Anyone tried the new 70-200 2.8 VRII

[Lani]

Just curious if anyone has tried the new version....none of the shops in town have one in stock. I am interested to see how people are finding it, especially compared to the first version.

[maccaroneski]

I have it and love it - although had no experience with VR1. Sharp as a tack and lightning fast, whisper quiet auto focus, and I have taken sharp shots at 200mm and 1/25th of a second.

[Lani]

Thanks Tony, the VR is pretty impressive from what I have read and seen.

[BUGSnBIRDS]

I purchased one a couple of weeks back. Not been off the camera since. Lightning fast in low light ...blew me away all round.

No experience with vI so cant comment there. There are some VI around on the second hand market.

You can get the VII from the bigger stores on the high street in Melbourne CBD and on-line (Aus stock).

[campo]

I haven't used it so unable to comapred with mine but my colleague has used both. He gives all thumbs up to the new one, especially on FX. Optically it's superior. The only draw backs:

- The effective focal length issue meaning it's not really 200mm; and
- The lack of "AF-off" buttons at the end of barrel (if you use them)

[maccaroneski]

- The effective focal length issue meaning it's not really 200mm; and

Campo,

This is only at close focal distances where the apparent focal length is shorter. Not really a problem in my opinion.

[campo]

I guess it's subjective...

I'm just going on what i've been told by a pro wedding shooter who has used both lenses and finds this annoying in the new version.

[Lani]

I purchased one a couple of weeks back. Not been off the camera since. Lightning fast in low light ...blew me away all round.

No experience with vI so cant comment there. There are some VI around on the second hand market.

You can get the VII from the bigger stores on the high street in Melbourne CBD and on-line (Aus stock).

Thanks for that, I have V1 ...I just wondered how people the real world ie not on review sites are finding it.

I haven't used it so unable to compared with mine but my colleague has used both. He gives all thumbs up to the new one, especially on FX. Optically it's superior. The only draw backs:

- The effective focal length issue meaning it's not really 200mm; and
- The lack of "AF-off" buttons at the end of barrel (if you use them)

My understanding is the focal length issue is only apparent at the MFD...so it possibly would only be an factor in some shooting circumstances.

[DJT]

I have it and love it - although had no experience with VR1. Sharp as a tack and lightning fast, whisper quiet auto focus, and I have taken sharp shots at 200mm and 1/25th of a second.

I wonder if I could use this on the wife as justification to get one.

[junqbox]

I wonder if I could use this on the wife as justification to get one.

You may find yourself doing so much penance (read 'housework') you may not get the chance to use it. ;-)

[JazzXP]

I got mine about 2 weeks ago. Love it so much. The VR is absolutely insane, 200mm @ 1/25 (or lower if I have something to rest the bottom of the camera on, like a floor - in which case, add an extra stop - 1/12 is the best I've managed to do blur free).

[rellik666]

This will be my next lens at some point this year! So thanks for this you have made me want it even more....for those that have can i ask where you got and if you feel like sharing how close to rrp you paid...

Roo

[JazzXP]

This will be my next lens at some point this year! So thanks for this you have made me want it even more....for those that have can i ask where you got and if you feel like sharing how close to rrp you paid...

Roo

Got mine from DWI and used direct deposit to avoid any surcharges. Check out their prices frequently as they change with the aussie dollar.

[BUGSnBIRDS]

Got mine from JB on Elizabeth Street in Melb. Also had a reasonable price from Teds.
Just my 2c but don't go hunting on the weekend. Go on a cold wet day, at the end of teh day and just give it a wee push. On-line CameraPro Brizbane and ECS Sidney (Aus stock) are pretty good price wise.

Cheaper at DWI but the security issues with DWI are a concern to me and if stung for customs and taxes, then just not worth the hassle for my small investment.

[Lance B]

I have the 70-200 f2.8 VRII and it is a sensational lens. It is even fantastic with TC's attached!

70-200 with TC's gallery:

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/d700_70...ele_converters

[knumbnutz]

Yep Got one.
Worth the price, fast focus, good VR and sharp.
Drawback is that its big and heavy and $$$ but also well build and weather sealed too.
Use a monopod or Tripod when possible.
As lance says it is also sharp and fast too with TC's.
If you require a 2X then make sure you get the 2X TC III as it is designed for use with the 70-200 VR2.
Get one.

Cheers Neil

[rellik666]

Got one now! Love it.....DWI all the way...gotta love the aussie dollar!

Roo

[Lani]

Good on you!...I noticed they have dropped a couple of $100 since I bought mine, don't regret it for a minute tho. A bit heavier than the VR1, I use mine with an R-Strap and it make life a whole lot more comfortable.

[ncbuxton]

This lens is superb. Beware the very shallow DoF at F2.8. The VR2 works well and I am often surprised how slow a shutter speed I can get away with when hand held in relatively dim light. Used it at the night Safari in Singapore a while back, whilst the D3S was wound right upto H2, the lens was capable of images in terrible lighting. There was a lot of "noise" but at least I had some memories. Flash lighting was a No-No.

[ncbuxton]

This was a shot taken in the late evening. The camera had an ISA of 102400, f3.5 1/25 sec at 200mm. The noise is apparent, the image has been shrunk but no other photoshopping has been performed. Not a photo in the calibre of the high standard of the regular contributors but does show the ability of the lens.Night Safari73 copy.jpg