Purchased Nikkor 70-200 AF-S VR f/2.8G ED-IF

[JerseyJay]

For those who have been following my lens-seeking journey, I have good news. The journey is over or at least for now :).

I went to bhvideo this weekend, took my Nikon D70 and my wife for second opinion. I had two choices:

Sigma - 70-200mm f2.8 EX Apo IF HSM - $799
http://www.sigma-photo.com/Images/misc/05_03.gif

Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF - $1599
http://www.nikonusa.com/images/products/2139NAS_360.jpg

I tried Sigma first and enjoyed the performance. Silent, fast and not that heavy. Second was Nikon and I basically fell in love. I'm not going into details on how good this lens felt but I will echo one thing - Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF is "the best telephoto zoom ever made by Nikon". If you need 70-200mm lens and money is an object, go with Sigma. If money is not an object go with Nikon. Can't go wrong with either one.

I got 100% support from my wife while spending $1,600 on camera lens. I love her even more.

I also purchased Micro Trekker 200 by Lowepro which has enough room for SLR with attached 80-200mm f/2.8 lens plus 3 more lenses or an extra body or a flash.

http://www.lowepro.com/images/ppages/bag_pack/colour/mictr200.gif
http://www.lowepro.com/images/ppages/bag_pack/sketch/mictr200.gif

[ccplim]

Gosh! That was fast of you :shock: I am still saving up for this lens :(

Wow, :shock: :shock: good for you Jay :)

[DarthV]

The VR should help for handholding :) Hpefully it doesn't soften up the image... I've read that the canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS isn't quite as sharp as the non IS version.

I bought a micro trekker 200 in the summer...nice pack! I'm almost wishing that I had bought one of the packs that had the vertical support for a tripod instead of the straps on the bottom.

[JerseyJay]

Gosh! That was fast of you :shock: I am still saving up for this lens :(

Wow, good for you Jay

Thanks guys. As I said before, my wife loves photography. We have 4 cameras at home now. We went to bhvideo and she got so excited that she started talking about darkroom, again.

She asked me when I was trying both lenses which one I liked better, that I should get the one that will last me for a long time and one with good quality. Choice was easy.

[JerseyJay]

The VR should help for handholding :)

I mounted the lens in the store, took few long distance shots and effect was incredible. VR works indeed.

I bought a micro trekker 200 in the summer...nice pack! I'm almost wishing that I had bought one of the packs that had the vertical support for a tripod instead of the straps on the bottom.

Good point. I didn't think about tripod support. Which model are you referring to ?. I still have 7 days for exchange.

[DarthV]

Don't quote me on this, but I would almost think about the mini trekker AW...it's larger, but from last year's Lowepro booklet, it has a vertical quick release tripod holder. I'd definitely check it out...

I have a manfrotto/bogen 190PRO/3001PRO tripod and the 486-rc2 head and I find that it is a real pain if you're in the city or at the mall with your pack...the tripod sticks out too much on the sides. I have visions of accidentally knocking out people's teeth with the tripod head while on the bus :P

So once I get a couple more lenses (70-200 f/2.8 and something for wide angle), I'll probably get a pack that has the vertical mounts... I haven't had any balance problems with the micro trekker + tripod, but the vertical mount would be just so much easier for moving around. With my rebel and a 70-200 f/2.8 mounted, I think there wil be room for my other 2 lenses...but barely... I don't think I could squeeze my tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and something as massive as the sigma 12-24 into the pack... some smaller primes would fit without problems though.

I'd definitely check out the other packs and see if they'd suit you better.

[ccplim]

The VR should help for handholding :) Hpefully it doesn't soften up the image... I've read that the canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS isn't quite as sharp as the non IS version.

I bought a micro trekker 200 in the summer...nice pack! I'm almost wishing that I had bought one of the packs that had the vertical support for a tripod instead of the straps on the bottom.

According to many reviews, the VR function will actually 'degrade' the image slightly but I don't think the difference will be that great.

[ccplim]

Gosh! That was fast of you :shock: I am still saving up for this lens :(

Wow, good for you Jay

Thanks guys. As I said before, my wife loves photography. We have 4 cameras at home now. We went to bhvideo and she got so excited that she started talking about darkroom, again.

She asked me when I was trying both lenses which one I liked better, that I should get the one that will last me for a long time and one with good quality. Choice was easy.

Jay,

Mind to do me a favor? Can you help to check if there's 2 knobs on the lens collar (one on the left and one on the right)? I am thinking of changing the mounting foot to a QR type when I got this lens.

Thanks!

[meriadoc]

massive as the sigma 12-24 into the pack... some smaller primes would fit without problems though.

lol the 12-24 isn't that big ;)

[JerseyJay]

Jay,

Mind to do me a favor? Can you help to check if there's 2 knobs on the lens collar (one on the left and one on the right)? I am thinking of changing the mounting foot to a QR type when I got this lens.

Thanks!

