Is AFS 80-200mm Still a good buy???

[pryzmm]

guys,,, been offered by a friend to get his very good condition lens (afs 80-200mm f/2.8) for under 2k i was actually saving for the vr version but it will cost me a ton and a few more months more of savings, do you think that it is still a good buy for this lens, in a way i will be able to help my friend as he needed the cash urgently, still its not a small sum so i would really need to be very sure about it ??? any bros, (sis if any) here could give some advice,,, many thanks everyone

[psychobiologist]

yah.. good buy.. very sharp.. but make sure the AFS motor is working well.. i.e. no squeaks etc

[geraldkhoo]

Yes! The AFS 80-200 is still a good buy.

But if you want the 70-200 VR lens, why not get a 2nd hand one? I saw a few at the Peninsular area, around 2K.

[slooow]

AFS lens is still a good buy of cos! it is a superb lens

but why spend so much when the AFD is much cheaper and equally as good?

if really want the AFS, why not pay a little more to get the AFS-VR?

AFS is stuck in between AFD and AFS-VR

though AFS is a superb lens, my advice is save money [get AFD] or get the best [AFS-VR]

(disclaimer... all three models are superb)

[gymak90]

AFS is of course good. But you can save money by getting AFD. Not much performance difference from what i heard.
Then again, there is that story of 80-200 not-so-compatible on DX.

[slooow]

Originally Posted by gymak90 Then again, there is that story of 80-200 not-so-compatible on DX.

interesting
cos AFD, AFS and AFS-VR are all FF and were not built as DX lense to begin with....
then again, i have not read about the "not-so-compatible" part before
i hope this isnt true...

anyway, all three are still

[Blur Shadow]

Well, maybe you can start with what you intend to use the telephoto lens for?

Piece for piece, all the suggested lenses (AF-D 80-200, AF-S 80-200, AF-S 70-200 VR) are excellent. It really a matter of what you intend to use it for?

VR is probably an excellent feature in a telephoto lens, but if it's something that you can live without, then why not have that extra few hundred dollars in your wallet instead?

[gymak90]

Originally Posted by slooow interesting cos AFD, AFS and AFS-VR are all FF and were not built as DX lense to begin with....

I reckon the AF-S VR was designed with DX in mind, so as not to disadvantage DX users who form the majority. According to dpreview, AF-S VR is rather good with DX as problems at the corners can be avoided.
While the DX didnt exist when AFD AFS were conceived.

[Genie In A Lightbox]

I just bought new AF-D 80-200 for 1.6k and I'm glad I never got the 70-200. Pampered my 80-200 with 77mm B+W filter with lots of spare cash. AF-D is super sharp with FX. I think the AF-S will be good as well. Go get it cos there aren't alot left in the market nowadays.

In addition, the AF-D has aperture ring so I can use back on my film body as well as pair it with a DSLR body with movie mode better than G lens does. Not sure whether the AF-S 80-200 is a D or G lens.

[Blur Shadow]

The AF-S 80-200 has an aperture ring.

If it's any interest to you, Ken Rockwell did a review on it.

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200afs.htm

[b18]

How much your friend will sell the AFS 80-200 for ?
4 months ago I secured a AFS 80-200 ex demo unit from a shop in Sydney for approx $1400 ~ SGD 1900 at that time.

Perfect condition.

At the same time, AFS 70-200 VR is selling for $1900 ~ SGD 2500 at that time.
[currency rate 1 AUD == 1.3 SGD ]

My opinion, if you are a fussy D3 / D700 user that want 0 vignette, use the AFS 80-200 as the 70-200 VR vignette a bit.

But if you already start saving for a brand new 70-200 VR, save for it.
Its a perfect lens to have.
Don't let some cheap deals deter you

[tanjonhan]

hmm, just put it this way, as much as you feel like doing yr fren a favour at the same time, after getting the non VR version, will your heart still itch for the VR one...?

If you are going to end up thinking what could have been if u bought the VR instead after getting the non VR, then stick to the VR .....but if u are pretty neutral about both, then ....flip a coin or something..haha

[l-inc]

I would say my 80-200 AFS is a great buy... it does vignette at 200mm wide open and is very heavy but i like it anyways.

That being said when bying 2nd hand, watch the AF motor, all the AFS and USM motors wear out over time or being under-used. hunting, not activating etc... costs about 900 to replace an afs motor.

go for it but check the AF i say.

[grandmama]

i am also facing a similar decision

but i am deciding between a new AF-D 2 touch ($1.6k) or the new 70-200 VR. ( and of course all the talk abt VR II version gonna come out)

I have ruled out the AF-S because
(1) like said, it is in the middle and dont see any benefit of getting it over the AF-D for that increase in price.
(2) This may not be fair as it is only from what i found out from net discussions, that the SWM in this generation of pro-zooms (with the 17-35, 28-70) tend to have durability issues and to replace after warranty is very expensive.

so my consideration is whether i want to shell out $600 more for the VR or use this difference for other purchases.

Also depends on what you shoot, issit for portraits or indoor sports .... this may affect the VR decision.

[KennyDalglish]

The 80-200mm Is Not Bad But The 70-200 Really Is very expensive Somemore JUST For A 10mm Different i Would Rather Buy The 80-200 Much Much Better

[tltan]

Originally Posted by KennyDalglish The 80-200mm Is Not Bad But The 70-200 Really Is very expensive Somemore JUST For A 10mm Different i Would Rather Buy The 80-200 Much Much Better

its not only 10mm difference......................

(1) VR (compared to 80-200 AFD)
(2) better ergonomics and handling
(3) sharper across the range (problem of bacckfocusing for 180-200mm for the AFD)
(4) Closer focusing distance

But I ownthe 80-200 AFD and am very happy with it. =p I can live without the above. Can you?

[pryzmm]

wow so many good view and comments,, keep it coming guys,,,, many thanks

[domdomino]

i would rather go for a second hand 70-200 F2.8