/19/2010 07:50:13 PM · #25
The reviews I read said that the VRII had a somewhat shorter focal length at close focus distances, but I can't confirm it.

Neil, I am absolutely loving the used one that I got. It was still pricey (at least by my standards), but so far well worth the price. I was hesitant about buying used, but it arrived in beautiful shape.
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