Ccplim,

I am getting my lens tomorrow. I saved ~$ 100 by having the lens shipped instead of paying TAX at the place. But if I remember correctly there are to knobs. Remind me in two 2 day and I will check.

[ccplim]

The VR should help for handholding :)

I mounted the lens in the store, took few long distance shots and effect was incredible. VR works indeed.

I bought a micro trekker 200 in the summer...nice pack! I'm almost wishing that I had bought one of the packs that had the vertical support for a tripod instead of the straps on the bottom.

Good point. I didn't think about tripod support. Which model are you referring to ?. I still have 7 days for exchange.

Jay,

You might want to take a look at Lowepro's (http://www.lowepro.com/) website. They have a few models where you can tie your tripod either to the side or behind the bag. However, they might be bigger in size than the current one you have.

[DarthV]

massive as the sigma 12-24 into the pack... some smaller primes would fit without problems though.

lol the 12-24 isn't that big ;)

It's definitely larger than a 50mm f/1.8 prime! By a large amount! I'm just not sure how much room there would be in the micro trekker 200 with the 70-200 f2.8 + 28-75 f/2.8 type + large WA zoom... it probably would work..but I'd fit them in to make sure :) With the 70-200 f/2.8 attached to the body, the entire center of the bag will be occupied..and just the width of the front element end of the lens, the amount of room on the bottom corners will probably be reduced.

I'm probably going to try to sell my micro at the next photography group meeting here in town...then order a mini to have more space :)

[benny]

Congrats on your excellent purchase Jay. Can't wait to see some pictures.

Since you are getting a back pack style camera back, I would suggest to plan for "expansion". The tripod holder is excellent and I find that on nature trips, have both hands free is quite critical (remember the cryptocyrone expedition?)

Also, having a slight larger bag allows me to put other things in the bag if I don't have enough lenses to fill it up yet. Like the X Drive pro, or a small thermos flask with nice hot/cold drinks, packed sandwich, etc.

The Lowepro mini trekker AW is a good suggestion. You might want to consider the Lowepro Rover AW II also.

One important thing to take note..... at this point, the Nikon D70 does not have a vertical grip yet. If you ever start using it, you can never do without it again. BUT... make sure your camera bag can take the camera AND the grip. Look for specifications like "can fit Large/Pro camera" in Lowepro's site. I had the same problem with my cameras and had to dump quite a few bags that no longer fit the camera with the vertical grip.

Lastly, did you really get the red one? Recently, I have been very much tempted by a bright red colored Crumpler bag, but I've always been a black or brown kind of guy as far as camera bags is concern.

Cheers,

[meriadoc]

It's definitely larger than a 50mm f/1.8 prime!

Have you seen them side by side? I've got both, and although it looks large, its not that big - but it comes with a case anyway - so you just attach it to the side of your bag.

as for bags, I've got my eye on the nature trekker, mainly because i'm looking at getting the 100-400 as well as a 300 4.0L, and a 400 5.6 - Arthur Morris (famous bird photographer) uses the 400 5.6L and has no problem photographing birds with it, and i've had no worries about shooting at 5.6 with my current lenses.

[JerseyJay]

Congrats on your excellent purchase Jay. Can't wait to see some pictures.

I plan to do something over the weekend if weather permits.

Since you are getting a back pack style camera back, I would suggest to plan for "expansion". The tripod holder is excellent and I find that on nature trips, have both hands free is quite critical (remember the cryptocyrone expedition?)

Also, having a slight larger bag allows me to put other things in the bag if I don't have enough lenses to fill it up yet. Like the X Drive pro, or a small thermos flask with nice hot/cold drinks, packed sandwich, etc.

Those are good points. Currently I have Lowepro EX 160 which was a quick buy before honeymoon. Who thought I would buy $1,500 lens a month later. This will be a good back up plan for small outings where I can use my 18-70mm specifically. I definitely don't want to buy another small bag and then itch for something bigger two months later. At the same time I don't want to look like a camel.

I'm leaning towards Mini Trekker AW (thanks DarthV) but this might still change when I get to the store for exchange.

Mini Trekker AW - capacity: SLR with attached 80–200mm f/2.8 lens (most makes), additional body, 4–5 more lenses.

You might want to consider the Lowepro Rover AW II also.

I looked at that one but didn't like the top portion of the bag. Didn't look sturdy enough.

One important thing to take note..... at this point, the Nikon D70 does not have a vertical grip yet. If you ever start using it, you can never do without it again. BUT... make sure your camera bag can take the camera AND the grip. Look for specifications like "can fit Large/Pro camera" in Lowepro's site. I had the same problem with my cameras and had to dump quite a few bags that no longer fit the camera with the vertical grip.

Will there ever be a Grip Battery Pack for Nikon D70 ?

Lastly, did you really get the red one? Recently, I have been very much tempted by a bright red colored Crumpler bag, but I've always been a black or brown kind of guy as far as camera bags is concern.

Nope. I got black version. I would never buy a red one. Too hard to sneak up on anyone. Plus it will get dirty faster then the black one.

