70-200 vr

[alan1572]

is there a 70-200 2.8 vr and a mark II version or are they one and the same?

[jinky]

Yes they updated the 70-200 with the new VR2 version. I`m told the VR2 has better resolution  and Nikon's proprietary nano coating which reduces flare and ghosting. The VR2 has slightly different dimensions, and a better VR system.
The vignetting is meant to be less on a D700 too I am told - though why there should be any at all with either lens is beyond me. I spend more time researching than actually buying these lenses and in meantime get very good results with my Sigma 70-200 until some will money drops through my letterbox from a rich dead relative I never knew I had 

[Jonathan]

There are 2.  If you see a new one it's the MkII.

[Post crossed with Jinky - yeah the MkI vignettes but not too badly]

[Sarasocke]

hmmmm, interesting this should come up

My zoom is the 70-300mm, 4.5-5.6. Up to now I've had really good results with it and the long range has come in really useful for snapping dogs who don't want to be snapped. I can just sit in the corner and pretend I'm not there.
As Paul says, the above-mentioned 70-200 lense may have to wait a while. Even then, I'm not sure I'd want to forfit the extra 100 mm. It would be really heavy connected to the D700, and with extension tubes even more so. I'm afraid tripods don't work too well with dog photography. I guess I'll just have to stay at home if the light's not good enough 

Are you thinking of investing Alan?

[rksmith51]

I had bought the 70-200 2.8 before I found out there was a VRII version and read that some users were trading up to overcome the vignetting issue. The D3s has a Vignette reduction setting and using that I get no noticeable vignetting at all. I would guess the D700 may also have that setting, I guess it adjusts the exposure automatically round the edges. I also have the 70-300 4.5 and never use it now because the 70-200 soooooooo much better than it, I should sell it I suppose. but its good to have lens for use on the D300 as a backup.

[Sarasocke]

I also have the 70-300 4.5 and never use it now because the 70-200 soooooooo much better

hmmmmm

Don't you miss the extra 100mm? With your sport photography, you need a long lense too ...

[Sarasocke]

Just had a quick google and atually found a direct comparison between the two lenses. The text ist in German but the photos are multilingual

On the left is the 70-200 and on the right 70-300

http://fotoburschen.de/vergleich-nikon-70-20028-vrii-vs-70-30045-56-vr-2004/

[jinky]

I just bought the Nikon 70-300 to use as a travel lens as my Siggy 70-200 2.8 is so much bigger and heavier - especially if I take the converter. Must admit that inititail impressions are that the IQ is not as good with the Nikon as my Siggy which is much sharper I find - especially at the edges. Need to play more though and still want the Nikon 70-200 one day - though might have to get the 24-70 first

[rksmith51]

I also have the 70-300 4.5 and never use it now because the 70-200 soooooooo much better

hmmmmm

Don't you miss the extra 100mm? With your sport photography, you need a long lense too ...

For extra reach I can add my 1*7 converter, its as sharp as a razor. I found problems in the corners when using the 70-300 fairly strong CA when shooting birds on branches etc, the 70-200 excelnt I can see no problems of any kind no matter how hard the contrast is .

[Oldboy]

Using the older 70-200mm F2.8 VR at F4 and above solves the problem with vignetting issue, and as I normally use it with the 1.4 converter never had a problem.  

[alan1572]

thank you all for your input, i had a offer for my old version which was a replacement, i would need tgo put a few hundred quid to it but i was just checking as he asked me if it was a mark II and i didn't know

[Oldboy]

thank you all for your input, i had a offer for my old version which was a replacement, i would need tgo put a few hundred quid to it but i was just checking as he asked me if it was a mark II and i didn't know

Easy way to tell is the hood for the original is HB-29 whilst the newer version is HB-48.  

[alan1572]

mines hb 29

[Oldboy]

mines hb 29

I new I should have checked it!  Yes, mines is a HB-29. 

[Jonathan]

Mine is made of gaffer tape......