Which Nikon?

[John Foundas]

Looking at a Nikon 70-200.
What model should I be looking for?

 

[Fotojorno]

If it's for the AF, I'd recommend the slightly older 80-200, way cheaper then the 70-200. I've had one for years from my NIkon days, used it on the 5D for video as well.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124669-USA/Nikon_1986_AF_Zoom_Nikkor_80_200mm_f_2_8D.html

 

[bgundu]

You should be able to fiind good deals on used 80-200's out there. There are two kinds of those too. Don't get the push-pull zoom version. The one linked above is the better one. I have the 70-200 but for your needs, 80-200 should do the trick.

 

[John Foundas]

Thanks.
I thought I heard Bloom mention the 80-200 being soft?
Which models have external aperture control?

 

[bgundu]

I wouldn't consider the 80-200 soft. You can read all about the 8-200 here:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photograph...esources/AFNikkor/AF-Nikkor80200mm/index4.htm
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photograph...esources/AFNikkor/AF-Nikkor80200mm/index3.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200afs.htm

Also, all the 80-200 have external aperture control.

 

[John Foundas]

Great...thanks a ton.
Also, i'm torn between the voightlander 25mm .95 or the Oly 14-35 2.0
I like the idea of a variable prime in the Oly as I shoot a lot of eng style projects.
However that Vol .95 looks sick.
Thoughts?

 

[bgundu]

Both have excellent resale value. The oly cost double but I imagine you will use it more often because of the range and the fact you can control the iris and focus from the camera. I have the Voigtlander but no AF100 yet so I can't say how great it is. It's a tough call. Good luck.

 

[Jesse Brauning]

I have an old Minolta 70-210mm push pull. It's got a continuous 4.0 aperture, and I find the push-pull zoom to be the best/only way to get nice smooth zooms with a m4/3 camera.

 

[CineStill]

I have a 80-200 2.8 push pull Nikon and find the optics excellent with D3 still camera. It is very fast to zoom (when using still camera) If you are shooting sport for an extended time there is a lot less repetitive strain on your wrist when zooming compared to a zoom that you turn. I look forward to trying it out on the AF100!

 

[bgundu]

Yes the optics are excellent. I have the 70-200 on my D3, while my brother still uses his 80-200. A push-pull might be a little cumbersome when mounted to the Af100 when rigged out with rails. I maybe wrong on that, but it's just a hunch.

I have a 80-200 2.8 push pull Nikon and find the optics excellent with D3 still camera. It is very fast to zoom (when using still camera) If you are shooting sport for an extended time there is a lot less repetitive strain on your wrist when zooming compared to a zoom that you turn. I look forward to trying it out on the AF100!