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Archive 2017 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?

  
 
clickmepp
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


How much is the latest 70-200/2.8E FL ED VR or Tamron SP 70-200/2.8Di VC USD G2 better than Nikon 70-200/2.8 ED VR II especially on D810 / D500 and near Future?

I recently acquired D810 for Landscape and Portraits and planning to grab D500 later this year for Sports. So I looking for your opinion on this lens performance.

Also please share some pics with 70-200/2.8 ED VR II on D8XX / D500?



Apr 21, 2017 at 11:47 AM
CanadaMark
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


From what I have seen...

70-200 FL - quite a bit better than the Tamron, and better everywhere compared to the VR II, especially around 135mm. Also the negative magnification change at max FL and MFD is largely gone. Nothing from any brand competes with the 70-200 FL at the moment in terms of image quality or AF speed.

Tamron 70-200 G2 - similar to the VR II from a sharpness perspective, good value. Definitely make sure you buy from somewhere you can exchange it until you get a perfect copy should the need arise.

There are existing 70-200 image threads but low-res samples aren't going to tell you much, especially when the outgoing lenses are already so good.


These are the best comparisons IMO:

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/04/mtf-lens-tests-of-the-new-tamron-70-200-f2-8-sp-di-vc-usd-g2/

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2016/11/nikon-70-200mm-f2-8e-fl-ed-af-s-vr-mtf-tests/


In summary I definitely wouldn't replace the 70-200 VR II with the Tamron G2, but the Nikon FL version would make a significant upgrade if you feel you will benefit from it's improvements.



Apr 21, 2017 at 12:07 PM
jbear
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


Just one perspective...when I look at my largest prints (a wide variety of FL and f's) made with this lens (mostly 13x19 but some 17x22), I don't see anything that makes me want to change up. If I had nothing to do with the money or a "offer you can't refuse," I'd give it a shot. If I didn't already have this lens...I'd still get it or the Tamron G2.



Apr 21, 2017 at 12:38 PM
danh920
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


I enjoyed reading this review. I'm not selling my vr2 to pay more for a Tamron g2, especially since AF performance is very important to me.

https://fstoppers.com/originals/tamron-vs-nikon-which-70-200mm-f28-telephoto-lens-best-money-171839




Apr 21, 2017 at 01:34 PM
clickmepp
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


Thanks for the link danh920. Nice comparison review...

I own VR II and lov this lens on D300 and Fuji S5 which are 12 MP bodies. I loved VR II on DX bodies but not sure on D810 and D500. That's why I was seeking for users opinion...



Apr 21, 2017 at 01:57 PM
golfinz
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


FWIW, I rented the new FL a few weeks ago and it was a lot better than the v2. Faster af, much quieter, and just as sharp/shaper. If you've got the funds, the FL is worth it. If not, and after owning the v2, I would try out the tamron g2 before settling on the v2


Apr 21, 2017 at 03:25 PM
danh920
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


clickmepp wrote:
Thanks for the link danh920. Nice comparison review...

I own VR II and lov this lens on D300 and Fuji S5 which are 12 MP bodies. I loved VR II on DX bodies but not sure on D810 and D500. That's why I was seeking for users opinion...


I have yet to use it on a 36mpx sensor but had great results on a d500. I saw a video that showed how it is a little sharper in parts but I've certainly never heard of anyone claiming that it's soft. I think they were comparing the scruff on a guys face (you really had to look).

If I was buying a lens brand new, the tamron (with enough left over for a vacation) seems like a no brainer. Since you're netting $1200ish for a vr2 these days, I'd just assume keep it.

I really love the layout of the nikkor, especially the smoothness of the zoom - I can control the zoom with my middle finger while keeping my palm under the kirk foot. My old tamron I couldn't even fit my fingers btwn the collar and the barrel (can't attest for the g2 though)

Hope that helps



Apr 21, 2017 at 03:26 PM
jrscls
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


If I didn't have a 70-200, I would certainly consider the Tamron G2, but I don't see a a compelling reason to switch from the VR II. So that leaves if it is worth to upgrade to the new Nikon 70-200E FL.

I sold my Tamron VC (previous version to the G2) and bought the new Nikon. All I can say is that it is an excellent lens and although expensive, I won't be second guessing myself if I bought the best 70-200.



