80-200/2.8 for F3?

[dan_brown14]

Which version of the AF 80-200/2.8 do you prefer for an F3. The one-touch looks pretty

good, but are the optics of the two-touch better? Also, what about price used versus new,

the two-touch is just $700 with the rebate these days.

 

PS: I will also use the lens on an N90s from time to time.

 

Thanks...

[todd peach seattle, washi]

I can't speak for the one-touch, but I use the current (not AFS) model on my F3/MD4/MK1 and find it works quite well. The balance is good, and the controls seem intuitive. Mine gets used mostly with a monopod under the lens. If you can get this lens for $700 new, I'd say that's the one to have. Don't forget to order the hood up as well; it's kind of a shock that it's not included.

[david_h._hartman]

I would not care for the one touch as these lenses are

somewhat heavy. They are hand holdable but this will not be

comfortable for most over a long period. A mono-pod or tripod is

preferable much of the time. I own the AF 80~200/2.8D ED (two

touch with collar). This is the current model. I find it quite

suitable for use with the F3 or F3HP. The F3 with MD-4 gives a

good grip and good balance.<br>

<br>

Yes, get a lens hood. This model uses the HB-7. Fast zooms like

this are somewhat prone to flare.<br>

<br>

Regards,<br>

<br>

Dave Hartman.

[photojim]

The one-touch lens is very nice to use manually. It has a nicely-damped focus ring, and obviously it is easier to zoom because you already have your hand on the zoom ring. One-touches are a bit of a bear to use on manual-focus cameras if your subject is moving; focusing and zooming simultaneously is impossible.

 

The optics are the same, but the one-touch focuses much more slowly on AF cameras. That's not to say it isn't usable - it is - but it is slower.

 

Used one-touches can be had for $300-400 so perhaps buying both is an option. Get the one-touch for now, and get a two-touch if you find you AF with it a lot.

[ShunCheung]

Optically, all three AF but not AF-S versions are the same. However, this is a lens that should mainly be used on a tripod, unless you are planning to use it for sports or event photography. Therefore, the two-touch version with tripod collar has a major advantage.