70-200 VR 1 issue @ 200mm?

[arjen_schippers]

I have the D7100 in combination with a 70-200 VR 1.

Lately it seems to behave strangely at 200.

The linked photo is an extreme example 200 + TC 2.0.

https://picasaweb.google.com/103522265711672088137/KiteSurfersHargenAanZee28Feb2014?

noredirect=1#slideshow/6120987368067799538

 

The lens seems fine at the shorter focal lengths and can be razor sharp as well.

I need some help trouble shooting since I cannot determine if it is an issue of the VR or the focus at infinity.

When I test the lens at home, it behaves. When out in the field, it sometimes shows this

The G+ album with the kite surfer is all soft.

 

Any thoughts

 

Tnx

Arjen

[rodeo_joe1]

<p>We need to see bigger samples (or tighter crops) to make any sort of sensible diagnosis.</p>

<p>From those small pictures it looks like there may be any number of factors going on. Subject movement, misfocus or sea mist could all be playing a part.</p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>Generally speaking, zoom lenses + 2X TC rarely leads to good results. By chance, I have test samples using the 70-200mm/f2.8 AF-S VR II (which is a better lens than version 1) and the TC-20E III of another tennis player: http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00YPsY</p>

<p>See how the 2X TC turns an excellent zoom into a soft lens.</p>

[Matthew Currie]

<p>If you suspect it's a problem with the VR, why not up the ISO, set it at a nice fast shutter speed and try it both ways? If VR is the culprit it should show right away, shouldn't it?</p>

[arjen_schippers]

<p>@ rodeo joe: here is the link with another example: https://plus.google.com/u/1/photos/103522265711672088137/albums/6129904832032510017<br /> I keep getting an error message if I link via the Insert Image button :-(<br /> I put a full rez and a crop incl the exif data as well as a sharp example.<br /> @ matthew currie:<br /> During a shoot, I keep the VR on with a shutter around 1/800. The actual shutter speed will vary due I use the f stops to control my shots ( A mode), in AF-C and VR on normal.</p>

<p>Off topic: why can't I add a link??<br>

I keep getting this error message:</p>

<h2>Problem with Your Input</h2>

<p>We had a problem processing your entry:</p>

<ul>

<li>Ha Ha</li>

</ul>

<p>Please back up using your browser, correct it, and resubmit your entry.</p>

[rodeo_joe1]

<p>The cyclists shot is front-focused. You can see that the gulls and waves on the sea in the background are sharper. Plus there's some atmospheric haze (or lens misting). Don't underestimate the amount of fuzziness that can be added by atmospheric conditions. Hot weather brings heat haze, and high humidity brings mist and low contrast. The same goes for air pollution. Get more than 20 or so metres from the subject with a long lens and critical sharpness is a crap-shoot.</p>

<p>The footballer is still not a tight enough crop to really see whether it's truly sharp, but if it was shot at a wide aperture with the 2x TC, then it doesn't look too bad for that setup.</p>

[5711]

<p>the cyclysts are blurred because they moved.<br /> that is motion blur.</p>

<p>look at the ghosting.<br /> best you see it looking at the helmet of the white fella.</p>

<p>joe is right.<br /> you cannot shoot some place distant, crop in and expect wonderful detail and sharpnes.<br /> it does not work like this :)</p>

[arjen_schippers]

Thanks for the replies! I think I was wishing more from the lens than can be expected. The TC is not a good fit as Shun

example also comfirms. Maybe my expectations were unrealistic :-(

I will stick to 200mm max.

[robert_stig]

<p>I think human skill/error is the problem here not the gear.</p>

 

[ShunCheung]

<p>If you must use a 2X TC on a 70-200mm lens, it helps to stop the lens down by a stop. The problem is that you are stopping down an f2.8 to f4, and then the 2X TC robs you two stops. All of a sudden you have a very slow 400mm/f8 lens that is very difficult to use. You'll need somewhat high ISO even under daylight.</p>