Apr 21, 2017 at 03:52 PM
Chris Court
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


I've always found my VRII to perform spectacularly on D800 bodies. I've only recently snagged a D810, so can't yet attest as to how the lens works with it, but I have no reason to believe it would be a lesser combo in any way.

Although by all accounts the E is a better lens, given my satisfaction with the existing model, the significant expense of updating and the fact that money does not grow on trees (alas!), I'm not feeling any great urge to update to the new version at this point.

C

PS. Attached random shot with 100% crop to demonstrate typical sharpness (VRII)











Edited on Apr 22, 2017 at 09:46 AM · View previous versions



Apr 21, 2017 at 03:59 PM
la puffin
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


danh920 wrote:
I enjoyed reading this review. I'm not selling my vr2 to pay more for a Tamron g2, especially since AF performance is very important to me.

https://fstoppers.com/originals/tamron-vs-nikon-which-70-200mm-f28-telephoto-lens-best-money-171839



I wonder why they tested the AF tracking with a D750? Compared to the other AF systems out there (Mulit-CAM 20K), it seems like they weren't really pushing the lenses to the limit or full capability.




Apr 21, 2017 at 05:13 PM
charles.K
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


If your funds allow the 70-200 f/2.8 E FL is the best zoom by quite a margin. The IQ approaches that of prime lenses throughout the range and there are no weak FL's. The AF is very fast, quiet and very accurate. It is a lens you use and don't have to think about how to optimize the its performance.

It is expensive but with the IQ you forego the need for intermediate primes for 95% of shoots. Yes it is f/2.8 but you can change the compression to suit whereas with a 135/1.8 you cannot.

I had no intention of buying the 70-200 f/2.8E until I tried it in store. I was hooked



Apr 21, 2017 at 06:25 PM
Lance B
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


I had the 70-200 f2.8G VRII and I also loved it, but the new 70-200 f2.8E FL VR just gives that little bit extra - not much, but it is there. It is quite a bit better wide open, but then is just marginally better stopped down. There is no focus breathing now, but focus breathing was not something that bothered me. I think it basically comes down to this, if you can afford the new 70-200 f2.8E FL VR then get it, if not, it seems as though the new Tamron 70-200 f2.8 G2 is also of exemplary quality as far as IQ goes. However, I do not know how well it AF's compared to the old Nikon 70-200 f2.8G VRII.


Apr 21, 2017 at 06:36 PM
4G63
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


I can only comment on the VRII with a D800. I no longer have this lens but I mainly used it for street and portraits.

German Beauty by Joey Escuin, on Flickr

Violinist by Joey Escuin, on Flickr

I had fun with this lens but the bulkiness can be quite cumbersome sometimes so it had to go. I think I'll just stick with primes for now.



Apr 21, 2017 at 10:46 PM
ohsnaphappy
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


If money isn't an issue and you can afford the latest and greatest the new E is an easy decision. Focuses much much faster, it's noticeablely sharper, and is much more contrasty. But if you're a photographer on a budget, don't bother. The VRII is magnificent - the best overall lens we've ever owned.

Personally we sent the E back. It's a heavily corrected lens and eliminates almost all lens flare. We really enjoy exploiting stray light, so the E just wasn't for us. But in every other respect, the E blew us away and I think merits the price.



Apr 22, 2017 at 02:12 AM
johnctharp
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


The moment you say 'sports', trying to get a slightly sharper updated third-party lens looks more like a losing proposition. It's possible that Tamron has upgraded their AF, but you *know* that the Nikon lens is going to deliver, if any lens will.

Further, even if the FL shows that the VR2 wasn't necessarily perfect (and close-focus tests accentuated this), this hasn't stopped anyone from making great portraits with it- and this issue isn't in play for sports and landscapes.

So, if your choice is Nikon VR2 or Tamron G2 (which appears to have the same focus breathing issue), the moment you throw in sports you put the Nikkor at the top of the list.



Apr 22, 2017 at 06:43 AM
clickmepp
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Replace Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II - YES or NO ?


All suggestions are wonderful. I am weighing my options, will give few days and decide...


Apr 22, 2017 at 08:42 AM





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