After weeks of looking for an f2.8 tele to complement my Beast, I have finally decided to get a brand new 80-200 f2.8 AF-D ED.

Initial impressions:
+ Fantastic bokeh specially at f2.8-f4 (very important in any lens I want)
+ Very sharp specially at the center (This is just based on my opinion. No scientific test of any sort.... Just tested it at f2.8, f4 and f5.6 and f8 pa lang.)
+ Fantastic build quality
+ Minimal distortion
+ Minimal vignetting
- Heavy (as expected from an f2.8 tele)
- AF sort of "kicks' at the ends of the AF action (infinity and closest focusing)
- AF is not very fast and is a little noisy because its not AF-S (Not to much an issue for me. Maybe if I go into sports photography. Hehehe. I wouldn't probably be noticing this if I didn't have an AF-S lens.)

Overall I am very pleased that I finally decided and got this lens. Of course if I had the money I would have gotten the 70-200VR instead. But for half the price, the 80-200 AF-D is very much worth it. It might even be a bargain considering its an f2.8 tele.

Some sample shots...

http://static.flickr.com/119/277966638_7e7de7559b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/118/277966646_804dc3e9c6.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/101/277966656_71c36769f1.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/105/276934348_3f6e6a36c3.jpg

congratulations!

that glass is definite a keeper.

dont you just love the color and contrast of the lens:)

post some more test shots.

Colors are really fantastic.

I'll post some more shots once I get a chance to go out and shoot.:Grin:

congrats on an awesome lens. i myself am using the same lens which is on loan from a friend. ive been very very impressed with the lens and my lust for the 70-200 is gone for now:)

@levi nice avatar

Nice shot. I'm thinking of getting one myself, but I don't have the budget as of now. But nonetheless, it's a great choice of lens. Keep shooting, have fun...

congrats on an awesome lens. i myself am using the same lens which is on loan from a friend. ive been very very impressed with the lens and my lust for the 70-200 is gone for now:)

@levi nice avatar

@ carlo

oh no... so the 70-200 is off the list? well for a fraction of a price you get the same performance from the 80-200 :) . of course minus the fast and silent AF. hehe

thanks... just messing around with the avatar.

congrats on an awesome lens. i myself am using the same lens which is on loan from a friend. ive been very very impressed with the lens and my lust for the 70-200 is gone for now:)

@levi nice avatar
"my lust for the 70-200 is gone for now" --> Exactly :)

Nice shot. I'm thinking of getting one myself, but I don't have the budget as of now. But nonetheless, it's a great choice of lens. Keep shooting, have fun...

sir, do get one. its really a keeper. i gotto try a number of tele's in the market... but the 80-200 really rocks in all areas - color, contrast, sharpness.. you name it. the only downside for me is the weight... it had caused me some backproblems when travelling.. hehehe

@ carlo

oh no... so the 70-200 is off the list? well for a fraction of a price you get the same performance from the 80-200 :) . of course minus the fast and silent AF. hehe

thanks... just messing around with the avatar.

yeah its off the list for now. Also i havent used the lens at night so i havent really put my lens to its paces, who knows in low light and low shutter speeds i might be cursing and lusting for the vr function:) so far so good though. this lens is old school and am loving it.

yeah its off the list for now. Also i havent used the lens at night so i havent really put my lens to its paces, who knows in low light and low shutter speeds i might be cursing and lusting for the vr function:) so far so good though. this lens is old school and am loving it.
Don't shoot at night on static subjects because I am sure you will be lusting for the VR function!!! I had the 18-200 VR before and if my subjects were fairly static, 99% of my shots at 200mm were shake-free. I can even hand-hold it at 1/80 at 200mm. With the 80-200 I sometimes need a shutter speed of at least 1/250 in daylight just to get a sharp picture:Grin:. VR is really a marvel of lens technology IMHO.

- AF is not very fast and is a little noisy because its not AF-S (Not to much an issue for me. Maybe if I go into sports photography. Hehehe. I wouldn't probably be noticing this if I didn't have an AF-S lens.)

hey john. congrats on the lens.

if you decide to use yours on sports, it really won't fail you. i've used mine for sports mostly and haven't really had a problem with focus speed. don't worry, you'll still be able to pull off some great shots.

happy shooting.

There is nothing like an f2.8 lens. Ako rin sa Xmas bonus ko, i will get this lens. If I get crazy enough, might get the 70-200VR, pero masyadong mahal ata. The slight recoil is expected because it's a heavy lens. But a heavy camera (one with a vertical grip) can negate it a bit. Eh pag low-light mag monopod ka na lang.

COngrats!!!

There is nothing like an f2.8 lens. Ako rin sa Xmas bonus ko, i will get this lens. If I get crazy enough, might get the 70-200VR, pero masyadong mahal ata. The slight recoil is expected because it's a heavy lens. But a heavy camera (one with a vertical grip) can negate it a bit. Eh pag low-light mag monopod ka na lang.

