3 replies to this topic

[legalese143]

Hello all. First post here... Z6 shooter with an 85 1.4g, 50 1.8g and 35 1.4g lens collection.

 

Budget considerations: 

 

I'm looking to add a 70-200 2.8 lens. My budget would ideally be around $750 which limits me to version 1 of the Nikkor 70-200 options.

 

I can stretch up to $950 if it would really be a noticeable difference in image quality, contrast and sharpness on my average sized 24 megapixel sensor (by modern day standards). If I did stretch the budget, I could consider a more heavily used Nikkor VR II option or even the well reviewed Tamron G2 in to possible choices for me.

 

How I want to use the lens:

 

I will mostly get this lens toshoot at 200 mm for maximum compression for that very specific look that this setup gives to portraiture. A sample image of the look that I'm going for is attached (I know this image has been post-processed, but the style of composition and compression achieved are what I'm looking to replicate).

 

I will probably not be doing too many tight headshots as I have my 85 1.4g for most of my portrait needs... the 70-200 would really mostly be to add that very compressed background look. I know the Nikkor VR II has focus breathing issues, but I wouldn't be experience that since I will not be shooting at minimum focus distance often. 

 

Your recommendations?

 

Can I achieve a contrasty, sharp image from the version 1 of the Nikkor 70-200 VR, or is 24 megapixels, or is the age of that lens going to hold me back from achieving my desired outcome.

[TBonz]

I have shot both although it was years ago that I shot the V1.  I found the V2 faster to focus than the V1 but don't recall too much difference otherwise.  For me the faster focus shooting sports was the important piece.  Both gave nice bokeh when shooting at or near wide open...

[fallout666]

here what i got from FIT college game. Z6 FTZ mount gen 1 nikon 70-200mm 1/1000 sec. f/2.8 155mm ISO 5000 with - 1./7 exposure to photo. had to do that do to fact did not want to shot at 8k to 10k iso. so made lower with exposure set that way with edit  rest in lightroom. its great combo i have more photo i can share so hit me up if want to see more. also does great portraits too. 

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[legalese143]

Hey thanks for your feedback. I would love to see whatever images you can share on the gen 1 — particularly portraits at 200 mm.

It’s hard to find images that differentiate the generation of 70-200. Even the flikr page combines gen 1 & 2