[quote name='Lomskij' timestamp='1285837580' post='3384']
There were three generations of AF 80-200 f/2.8: [/quote]
Some nitpicking: one could argue there have been four versions, actually. The initial push/pull design was introduced as AF lens and later upgraded to AF-D.
The two-ring version, introduced in 1997, is still current.
If the budget does not allow a stabilized lens, I would try to get a used AF-S 80-200/2.8 (but make sure to check the AF-S drive, if it makes squeaky noises it might fail soon ... that's a general advice valid for any early generation AF-S lens). However, they are rare and a bit hard to find for a good price, plus you will need a third party tripod collar if you intend to shoot from a tripod or monopod (the original collar is not very stable) and you should make sure the original hood (HB-17) is included. The hods have long been discontinued, are no longer made and impossible to find as replacement parts. There are chinese made clones nowadays, but I haven't seen one myself and can't comment on their quality.
Finally: the AF-S 80-200 is probably the largest of all options.
A valid and rather affordable alternative is the latest non-stabilized Sigma (70-200 HSM Macro II). Given a well centered sample (it's a Sigma, after all) I would prefer it over the screw-driven AF-D Nikkor.
[quote name='Lomskij' timestamp='1285837580' post='3384']
Regarding the zoom creep in push-pull 80-200: I've used it to shoot in an air show, and no, I had no problems shooting upwards. I think mostly Sigma / Tamron zoom lenses are plagued by the zoom creep issue :-)
[/quote]
Zoom creeping is hardly an issue with lenses that don't change their length during zooming <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
- Markus
There were three generations of AF 80-200 f/2.8: [/quote]
Some nitpicking: one could argue there have been four versions, actually. The initial push/pull design was introduced as AF lens and later upgraded to AF-D.
The two-ring version, introduced in 1997, is still current.
If the budget does not allow a stabilized lens, I would try to get a used AF-S 80-200/2.8 (but make sure to check the AF-S drive, if it makes squeaky noises it might fail soon ... that's a general advice valid for any early generation AF-S lens). However, they are rare and a bit hard to find for a good price, plus you will need a third party tripod collar if you intend to shoot from a tripod or monopod (the original collar is not very stable) and you should make sure the original hood (HB-17) is included. The hods have long been discontinued, are no longer made and impossible to find as replacement parts. There are chinese made clones nowadays, but I haven't seen one myself and can't comment on their quality.
Finally: the AF-S 80-200 is probably the largest of all options.
A valid and rather affordable alternative is the latest non-stabilized Sigma (70-200 HSM Macro II). Given a well centered sample (it's a Sigma, after all) I would prefer it over the screw-driven AF-D Nikkor.
[quote name='Lomskij' timestamp='1285837580' post='3384']
Regarding the zoom creep in push-pull 80-200: I've used it to shoot in an air show, and no, I had no problems shooting upwards. I think mostly Sigma / Tamron zoom lenses are plagued by the zoom creep issue :-)
[/quote]
Zoom creeping is hardly an issue with lenses that don't change their length during zooming <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />- Markus
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