Which telephoto zoom lens should I get?

[Misled]

Would just use the one I use as a chest pod. If I need speed, I have fast enough lenses to compensate for that. Don't get me wrong. I have pretty much the same line-up of lenses as you. I don't shoot with the 70-200 much. I do use the 24-70, and it doesn't have VR. I use the 105 normally, and I don't use the VR when shooting macros and normally shoot with manual focus becaust the lens tends to hunt too much when trying to focus when really close to a subject.

 

[Misled]

This is my carry for shooting bugs and flowers. You can see the pod I use as a chest pod.

 

[magdelan]

Great Dialogue. I'm taking it all in. Thank you. Jesse, how do you like your macro flash? I like the idea of it not being a straight on flash. Would you recomend an everyday flash over another?

 

[Misled]

First, I love the system. That being said, my D200 controls it without a commander flash, which makes it a no-brainer for me. I don't much like the diffusers. They tend to cut down the light a bit too much. Most people use scotch tape and forego them, but when I'm close, they put out really well.

If I have time to shoot something that's somewhat static, (like flowers for example), I can really get creative by removing the flashes from the ring and setting them around the subject to get the light I want. They really don't "flash" for distance though. You can get more by removing the diffusers and adjusting the flash to point straight out, but these don't really have much distance.

 

[Misled]

hicup

 

[Misled]

I'm getting too old.

 

[Misled]

hicup again

 

[dendronepthya]

Sure, but we're back to my first point. Hardly anyone shoots like "you." Everyone has their own style.

I agree with this. I've purchased and sold the 70-200 f/2.8L IS twice. For how I shoot, I could never justify ever taking it out of my bag and putting it on my camera. Thousands of photographers before me probably made their entire livelihood off of this lens.

 

[IPT]

tripod folded up and used like a monopod on a boat..

Hey Jeff -curious what your you're taking images of typically? Why are you shooting at F1.4? The only time I ever use an aperture like that is for night photography. Even the I try to stop down a hair if I can. I guess maybe for a portrait but rarely if ever do I use that F stop. Like Doug said, I too use a tripod as much as possible - even a cable release or timer if the shot allows for it.

If I am handheld I personally like the IS. hence why I am selling the non-is. Not that it is not a good lens, but the IS version gives me flexability if I need to "grab" a shot.

BTW, virtually all of my lenses are "L" quality and I use a 7D or 1Ds Mk3 body. I've never heard of an 80-200 lens (guess it's Nikon) and it doesn't suprise me that you find a prime lens sharper than the zoom. Most people feel that way. That said I have had several images published that were shot with a zoom lens. When it comes the sharpness technique is often what really makes the difference at the end of the day. You could have an $8000 lens and get soft images if you are not on the ball with your technique.

Jesse - love the butterfly image!

 

[Misled]

Thanks Louis, and yes the 80-200 is a Nikon lens. It's the earlier version of the 70-200 and is still made today. At half the cost of the 70-200, it can be a steal. Has the same quality glass as the 70-200 and built like a tank. All metal and very heavy.

 

[Jeff000]

Hey Jeff -curious what your you're taking images of typically? Why are you shooting at F1.4? The only time I ever use an aperture like that is for night photography. Even the I try to stop down a hair if I can. I guess maybe for a portrait but rarely if ever do I use that F stop. Like Doug said, I too use a tripod as much as possible - even a cable release or timer if the shot allows for it.

Portrait, commercial modeling, runway.
For 98+% of what I shoot a tripod is just in the way and helps for nothing. I need to be able to move.

Nice shot off a boat, my only experience shooting off a boat is desert storm on lake Havasu every year, and between the constant boat chop and full on waves coupled with the sheer speed of the boats even in the direct Arizona sun I was left wishing I had a couple extra stops to make up somewhere.
And then I have done a couple wake boarding shoots, the one I used a tripod mounted to the tower, but the other out of the chopper even with VR and a fig rig it was tough to shoot. Made me wish I had a $40,000 gyro stability system like the film guy was using.

Oh and the comment on the 80-200, yes it is an older Nikon lens, I don't own one anymore as it didn't survive a fall from a moving car (never put a lens down on top of a car people!) but I have a habit of calling my 70-200 a 80-200.

 

[Misled]

So I kind of understand why you love the 85 with what you shoot. With having to move and shooting the runway, I'd imagine it's weight, (or lack there of), makes it pretty much a no-brainer. The 105 is a pretty nice tele also, but it's still only 2.8. It does have a focus limiter to keep it out of the macro focusing range when using it as such.

Like Louis and Doug, I'm rarely below f8 unless I'm shooting to blur out a background. Normally I'm at 9.5-11. For shooting outdoors it tends to give a more natural look to things. The images have a more 3 dimensional look to them instead of looking flat.

 

[Jeff000]

So I kind of understand why you love the 85 with what you shoot. With having to move and shooting the runway, I'd imagine it's weight, (or lack there of), makes it pretty much a no-brainer. The 105 is a pretty nice tele also, but it's still only 2.8. It does have a focus limiter to keep it out of the macro focusing range when using it as such.

Like Louis and Doug, I'm rarely below f8 unless I'm shooting to blur out a background. Normally I'm at 9.5-11. For shooting outdoors it tends to give a more natural look to things. The images have a more 3 dimensional look to them instead of looking flat.

It's funny, because everyone once in a while I will try and take a nice landscape picture or something like that, but it always just looks meh, but it is because I try and shoot it like I shoot models. Which doesn't work. lol I'll have to remember to give F11ish a try next landscape attempt.
And ya the 85mm I can hold very steady too, with the battery grip it balances nice to keep it steady.