I’ve been pondering lately whether to get the new Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II or continue using my Sigma 70-200mm II f/2.8 HSM. When Nikon announces the new 70-200mm, I am excited because the new version is optimized for FX or full frame digital SLR camera such as Nikon D700, D3. Coincidentally, my main camera is Nikon D700, so it will be great because Nikon lens is generally sharper wide open and the auto focus is better too.
However, I find many issues with the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II reported around the web, the first issue is about the flaking issue inside the lens, where you can see particles that could be small flakes/dust. Nikon later says that it won’t affect image quality, but I bet many people are quite concern about it.
The real issue is the focus and magnification issue. Compare to the original Nikon 70-200mm VR I, when you focus in 1.4m distance at 200mm, it is like 134mm in the original lens. Therefore, you can’t really get a close-up shot.
To understand this fully, I recommend to check out Thom Hogan review. He has comparison picture to illustrate the different.
(Table copied from bythom.com)
| Marked 200mm is really: | |
| 1.4m | 134mm |
| 2m | 147mm |
| 3m | 164mm |
| 5m | 176mm |
| 10m | 186mm |
| Infinity | 192mm |
So.. I think I don’t think it is wise for me to upgrade because the nature of my work. I shoot portrait, indoor performance and I love shooting in the close range. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM II allows me to focus up to 1 m and has significantly higher magnification.
My recommendation:
- If you are shooting with crop sensor camera (DX) such as Nikon D90, D300/s, then get the original version.
- If you are shooting with Nikon full frame camera, there are other alternative to this lens or get Sigma 70-200mm OS HSM.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What’s best?
SAM / Zesis / Sigma / Minolta
Last Week, Sigma released 50-500mm one for pentax and sony dSLRs.
Sony 70-400mm G SSM lens is a wonderful lens Binku