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Sports Lens - Which One?


william_carnahan

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Hi! First post; GREAT photo web site. About to jump into digital (My Nikon F is

dying!). Plan on getting the D200 and while shooting daytime high-school

soccer, will be able to stand along the sidelines. Have researched the 70-300

vr and the 80-200/2.8 lenses (can't aford the 70-200/2.8). Any suggestions on

the two lens and if the 80-200 is worth the extra cost? Will also use the lens

for nature/landscape, but anticipate most of those shots will be with a tripod,

so lens speed would not be as critical. Thanks for your help!

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The value of having the f/2.8 through the entire zoom range is to stop action, the f/4.5-5.6

of the 70-300 VR could hamper that, even in better light. I have the 70-300 VR and am

glad to have the extra reach of the 300 end, which is like a 450mm on 35mm camera, but I

do get motion at times because of the slow f-stop at the long end. In very good light it may

not be that big a problem for you, but as the light diminishes, it could become a problem.

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William

 

the 80-200 is the way to go enough it has enough reach when you are on the sidelines and 2.8 is great. I shoot mine wide open a lot you can see some samples in my portfolio under sports nearly all the kid soccer was shot with an 80-200.

Steve

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I would opt for the 80-200 2.8 or the Sigma 70-200 2.8. I would agree that the 2.8 is more important than VR when it comes to sports. Even though its daytime you could get away with the 70-300 but on cloudy days it may not be fast enough to stop the action. Not to mention the image quality of the 80-200 is superior.
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I shoot kids soccer a few times a year with a D50 & 70-300 ED and an F100 & 80-200 2.8, both handheld. I actually prefer the 70-300 for the extra reach. Mind you , these games are in daylight, so speed isn't really that important, but I'm very pleased with the shots I get. SI may not be banging on my door, but you can pick that lens up for probably $100- $150 bucks.
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I shoot with the D50/70-300 VR at my daughter's outdoor track meets. I have had very good luck with hurdles and sprints. Yes there is a limit when the meet runs into the evening. If weight is a problem for you get the 70-300/VR, otherwise get the 80-200/2.8.
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For faster focus find a used <a href="http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductDetail.aspx?

groupsku=NA07999034114R&brandcategoryname=35MM&Mode=searchproducts&item=0&

ActivateTOC2=false&ID=&BC=NA&BCC=1&CC=7&CCC=2&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=&KW=80-

200mm">80-200 F2.8 D ED IF AF-S</a> (silent wave motor). The screw drive Nikon 80-

200mm f 2.8 versions are excellent optically, but a little slow focusing for fast action sports.

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I agree with Robert on the AF-S version. That one should support a teleconverter as well - though there are lot of opinions on how much image quality you lose using a TC with a zoom lens. A 1.4 TC will give you a 280mm equivalent lens which on a digital gives you 420mm. Getting the AF-S allows you the option of adding a TC if and when you feel you need it and saves you buying a longer lens. Again many feel you lose a bit of IQ with a TC.
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I own the 80-200 and I like it alot. The AF is fast enough for hockey (although barely) so I don't imagine you having any trouble with soccer. It doesn't have enough reach for shooting birds and wildlife, but then again neither will the 70-300. The great IQ with the 80-200 make it a no brainer when shooting landscapes and portraits as well. All in all a lens built like a tank that inspires confidence.

 

One thing however, I know you say you are getting a D200, but in case you don't know the 80-200 will not autofocus on the D40, D40x, and the D60.

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THANKS to all who took the time to respond! Just got my D200 yesterday and am excited to get started. Still deciding on which lens; so many different and experience based opinions. This website is a gold mine of knowledge! Steve H., thanks for the invite to view your work - beautiful photos. Now, to start pouring through that instruction manual ...
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