70-200 f/2.8 Choice -Used VRI or VRII- What would you do?

Postman

So, I have been offered an excellent condition second hand 70-200 f/2.8 VR 1 for £1000 from a business. A bit above the going rate I’d say, however, it’ll come with 6 month warranty and really is in tidy condition.

On the other hand, I might be able to get a 70-200 f/2.8 VR 2 in a private sale, so no warranty. That lens too is in great condition and has seen little use, but is third hand, being second hand to the current owner but I might be able to get that for as low as £1200.

So, the question currently bouncing off the walls of my skull is VR1 for £1K and 6 month warranty, or VR2 for £1.2K no warranty.

What would you do?

mikep

i wouldnt pay that much for a vr1 ..... as you say it is above going rate. so offer them 700

and buy the vr2 anyways

then sell the vr1 for 900 on ebay

EricBowles

It depends a bit on which camera body you are using. The older 70-200 is still fine for DX bodies. It's a wonderful lens and handles well. But on an FX body, the older lens vignettes a bit and is a little soft in the corners.

For FX, the VR II model is the only way to go. Image quality is upgraded a little, VR is improved, and the issues with vignetting and corner softness are gone. The VR II model is a bit heavier.

As far as prices, I agree the VR I price i s a little high. For just £2-300 difference, the answer is clearly the VR II model. I don't think a warranty is worth much. The issues are either AF issues or VR issues - both of which can be easily repaired. More important is the first 30 days while you are checking out the lens - and in that case you should expect the ability to try it and return it promptly if there is an issue.

For DX if you can get a significant price reduction, the VR I model will be fine. Otherwise I'd get the VR II model which seems fairly priced.

[Deleted User]

Have them both, version II is better. On my FX body all my lenses have some or more vignetting with the largest opening, never a problem for me.

Golf007sd

Get the VR II

Postman

Well that seem fairly clear cut, thanks chaps

P.S. I'm on the FX side of the fence.

birdman

I went through same issue two months ago. The VR1 is nice, and depending on your camera the IQ difference may not be TOO NOTICEABLE. In fact, I think the VR1 is a little sharper in the CENTER (only-never in the corners!!) at some Focal Lengths based on several reviews. And it focuses a little closer I think. That being said, the VRI system is antiquated compared to the newer VRII; I should know, I had BOTH in the span of 3 weeks. Now, I just own the VRII. It's definitely a better lens; and besides, a 6-month warranty is almost a moot point. You'll never need warranty work on either unless the motor goes out unexpectedly. Good luck

Postman

Thanks, the VRII has been ordered this morning. It's going to live on either a D700 body or my D800 and as I plan to try and get a few weddings in the next 12 months, I guess the VRII vs VRI system will prove the investment useful.

Cheers again folks.