Upgrade to 70-200 VRII?

[zemlin]

I've decided that this year my goal is to get one top-shelf lens in the bag. I'm thinking either the 70-200 VRII or an 85mm f/1.4 - and leaning heavily toward the 70-200.

I currently have a 2-ring 80-200, and it is probably the most used lens I have. I do plenty of shooting in low light, so I'm thinking VR would be lovely to have - and I have some focus issues with the 80-200 at close range (I usually MF then)

That said, a 24-70 or 17-55 would be a nice upgrade to my 18-70, but I don't shoot the 18-70 nearly as much as I do my 80-200.

So ... anyone out there taken this path?

Thoughts?

yeah - I can rent one - Roberts is local.

#1 body is a D300s. #2 is a D200.

[RoyC]

I have had my 70-200 VR ll for about a month now. Great decision! You will be very glade you purchased one. A friend loaned me his VR l awhile back and warned me that everyone that he has known that used the lens bought one. So if you rent it, be prepared to buy.

[WCUBE]

I have the 24-70 and the first version of the 70-200 VR. I shoot mostly landscapes and keep the 24-70 on my D-700, but I never go anywhere without the 70-200. When I use my 70-200 it is a very sharp lens and the VR really comes in handy with low light levels. I would not have any problems recommending either lens. I don't know if your interested in the original VR, but you probably can get a great deal on one of these.. Good luck with which ever way you go!

[Douglas]

What is the difference between VR1 & 2? The VR1 was such a killer, what does the new VR add? From recolections, the only issue with VR1 was slight vignetting on full frame cameras, which was resolved on the VR2. But int he case of a crop sensor camera, is there a difference?

[RoyC]

Among the differences between the VR l and VR ll versions is that the lens construction is different. The ll is not just a VR update but rather a complete lens redesign.

[Douglas]

If you took the labels off and put them side by side on the same model of camera (lets say a 300s for S&G's) would you be able to tell the difference between the 2?

[RoyC]

Originally Posted by Douglas

If you took the labels off and put them side by side on the same model of camera (lets say a 300s for S&G's) would you be able to tell the difference between the 2?

Yes.

[Douglas]

Could you elaborate?

[RoyC]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Could you elaborate?

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8G VR II Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review Above is a good write up of the lens which includes comparison to the older model.

[WCUBE]

The only controversial thing I have read on the new version (VRII) is that at close range focusing the lens performs like a 128 mm lens (Nikon Lens: Zooms - Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S ED VR II Nikkor (Tested) - SLRgear.com!, see "The Close-Focusing Focal Length Controversy"). I only have this link to refer to and I have not had an opportunity to check this out my self.