COngrats!!!

Monopod is definitely on my radar:Grin:

hey john. congrats on the lens.

if you decide to use yours on sports, it really won't fail you. i've used mine for sports mostly and haven't really had a problem with focus speed. don't worry, you'll still be able to pull off some great shots.

happy shooting.
That is good to hear from someone who actually has experience with the lens shooting sports. I will be trying it for sports sometime soon. For now just some shots from the court in our garage...

http://static.flickr.com/94/278769225_fdbcef3be0.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/101/278769182_0c4b549c78.jpg

pretty good timing on the blocks, john. btw, is that junie agcaoili in the photo? sorry for the OT.

I had that lens and am very happy with it. I'm sure you will enjoy that lens for many years. That lens is sharp. Congrats.

Hey John, congrats again and the 80-200 2.8 AF-D is a real performer. There are indeed other cheaper alternatives to VR (like a monopod as suggested), and you'll get a lot of good shots from that lens. :)

TJ,

I know I asked this before, but I can't find the thread.

Will the 2.8 be sufficient to cover a basketball game at the Ultra / Blue Eagle Gym?

I got the same lens, too. Although used, but in superb condition.

Thanks.

TJ,

I know I asked this before, but I can't find the thread.

Will the 2.8 be sufficient to cover a basketball game at the Ultra / Blue Eagle Gym?

I got the same lens, too. Although used, but in superb condition.

Thanks.
hi raffy. sorry to but in, but yes 2.8 will be sufficient but you still have to bump your iso up to 1600 especially at the BEG. at Ultra you can sometimes get away with 800.

:)

hi raffy. sorry to but in, but yes 2.8 will be sufficient but you still have to bump your iso up to 1600 especially at the BEG. at Ultra you can sometimes get away with 800.

:)

Thanks a lot, Nolan.

Hey John, congrats again and the 80-200 2.8 AF-D is a real performer. There are indeed other cheaper alternatives to VR (like a monopod as suggested), and you'll get a lot of good shots from that lens. :)

Thanks TJ. I will try to go to some Ateneo games next month!

pretty good timing on the blocks, john. btw, is that junie agcaoili in the photo? sorry for the OT.
Yes, that is Junie. He is my brother-in-law. Hehehe.

way to go, john!!!

so, when do we shoot?

way to go, john!!!

so, when do we shoot?
Thanks for the comment and the lens Dindin:Grin: Tuesday sa Ateneo grounds you want? Mga 4PM... :)

Not too bad for portraits as well...

Some quick shots I took recently. Both shots at f2.8.

http://static.flickr.com/82/280397253_afb76b8071.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/106/280396315_a843a686ff.jpg

Not too bad for portraits as well...

Some quick shots I took recently. Both shots at f2.8.

http://static.flickr.com/82/280397253_afb76b8071.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/106/280396315_a843a686ff.jpg

nice shots.

finally picked up the 80-200 afd. its one amazing lens. im impressed with the shots at 200mm wide open. notice that i use the long end almost 100% of the time. once the lens locks into focus you are blessed with awesome, crisp, sharp images. your best friend while light is abundant. as the light fails youl notice irritation starting to set in plus the occasional cuss:) so far so good again

@ carlo

so you finally too the plunge!!! congratulations man.

a clasic glass for you... how about the VR version sir?:)

Great lens! One lens that is nice to have.:)

With the 80-200 I sometimes need a shutter speed of at least 1/250 in daylight just to get a sharp picture:Grin:.

You should especially if you're shooting at 200mm.:)

@ carlo

so you finally too the plunge!!! congratulations man.

a clasic glass for you... how about the VR version sir?:)

thanks to gahum!!! nope as i mentioned im happy with this one. i notice though that i am at the 200mm end 100% of the time and always shooting it wide open. what does that tell you?

thanks to gahum!!! nope as i mentioned im happy with this one. i notice though that i am at the 200mm end 100% of the time and always shooting it wide open. what does that tell you?

Looks like you're enjoying shooting with a telephoto!!! :) Oh! shooting wide open is to be expected... :Grin:

Looks like you're enjoying shooting with a telephoto!!! :) Oh! shooting wide open is to be expected... :Grin:

rosalie, you know whats funny most of my photos seem like spy shots:) getting a kick of shooting unassuming subjects from a long way away hehe.

rosalie, you know whats funny most of my photos seem like spy shots:) getting a kick of shooting unassuming subjects from a long way away hehe.

The term we can use here is to gun for: "headshots" :)

rosalie, you know whats funny most of my photos seem like spy shots:) getting a kick of shooting unassuming subjects from a long way away hehe.

