Choices : 70-300VR vs 70-200 VR f/2.8

[jojotlc]

Hi guys.. newbie to forum -Need some advice.

Presently got D40x (lightweight !) and intend to get D300 probably next year when it had sizzled down.
Present situation; always loose out and missed kids stage actions due to low lighting on 70-300VR. Thinking f/2.8 may (or may not) help!.

Q1: Dilemma whether to keep 70-300VR for use with D300.
At DPreview forum, one chap write about D300 advantages over current D40/80/200, i.e higher ISO's if i could recalled. Could this be happening, it would benefits 70-300VR users. Anyone has view on this?

Q2: Get 70-200 f/2.8 VR now for use with D40x, and save for D300 later?
D40x body is a concern due to lightweight construction.

thanks everyone!

[psychobiologist]

in low light f2.8 lenses locks on focus much faster and more accurate at f2.8

at f5.6 you are still at the mercy of needing to pick up enough contrast to focus, regardless of your iso.

up the iso to freeze motion, but iso does not help in focus

[nightwolf75]

cheaper option - the sigma 50-150/f2.8 HSM lens. light and short length, hand-holdable without VR.

[nemesis32]

The key is what you shoot and what you shoot for..

If you are just shooting for fun, not professional. 70-200VR is way too exp. U need to know how much you intend to invest before deciding on gear. If you have d300, i doubt you will ever use your d40x again. :P

[jojotlc]

hi..
thanks for feedback.

i did try out one of frens f/2.8, and shots are fantastic! could not able to get those with f4.5. btw i'm only on 2nd lens.. so scope is there to add..

for travelling oversea, i always bring f/4.5 and kit lens and CP7600 as backups.
Like always.. loose on quality at zoo or indoor venues.

i've also read at other threads.. its either the "Need" or "Want"!, but i always believe go for better lens 1st, then body..

cheers..

[giantcanopy]

Originally Posted by jojotlc D300 advantages over current D40/80/200, i.e higher ISO's if i could recalled. Could this be happening, it would benefits 70-300VR users. Anyone has view on this? thanks everyone!

Theoretically yes it helps for slower lenses.
Once it is launched perhaps we will see more photo testimonies from early adopters then

If I have to choose, i would choose good glass as well.

Ryan

[psychobiologist]

d300 may help, as the AF module is different, but you are still focussing at F4.5 or at F5.6 wide open.. not too sure if the hunt/accuracy will be good as compared to f2.8 wide open.

waiting for reviews

[jojotlc]

Originally Posted by nightwolf75 cheaper option - the sigma 50-150/f2.8 HSM lens. light and short length, hand-holdable without VR.

This seems to be also a good f2.8 option; not as intimidating in public places..Hmmm!
Have not got any experience with Sigma lenses.. but not want to get into Sigma vs Nikon IQ, etc etc..views again!!

BTW, if this is coupled with 1.4 (or 1.7) TC.. would the IQ deteriorate much? i may need the extra mm outdoors sports shots..

[Leong23]

You will have light loss when you add on the TC. Then AF will be much more harder.
For IQ wise, TC is best use with prime, zoom will suffer significant IQ deteriorate.

[jojotlc]

hi,,
been visiting dPreview again 30 minutes ago..

one thread post almost answered my doubt on 70-300vr.. and posts before

thread starter raymb.."""D200/IS01000/70-300 and some Birds"""
dunno if this link works..
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=25666695

[jojotlc]

this is in good daylight... still looking for lowlight scenes..

[Yapster]

Originally Posted by jojotlc Hi guys.. newbie to forum -Need some advice. Presently got D40x (lightweight !) and intend to get D300 probably next year when it had sizzled down. Present situation; always loose out and missed kids stage actions due to low lighting on 70-300VR. Thinking f/2.8 may (or may not) help!. Q1: Dilemma whether to keep 70-300VR for use with D300. At DPreview forum, one chap write about D300 advantages over current D40/80/200, i.e higher ISO's if i could recalled. Could this be happening, it would benefits 70-300VR users. Anyone has view on this? Q2: Get 70-200 f/2.8 VR now for use with D40x, and save for D300 later? D40x body is a concern due to lightweight construction. thanks everyone!

Pardon me asking, you mentioned always lose out and miss action due to low lighting. So did you use a flash? Maybe invest in a flash if you don't own one yet?

[jojotlc]

tried that once.... parents around 10mtrs turned around and give me the 'Look'..
still in favour of f/2.8,, and sigma 50-150 possibly suit my needs and event surrounding..

thanks for the spot on..
cheers..

[Yapster]

I see. No prob man~

[calebk]

Originally Posted by jojotlc tried that once.... parents around 10mtrs turned around and give me the 'Look'.. still in favour of f/2.8,, and sigma 50-150 possibly suit my needs and event surrounding.. thanks for the spot on.. cheers..

Heh. I've had people give me the look before. What you can do is come off as a pro in conduct and look like you know what you're doing (even if you're flapping that the lighting sucks and the whole set up will mean the photos will turn out pretty bad), and they usually won't give you the look again.

For most stage events, unless otherwise stated, flash is usually allowed, except in churches, and private performances. If the performances that you are shooting falls under the second category, clarify with organisers before shooting; can't go wrong like that.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by calebk Heh. I've had people give me the look before. What you can do is come off as a pro in conduct and look like you know what you're doing (even if you're flapping that the lighting sucks and the whole set up will mean the photos will turn out pretty bad), and they usually won't give you the look again. For most stage events, unless otherwise stated, flash is usually allowed, except in churches, and private performances. If the performances that you are shooting falls under the second category, clarify with organisers before shooting; can't go wrong like that.

You can't go wrong with a D3 either.

[calebk]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon You can't go wrong with a D3 either.

You can, if the CFO does not approve.

Methinks if the CFO approves buying the 70-200, it would already be quite a feat.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by calebk You can, if the CFO does not approve. Methinks if the CFO approves buying the 70-200, it would already be quite a feat.

Hahaha.. okie.