70-300 ED vs 70-300 ED VR

[Douglas]

With the exception of the VR, is the quality of these 2 lenses any different? The VR is around $550 while the non vr can usually be picked up for $200 or less.

And is there a good place where I can look up this info instead of bugging other people all the time? I tried ken's site, and hes all about the 18-200 vr lens in every situation. And the more I learn, the more his disinformation grates on my nerves.

[jhawk1000]

I think there are major differences in the two lenses from seeing posts from different forums. My disgust with Rockwell is that he gives misinformation and then begs for his viewers to contribute to his continuing misinformation. He just put up a call for help on the proposed Calif legislation concerning taxing his sponsors on the website.

Ken Rockwell's Updates

If you read this article, he pleads for donations then talks about how much tax he already pays. Oh well, if his followers want to contribute to his lush lifestyle from their hard earned dollars, that is their right but-----


Mel

[PaulT]

Have you checked out photozone.de? I find their reviews very accurate. They seem to suggest the VR version has better IQ than the non-VR version.

[R. House]

Thom Hogan's site, www.bythom.com has lots of reviews including this lens. Bjorn Rorslett is considered by many to be the authority on Nikon lenses, www.naturfotograf.com . I use the ED version and it is a very good lens but most consider it slightly soft at 300mm and advise to zoom back a little for max sharpness. Mine is pretty good at 300mm if closed down to f8/f11.

[GixxerKitten]

Originally Posted by R. House

Thom Hogan's site, www.bythom.com has lots of reviews including this lens. Bjorn Rorslett is considered by many to be the authority on Nikon lenses, www.naturfotograf.com . I use the ED version and it is a very good lens but most consider it slightly soft at 300mm and advise to zoom back a little for max sharpness. Mine is pretty good at 300mm if closed down to f8/f11.

Good information. Thank you for this.


edit: I didn't find it on Bjorn's site.

[badpickev]

from my usage and testing. optically speaking from best to worst

70-300 VR
70-300 ED
70-300 APO - sigma
70-300 dl - sigma
70-300 - tamron
70-300 G
70-300 tokina

anything not listed here is usually worse than the ones listed the last four are all pretty close to each other to really not matter much. they all are what one would call kit lenses

so i always tell people if you can afford the vr get it.
the sigma apo is really close to the nikon ed, but i have seen just enough of a edge to place the ed about it.

[Dirk]

i would pick the 70-300 ed vr , especially in tele and low light (i remeber that you shoot sports too douglas ) the vr will help with longer exposures up to 4 stops compaired to the non vr

[Douglas]

Yeah. Between this and other info given to me on another site (That between the VR and the faster focus speed) that the VR edition is worth the extra few hundred. now I just need the money

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Yeah. Between this and other info given to me on another site (That between the VR and the faster focus speed) that the VR edition is worth the extra few hundred. now I just need the money

indeed money doesn't grow for free and selling gear doesn't bring the bucks it cost when bought, and these times are rough .. money disappears faster.

but the only thing you that might keep you going is NAS ..

(NAS=Syncronyme for Nikon Aquiry Symtom (or Syndrome for the real heavy ones) :
1. the good feeling of knowing that you bought yet another Nikon product (feeling of warm comfort and love)
2. The sound of a twister when pulling your credit card through the machine after buying a D3x or something real expensive..

[R. House]

NAS...Nikon Aquitsition Syndrome.

[JDN]

I have a bad case of NAS! Definitely go for the VR. The IQ is better and the VR helps a lot below 1/80. I have it and love it.

[jankerson]

I have the VR vers and the IQ is very good.

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by jankerson

I have the VR vers and the IQ is very good.

i know jim and so does our pal douglas

by the way how's life , done any photo trips lately ?

cheers

dirk

[jankerson]

Nothing lately here Dirk, haven't been anyplace. LOL

[Dirk]

Oh it is winter there isn't it ? here the summer is getting real hot for dutch standards > 25 degrees Celcius .. 've been to a couple lately see the flickr page and leave a comment or join me as contact..

the last trip was the hague with the D50 (never had that hot pixel again) .. cheers dirk

[jankerson]

Originally Posted by Dirk

Oh it is winter there isn't it ? here the summer is getting real hot for dutch standards > 25 degrees Celcius .. 've been to a couple lately see the flickr page and leave a comment or join me as contact..

the last trip was the hague with the D50 (never had that hot pixel again) .. cheers dirk

No it's VERY HOT here, I have just been working a lot. Getting ready to go on Vacation here soon though.

[Dirk]

and the vacation goes to ??

[jankerson]

Originally Posted by Dirk

and the vacation goes to ??

Not sure just yet, have to make up my mind on what I want to do.

[Dirk]

Holland .. i owe you a beer

[jankerson]

Originally Posted by Dirk

Holland .. i owe you a beer

If I had the cash to go I would, never been there yet.