[ccplim]

Jay,

Mind to do me a favor? Can you help to check if there's 2 knobs on the lens collar (one on the left and one on the right)? I am thinking of changing the mounting foot to a QR type when I got this lens.

Thanks!

Ccplim,

I am getting my lens tomorrow. I saved ~$ 100 by having the lens shipped instead of paying TAX at the place. But if I remember correctly there are to knobs. Remind me in two 2 day and I will check.

Thanks Jay! Appreciate that.

[benny]

Will there ever be a Grip Battery Pack for Nikon D70 ?

Given the stiff competition, there's a very high chance. But the product life cycle is getting shorter and shorter. Hopefully they will do it sooner than later.

From what I can gather, I think there are third party solutions in Asia for Canon D30/D60/10D/300D already, as with Nikon. If I can find out more, I'll let you know. And prices are of course a fraction of the Nikon ones.

Cheers,

[DarthV]

Maybe it's just the bulging front element that always makes me think that the lens is a beast... :) Guess you could put it sideways into one of the bottom areas of the pack. It sure looks mean when you see it on a shelf with other lenses...fat and squat!

[meriadoc]

i'll take a photo one day.... its a cool lens - even more fun when ya stick it on a film body - don't point downwards or ya get ya feet in the shot ;)

[JerseyJay]

Jay,

Mind to do me a favor? Can you help to check if there's 2 knobs on the lens collar (one on the left and one on the right)? I am thinking of changing the mounting foot to a QR type when I got this lens.

Thanks!

Ccplim,

There are 2 knobs. One to "move" the collar around the lens and second one to tighten tripod mounting foot.

[JerseyJay]

The lens is absolutely awesome. I just walked around the parking lot and took few pictures of my wife collecting leaves for her students in Art Class. After holding the lens in my hand for the second time (1st time in the shop) most of the pictures came out with perfect sharpness. I have no idea why some people are complaining. Give me more time and I will report back with glitches if there are any.

It feels heavy after a while :cheesy:

I am probably going to botanical gardens etc over the weekend so I will report back with some pictures.

[benny]

Jay,

With a close up filter, this lens can be a good macro lens for fish photography too. Not quite like a dedicated macro lens, but a good alternative till you get one.

Cheers,

[JerseyJay]

With a close up filter, this lens can be a good macro lens for fish photography too. Not quite like a dedicated macro lens, but a good alternative till you get one.

Benny,

I was actually thinking about it last night. I might get Hoya double coated macro close-up set +1, +2, and +4. This is what I had on Canon G2 and it worked like a charm.

http://www.2filter.com/hoya/hoyacloseup07.html

[ccplim]

Jay,

Mind to do me a favor? Can you help to check if there's 2 knobs on the lens collar (one on the left and one on the right)? I am thinking of changing the mounting foot to a QR type when I got this lens.

Thanks!

Ccplim,

There are 2 knobs. One to "move" the collar around the lens and second one to tighten tripod mounting foot.

Thanks Jay! Now I know what I need to get when I purchase this lens :)

[ccplim]

I am probably going to botanical gardens etc over the weekend so I will report back with some pictures.

We are waiting :cheesy:

[ccplim]

With a close up filter, this lens can be a good macro lens for fish photography too. Not quite like a dedicated macro lens, but a good alternative till you get one.

Great to hear that! Think I can use it with my 500D next time :)

[JerseyJay]

Thanks Jay! Now I know what I need to get when I purchase this lens :)

What ?

Great to hear that! Think I can use it with my 500D next time

I heard about 500D. You got it locally ?. How does it performs ?. Any samples ?

[ccplim]

Thanks Jay! Now I know what I need to get when I purchase this lens :)

What ?

Great to hear that! Think I can use it with my 500D next time

I heard about 500D. You got it locally ?. How does it performs ?. Any samples ?

Will be getting this. :cheesy:

http://www.kirkphoto.com/bLP45.jpg

I am not sure if we have the 500D locally as I got mine used. I don't really have the chance to test it out yet but will try to get some ASAP.

[JerseyJay]

Ccplim,

Whats so special about this mount vs. original mount ?

[ccplim]

Ccplim,

Whats so special about this mount vs. original mount ?

Nothing really special about it as compared to the original except that the knob has slightly better gripping and the foot is smaller and lighter than the original mount.

You will not need that if you plan to use the 486RC head.

[JerseyJay]

You will not need that if you plan to use the 486RC head.

Which head do you have ?

[ccplim]

You will not need that if you plan to use the 486RC head.

Which head do you have ?

I am using the Markins (http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA3/M10-L.php) M10-L. :)

[JerseyJay]

I am using the Markins (http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA3/M10-L.php) M10-L. :)

$320 :shock:

[ccplim]

I am using the Markins (http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA3/M10-L.php) M10-L. :)

$320 :shock:

:cheesy: :cheesy: The price over there seems to be slightly on the high side.