Quick question for Nikon users. 70-300 or 80-400

[Garduna]

Hi all,

Just got a quick question for ya'll. I'm gonna be renting out a telephoto len for some Olympic table tennis over the weekend. The 70-200mm are all rented out so my 2 other options are as follows:

70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED or 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED.

Which one is the better pic when it comes to a quick sport like table tennis?

[Chewy734]

that's a tough one... the aperture on both are pretty small, so I can't imagine either of them being fast. But, my suggestion is that the 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED is since the focal length range is smaller and it may search for focus less.

[Diver]

I shoot a 70-300 a lot, and love it. Make sure you focus calibrate it before the shoot.

[MaximusJ]

Just make sure you use a tripod. Being slow as hell, the 70-300 will get you sub-par shots handheld for sports. Never took the time to calibrate tho.

But I wouldnt consider renting this one for more then $20. If you want mine for cheap, just let me know. I'm nowhere near Toronto or London, but if you like it when you rent it, just drop me a message.

But between the two, I would pick this one. The D lens is older; so probably even slower for equal apertures. I would only pick the 80-400 if the range on the 70-300 was an issue.

[Garduna]

No Tripod or Monopod allowed unless you have a pro photographer/journalist/coverage pass.

I spoke to the rental place today and I may just be lucky enough to pick up the 70-200 vr1. There might be a one available on the weekend *fingers crossed*

[MaximusJ]

Originally Posted by Garduna

No Tripod or Monopod allowed unless you have a pro photographer/journalist/coverage pass.

I spoke to the rental place today and I may just be lucky enough to pick up the 70-200 vr1. There might be a one available on the weekend *fingers crossed*

Definitely a no brainer. My DX lenses are collecting dust since I bought this badboy. Very polyvalent, fast and sharp.

[Garduna]

Yeah I know. the other 2 lenses are a "last resort".

Originally I wanted the 70-200mm vr2 but they were all out and at the time, so was the vr1. God willing if I'm to get the vr1.

[MaximusJ]

Originally Posted by Garduna

Yeah I know. the other 2 lenses are a "last resort".

Originally I wanted the 70-200mm vr2 but they were all out and at the time, so was the vr1. God willing if I'm to get the vr1.

All the best of luck!

I first bought the VR1 because of the price. I could get it for around a grand, but the VR2 was still very close to the new price; even when used.

I was a bit concerned because I really wanted the newer vr2, so i've decided to go to the shop with my camera and tried the vr2 just for fun. The focus is quicker, the lens is a bit shorter; a bit lighter, but other then that, I couldnt justify the premium.

You wont be disapointed; even if you got "just" the VR1

[Garduna]

Yeah, I know. It's always fun to have the latest and greatest haha!

Since I'm using a D90 aka dx body. the 70-200mm vr1 works in my favour. I won't get as much distortion, fall off, blur edges or vignetting. Plus the "zoom" distance will be even closer which I need since I couldn't get the closest seats haha!

[Foodle]

Definitely the 70-300. The 80-400 is very slow focusing. Just shot some Olympic fencing with the 70-300 and it did ok.

[Garduna]

Originally Posted by Foodle

Definitely the 70-300. The 80-400 is very slow focusing. Just shot some Olympic fencing with the 70-300 and it did ok.

I wasn't able to pick up the 70-200 but I ended up with the 80-400mm. I sat ridiculously far back for badminton yesterday so that 300-400 range really helped out actually. Got some nice action and expressions from the players. Doing video on it is absolutely SHIT tho.

I'll be in the nosebleed seats today for table tennis. I do a gree that the focusing on it could be faster. sigh >_<