sean_blumenthal

<p>I've been in amateur astronomy sales for 20 years, and much like the Takahashi Vs TeleVue vs AstroPhysics debates, you find that all optical systems are compromise and personal taste fuels these debates.<br> What I find most disingenuous about Tony Northrup's YouTube statements regarding the Nikon D810 paired with the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VR II, is that in many many of his videos he advocates two things:<br> 1) Shooting intentionally wide, so that you can crop later<br> 2) moving a few steps closer with a 200mm lens is always going to yield better results than using a 300mm (with regards to wildlife) because you get more resolution from the shorter distance.<br> Then, he hops on a 36 MP Nikon D810 (compared to his Canon 5D MkIII at 23MP) and complains that he'll have to shoot and crop, or step a few steps closer because the Nikkor 70-200mm VR II is 140mm at full telephoto within 10 feet.<br> Honestly, it all smacks of a bit of shit-stirring. Which is to be expected, I suppose, because he is making money on YouTube views. I suspect Nikon Vs Canon video receive much more views (and make more money) than your standard equipment review videos.<br> For example, when I do a search on YouTube for "tony northrup 70-200mm" I get the following:<br> -70-200 f/2.8 shootout - 1yr - <strong>82k</strong> views<br> -Canon 100-400 vs 70-200 - 6 mo - <strong>77k</strong> views<br> -<strong>Canon vs. Nikon</strong>: Why I want to switch to Nikon but can't - 1 yr - <strong>720k</strong> views</p> <p>So there you go, 10x the views of one of his typical videos. 10x the cash.</p> <p>I actually think Tony is a pretty decent YouTube personality. But I know that at the end of the day, he's going to be prone to sensationalism if it will mean more cash in his pocket.<br> I mean, he has said numerous times that the Nikkor 70-200mm was sharper than the Canon L equivalent, and DxO has said as much too.<br> I think those on this thread that have said that this is a much exaggerated issue are correct. Everything in a lens system is compromise. If I can get a sharper lens, that focuses faster and more accurately for the trade off of increased focus breathing, count me in.<br> Oh, and as far as how much a true 200mm is needed for portraits... I have the 70-200mm VR II we are speaking about, a 135mm DC f/2, and a Tamron 150-600mm. I hardly use the 135, as it focuses too slow for the candids I shoot, and the 150-600mm is way too long. I have to be around 40-50 feet away from my subject. The 70-200 VR II is always my go-to lens. And much of that is because the focus is fast and bang on. If I need a closer more intimate shot, I just crop on my D810.</p>