I didn't do enough reviews of this lens when I had it so I am borrowing some others peoples videos for your decision.
First thing to remember is that there are now two versions the vr1 and the vr2, the vr2 being the newer and more expensive and the vr1 now possibly only able to be bought second hand.
When first released this lens was one of the best and first MEGA Zoom lens and there was something like a 9 month waiting list before you could buy it.
Now remember this lens is for DX only body cameras so anything below the Nikon D700.
It has Vibration reduction and I have managed to get sharp shots (at 200mm) at 1/10th of a second.
However It did suffer from a thing called Lens Creep where if you were not holding it straight or upwards the lens would extend downwards (zooming). Which was annoying.
There was also a fair bit of distortion but you have to expect that from something that is giving you such a range of focal lengths to play with. This was still not fixed with the VR2 version though.
Its closest focusing distance was 50cm at all focal lengths. Now to be a 200mm lens at 50cm you would expect some amazing macro but this is not so as there is a large amount of lens breathing the closer you get to your subject.
In conclusion it is fair to say that this is a good lens that is very very versatile. Optically it is not excellent and never considered Professional but it is good. I would consider it to be the best all in one Mega Zoom lens out there.
More videos after the break
Proof of extra zoom creap
First thing to remember is that there are now two versions the vr1 and the vr2, the vr2 being the newer and more expensive and the vr1 now possibly only able to be bought second hand.
When first released this lens was one of the best and first MEGA Zoom lens and there was something like a 9 month waiting list before you could buy it.
Now remember this lens is for DX only body cameras so anything below the Nikon D700.
It has Vibration reduction and I have managed to get sharp shots (at 200mm) at 1/10th of a second.
However It did suffer from a thing called Lens Creep where if you were not holding it straight or upwards the lens would extend downwards (zooming). Which was annoying.
There was also a fair bit of distortion but you have to expect that from something that is giving you such a range of focal lengths to play with. This was still not fixed with the VR2 version though.
Its closest focusing distance was 50cm at all focal lengths. Now to be a 200mm lens at 50cm you would expect some amazing macro but this is not so as there is a large amount of lens breathing the closer you get to your subject.
In conclusion it is fair to say that this is a good lens that is very very versatile. Optically it is not excellent and never considered Professional but it is good. I would consider it to be the best all in one Mega Zoom lens out there.
More videos after the break
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Proof of extra zoom creap
Great review. I have been using this lens for about 6 months now and I have to say the decision to buy it was a good one.
ReplyDeleteFirst, the VR 2 is amazing. I remember the first time I had a chance to try it out was when I was shooting Cinematic Orchestra performing at Royal Albert Hall. I was sitting in the rear circle and could get sharp shots at 200mm, handheld, 1/20s and it was really dark.
Secondly, it's a great walkabout lens for general photography. I also found it extremely useful for time-lapse photography as it gives you a lot of range.
The only, drawback is indeed the creeping. I guess they should redesign the lock button to be able to lock it at different focal lengths, not only at 18mm.
Thanks
Greg
www.shutterexperiments.com