Nikon 70-200 F4 vs F2.8 , anyone tested ?

spraynpray

I just picked one up used. I agree with @Photobug: VR is WOW! and focusing is really quick. I need to do some more detailed tests for sharpness before I can comment, but looks good so far. Much better than the 24-120 f4 I tested.

Golf007sd

@spraynpray: Congrats.

spraynpray

I am not seeing a huge increase of sharpness over the 70-300VR to be honest. The 70-200 is more consistent edge-to-edge and across the range of apertures and of course the newer VR makes the old 70-300 seem like it hasn't got any VR at all so I will see an improvement in real life.

DxO Mark says there is an increase in sharpness from 9 to 13 on the D7100 - I should have thought that should be more obvious when viewing identical images at 1:1 really. Maybe after I check the micro-focus it will be better.

JonMcGuffin

@spraynpray

I own both lenses and ironically shoot both on the D7100 as well as my D700. I 100% agree with your findings in regards to VR. The VR in the 70-200 F4 is so noticeable it's actually freaky and it's true I'm not even sure the VR in the 70-300 really works!

With that said, I've always felt the 70-300 is probably the best price/performer of all the Nikon telephoto zooms by a pretty wide margin and I too don't see it being (in practical use) any less sharp than the 70-200 however it is slower and that VR thing makes a difference. The 70-300 doesn't see much from me anymore but occasionally when I need that 300, I grab it and it won't leave my bag.

I think it's more an indication on how abnormally good the 70-300 is than a takeaway from the 70-200 F4 IMO.

Jon

Vipmediastar_JZ

interesting. Not to sidetrack but I been looking for cheap alternative 300mm (not a current 2.8 or f4) prime end that I will shoot at 5.6-f8 anyways. I'll reconsider that lens as I used to own it when I was on DX. I think it did a great job.

Photobug

@spraynpray: Congratations on your new lens. New or used it really doesn't make a difference. Enjoy and be sure to post some pictures on PAD.

Regarding the alternative to the 300mm 2.8, look for a 300 F4 used....or is that still too expensive?

Vipmediastar_JZ

@photobug I'll have to rethink and save up but My budget is 250.00 for this as I was looking for an AI-AIS 200mm or 300mm for use with the DF.

I will be using it at 5.6 or f8 to get some hight rise shots of details or even candids while doing street instead of hauling the 70-200 2.8 daily but I may just end up doing that instead.

e Bay has some 70-300 under 100 so that is why I am reconsidering it.

spraynpray

@Photobug: Thanks! The 300 f4 is on my mind at some stage for sure.

@VIPmediastar_JZ: Make sure the 70-300's you are looking at are the VR models. Here in the UK mint VR's like mine are worth £250-ish and the non-VR's about £80-£90.

heartyfisher

The non vr 70-300 nikon are candidates for being the worst lenses made by Nikon. Don't

Photobug

@photobug I'll have to rethink and save up but My budget is 250.00 for this as I was looking for an AI-AIS 200mm or 300mm for use with the DF.

I will be using it at 5.6 or f8 to get some hight rise shots of details or even candids while doing street instead of hauling the 70-200 2.8 daily but I may just end up doing that instead.

e Bay has some 70-300 under 100 so that is why I am reconsidering it.

Pick carefully at that price point. There is lots of good comments on teles at this price point including some non Nikkor lens.