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

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  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    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.
    Always learning.
  • Golf007sdGolf007sd Posts: 2,840Moderator
    @spraynpray: Congrats.
    D4 & D7000 | Nikon Holy Trinity Set + 105 2.8 Mico + 200 F2 VR II | 300 2.8G VR II, 10.5 Fish-eye, 24 & 50 1.4G, 35 & 85 1.8G, 18-200 3.5-5.6 VR I SB-400 & 700 | TC 1.4E III, 1.7 & 2.0E III, 1.7 | Sigma 35 & 50 1.4 DG HSM | RRS Ballhead & Tripods Gear | Gitzo Monopod | Lowepro Gear | HDR via Promote Control System |
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    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.
    Always learning.
  • JonMcGuffinJonMcGuffin Posts: 312Member
    @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_JZVipmediastar_JZ Posts: 1,708Member
    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.
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    @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?
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • Vipmediastar_JZVipmediastar_JZ Posts: 1,708Member
    @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.

  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    @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.
    Always learning.
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited July 2014
    The non vr 70-300 nikon are candidates for being the worst lenses made by Nikon. Don't
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    @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.
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
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