I know what you mean. It's enjoyable, noh? :)

I know what you mean. It's enjoyable, noh? :)

its very fullfilling. but i best not get carried away hehe

@carlo

you can even do food shots with it. ;-)

@carlo

you can even do food shots with it. ;-)

i actually tried but ran out of space:)

i actually tried but ran out of space:)

Hahaha! :) You have the 85PC back anyway so no need to use your telephoto. :D

Hahaha! :) You have the 85PC back anyway so no need to use your telephoto. :D

true true but i am finding out that my tripod is not versatile enough. i need a better tripod:)

Go for the Benro carbon fiber. Very good buy. :Grin:

Go for the Benro carbon fiber. Very good buy. :Grin:

no more, no more:) il just borrow my friends tripod instead

Ha ha ha. Now you're learning. :Grin:

Ha ha ha. Now you're learning. :Grin:

better late than never:D

I predict Carlo will get a Gitzo in 2 months :Grin:

I predict Carlo will get a Gitzo in 2 months :Grin:

nope im not a big proponent on spending big on tripods. in fact im just only outgrowing my trusty manfrotto 724b which sert me back $100. trying to live with this and maybe get myself a manfrotto carbon fiber monopod instead:)

true true but i am finding out that my tripod is not versatile enough. i need a better tripod:)

And the upgrade continues? :D

And the upgrade continues? :D

actually i considered it but i dont have a problem with my other lenses. its only when i use the pc does the limitations of my tripod come out. tell you what though, if im able to sell my 724b i will defintely upgrade:)

nope im not a big proponent on spending big on tripods. in fact im just only outgrowing my trusty manfrotto 724b which sert me back $100. trying to live with this and maybe get myself a manfrotto carbon fiber monopod instead:)

Funny, that was the exact thing I said about tripods until I realized what they were saying is right. Good support = sharper pictures.

regards,

Funny, that was the exact thing I said about tripods until I realized what they were saying is right. Good support = sharper pictures.

regards,

pare your not exactly making it easier for me:( your defintely right though

Funny, that was the exact thing I said about tripods until I realized what they were saying is right. Good support = sharper pictures.

regards,

Hahaha! Good thing I'm still ok with my Manfrotto Magfiber... :Grin:

Hahaha! Good thing I'm still ok with my Manfrotto Magfiber... :Grin:

when would i be able to say this?? :Grin:

when would i be able to say this?? :Grin:

With the way you are currently thinking? Never... coz how will it happen when you don't even want to buy a tripod?!? Hahaha! :D

With the way you are currently thinking? Never... coz how will it happen when you don't even want to buy a tripod?!? Hahaha! :D

hahaha.. just wait... patience is a virtue! hehehe

no more budget... hay...:(

hahaha.. just wait... patience is a virtue! hehehe

no more budget... hay...:(

What do you mean patience? I think you have to convince yourself you really need one first! If not, it will just keep going down the priority list! Hahaha! :D Upside is, you're handholding capability is getting better in the meantime esp. with this lens. :)

What do you mean patience? I think you have to convince yourself you really need one first! If not, it will just keep going down the priority list! Hahaha! :D Upside is, you're handholding capability is getting better in the meantime esp. with this lens. :)

haha!! believe it or not... its priority and rising up every single day :)

para di OT... very happy with my 80-200.. dont see myself upgrading soon.. :)

haha!! believe it or not... its priority and rising up every single day :)

para di OT... very happy with my 80-200.. dont see myself upgrading soon.. :)

very happy with mine as well. But i think i may plunge into a benro monopod, P1,800 last i checked. Xmas gift for muself probably...

very happy with mine as well. But i think i may plunge into a benro monopod, P1,800 last i checked. Xmas gift for muself probably...

A monopod is definitely useful with this lens especially if shooting for long periods! :)

this lens is really for keeps! when not in the gym...i use this as my weights!

@john

get the manfrotto instead... one-time purchase!

i just got my 80-200 and i was so satisfied on the outcome.. here are some snap shots i took..

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3117/802002so5.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/7263/80200fm0.jpg


http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/5996/802003sz6.jpg

congrats... Its a very good lens... Definitely one of the best out there (except the 70-200VR which is 2x the price...)

:)

Bro., that is one AWESOME lens! I have one myself and it never fails to amaze me.
Post some more shots.

thanks... i'm very eager to go out to try my new glass! :Grin::Grin:

Also thanks to nick for giving me a 2nd hand price for a bnew glass..

how much is the 80-200 now a days?

New here...

The 80-200 f2.8D AF ED is a great lens. Congrats to all users of this lens.

Here is a sample pic on a D80. Hope you guys like it.

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8301/africanrs3.jpg

how much is the 80-200 now a days?


Price is around US$900 - US$1000 for the brand new.

Also thanks to nick for giving me a 2nd hand price for a bnew glass..


Congrats Mike for having the 80-200! It's worth the price. Enjoy! :)