70 - 200mm 2.8

[Danosborne6661]

Need a bit of advice photo peoples!
Looking at getting a 70-200mm 2.8 Lens but they really vary in price!

It's for a Nikon D90 body so I don't need things like the build in AF motor. For the price I'm looking at it won't have VR either. Basically they can really vary in prices. I'm looking at getting a Sigma/Tamron 70-200mm 2.8 but are these still good lenses? Let me know what the benefits are of spending £1000+ on one of these lenses over the £500 ones that I'm looking at off fleabay.

Thanks in advance

[NikonD700]

What are the main reasons for going the 70-200 f/2.8 route. Is it the large aperture?

[neiloliver]

I have a Cannon 70-200 F4 L lens and it is great. The price jump to a 2.8 is considerable and I could not justify it. Unless it is a really dull day or you are indoors I dont think you need the F2.8. Also, if you are shooting at 2.8 your depth of field is very small and getting stuff in focus will be more difficult.

N

[NikonD700]

One option might be the 70-300 f4.5-5.6 VR. I had one and was a very good lens. Ok, aperture wise it wasn't the fastest but in good light it performed really well. I now have the 70-200 f2.8 VR and it's an awesome lens, great optics, fast focusing and the bokeh is creamy smooth. But it's also very heavy. Definitey not for carrying around all day.

[Danosborne6661]

I'll be using it in indoor conditions really and I like the depth of field so yea I think the 2.8 would be a good call over the other

[NikonD700]

Have you also looked at the Nikon 80-200 f2.8. Can be bought for good prices both new and second hand.

[Danosborne6661]

Impressive! That's a much better price
Looks like I will get something like that instead, how come it's so much cheaper even though it just looks like it's that 10mm different?

[NikonD700]

From what i gather there are a couple of things,

The 70-200 has VR and supossed faster auto focus. Take away the VR and there is really not much in it.
Its still as bulky a lens as the 70-200 so perhaps a good monopod might also be worth considering just to steady things up a bit in low light/shutter speed situations.

[Danosborne6661]

Well I was looking at getting a non-VR 70-200mm anyway so with the 80-200mm that doesn't matter too much!
A nice fast auto-focus would be good so I will have to see what price the 70-200mms go for on fleabay I think

[NikonD700]

One word of advice, stay away from a UK seller called camerabox.co.uk
Seriously bad service.

[NikonD700]

Hows the lens hunting going?

[matt]

I've had a few things from camerabox in the last few years with no problems.

[NikonD700]

I knew someone who purchased ok with them, but after I had no end of lies fed to me with regards to the purchase of a £1700 lens I will never use them again, plus the fact that THIS is an example of what im on about.
Just be prepared for a less than smooth purchase. If it works out ok then fare play.

[NikonD700]

Have managed to really have a good go at the 70-200 f/2.8 at the weekend at the British Superbikes. I was there at the same track last year using my 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 and after looking at the most recent pics the 70-200 f/2.8 is worth every penny with regards to image quality. I have also come along a little with my understanding of what the camera/lens does which I suppose helps. But the 70-200 itself has been a big factor in the great images I got.
Dan, if its any help, I had VR turned off taking these shots.