My current camera is a Nikon D7000. This past weekend I borrowed a 70-200 f2.8 Tamron lens to use for shooting my daughter's softball tournament. I had a good amount of fun, and all the parents were super happy with the results. I have never had the need for this type of lens before, so which one do I want to buy?

It will be used mainly for the purpose stated above. I am 100% amateur. I am doing this for fun and to help provide some memories for our team. The vast majority of the pics will end up being viewed on computers and phones and posted on social media. Rarely will one by printed.

I know the new models of Tamron and Sigma are about $1,300. The Nikon is more than twice that. And B&H has what I assume are some older models from Tamron and Sigma listed below $1000. And the old Nikon is in the $1,200-$1,700 range.

Exactly which ones should I be comparing?

Here are some examples from this weekend that I want to capture more of in the future:

I shot high school sports with an older model of this lens, and it was an outstanding value. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. It's a Tokina 70-200 f2.8.

https://www.keh.com/shop/tokin...ns-for-nikon-77.html

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Huffman:
I shot high school sports with an older model of this lens, and it was an outstanding value. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. It's a Tokina 70-200 f2.8.

https://www.keh.com/shop/tokin...ns-for-nikon-77.html

Wow! That price seems almost too good to be true. I'll check it out.

How about a used version?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c...Search=&usedSearch=1

I have purchased used lenses from KEH and their rating system is beyond reproach. Their best ranked items are basically as new. The Nikon lenses are tailored to your camera and I have found them to be a rank above the non brand lenses. B&H is also good to go but may be just a little more expensive.
Remember, camera bodies tend to get replaced as the technology improves but the lenses can be used for many years. Tripods are pretty much forever if you buy a good one.

quote:

Originally posted by steve495:
How about a used version?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c...Search=&usedSearch=1

That’s what I have. Amazingly rugged and super sharp. Not sure why it was discontinued You could hurt somebody with this thing.

Holdum, if you can find one I think you’ll enjoy it more than aftermarket glass - real glass.

quote:

Originally posted by steve495:
How about a used version?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c...Search=&usedSearch=1

I agree that a lightly used Nikon could be a good option. Try KEH, the gods of used camera gear. When KEH says "excellent condition" they mean what anyone else would call "like new." Very reliable.

That said, BHP is a good outfit, but I haven't bought used equipment from them.

Having just dumped all my Nikon gear, you want to stay with the native lens. If you can find a VR model, first gen, you won’t be sorry. Along with KEH, also check out Roberts Camera in Indianapolis and MPB.com. MPB might still have mine that I sold them.

Here’s a nice VR II model...
https://www.mpb.com/en-us/used...ed-vr-ii/sku-766516/

VR model or not, is your call. I've shot with Nikon glass since 1989, for a living. The VR really doesn't do all that much for action photos, as you will be at a high shutter speed to begin with (or, you should be).
The best (IMHO) version of the 70-200 was actually the old 80-200 that was push-pull in operation. I LOVED that lens. Dropped it off the top of a semi tanker truck one day on assignment, and that was that.
Of the new ones...anything with a "D" in it is good, in my book. You will get great enjoyment and use out of a 70-200. Very versatile.

The Nikon 2.8 70-200VR is worth it. I owned one for many years and sold it because I wasn’t shooting much sports anymore.

The sigma and tamrons that I tried just were no comparison to the Nikon fast glass.

Do older Nikon lenses work with the newer cameras? If so I have a Nikon I could do an instant Karma to you. It's a AF Nikkor 75-300mm, 1:4,5-5.6 Quantaray 62mm 1A lens on the front of it, cannot tell it from new.

quote:

Originally posted by wreckdiver:
Do older Nikon lenses work with the newer cameras? If so I have a Nikon I could do an instant Karma to you. It's a AF Nikkor 75-300mm, 1:4,5-5.6 Quantaray 62mm 1A lens on the front of it, cannot tell it from new.

That is a very generous offer, but I already have a Nikon 55-300 f4.5-5.6 lens. I really want the speed and shallow of depth of field offered by the f2.8 lens. Thank you very much though!

The old Nikons are beautiful lenses. Stretch for a used one and enjoy.

From my old 70-200.
OOPS

quote:

Originally posted by holdem:

quote:

Originally posted by wreckdiver:
Do older Nikon lenses work with the newer cameras? If so I have a Nikon I could do an instant Karma to you. It's a AF Nikkor 75-300mm, 1:4,5-5.6 Quantaray 62mm 1A lens on the front of it, cannot tell it from new.

That is a very generous offer, but I already have a Nikon 55-300 f4.5-5.6 lens. I really want the speed and shallow of depth of field offered by the f2.8 lens. Thank you very much though!

An 18-300 or 55-300 will probably be my next lens. With my 55-200 I found myself wanting more zoom at the F1 race 2 weekends ago.

The Nikon 18-300 f3.5 is $1k new

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Huffman:
I shot high school sports with an older model of this lens, and it was an outstanding value. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. It's a Tokina 70-200 f2.8.

https://www.keh.com/shop/tokin...ns-for-nikon-77.html

Quite a few not so good reviews here on that lens

http://www.fredmiranda.com/rev...duct.php?product=237

Also, putting that full frame lens on a crop frame camera means it will no longer be a 70-200 but will be equivalent to a 105-300.

I was in the same position (different reasons, but wanting a fast 70-200 in the Nikon system) and bought the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8.

In tests, it is optically every bit as good as the Nikon, and it is half the price as well as smaller and lighter.

I have been completely pleased with the lens. I am not new to good glass and could have afforded the Nikon lens. I have the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 and several other top-quality lenses I use on a D800, plus about $10k in micro four thirds equipment.

Haunt the local pawn shops for cheap photo gear. Take your camera along and fit the lens to it to ensure it works properly.

I've got the trinity (15-30, 24-70, 70-200) all in Tamron for my Nikon D7100 and D750. I've been very happy with them.

quote:

Originally posted by mikeyspizza:

Also, putting that full frame lens on a crop frame camera means it will no longer be a 70-200 but will be equivalent to a 105-300.

For shooting sports, that's not necessarily a bad thing. I shot sports for the local paper for 5-6 years, and sold many a photo to parents on the side. I had a 300 f4 Nikon that was a great lens but needed the f2.8 because of the lighting situation. The Tokina was a great alternative to paying full boat for the Nikon.

At the risk of stepping out of line in the wrong forum- I have an old 80-200 F2.8 AF-D lens that I need to sell. Was going to send it to Adorama...

This lens: https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200.htm

Not AF-S so it won’t work on my D5500, but your D7000 should focus it just fine.

In like new condition. All the goodies including the original box. I bought it 10+ years ago when I had more money than sense.