Belmont and the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8G ED

[belmont]

Hi there,

I finally got my 24-70 two weeks ago (part one for the holy trinity) and did some test-photos. Unfortunately I cannot make my night-pictures at the moment due to very foggy nights here in Vienna, so I tested it when my daughter had H1N1 and I went to the playground with my son for him to get some fresh air.

Don't worry, she's already fine again, this virus is much less harmful than the media made us believe.

As for the lens - it's a dream. Though I miss VR a bit (because it's so huge compared to my before "ever-on", the 35-70 f/2.8), it is veeeery sharp. Bokeh is also very nice. But honestly, I was expecting nothing less. Paid EUR 1.559,- for it and I'd be damned if it isn't worth it

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

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... and some more

[d50200]

oh very cute kid and the picture is so sharp! I love the colors too!
You must be happy with your 24-70 lens

[belmont]

yes I am, but yesterday my 70-200 VR1 came (first I wanted the VR2 but due to the problems I bought the older model) and this makes me even more happy

[d50200]

oh and nice to hear your daughter recovered so fast from H1N1!

[yellow15]

Love the colours and sharpness.

Your son is very cute. how old is he?

Just wondering what are the problems of the VR2 that makes you buy the first version instead?
is it just 200mm not equal to 200mm? or the (lack of) center sharpness? or?

[velvia_world]

belmont,
Good to hear that your daughter got over the H1N1. The photos are sharp and with wonderful colors and bokeh. I'm still using my 35-70mm f/2.8, it's my dependable one. What are the issues on the 70-200mm VRII? Are you experiencing any vignetting on the 70-200mm VRI on your D700?
vw

[belmont]

My twins are 2 years and 7 months old.

And as for the VR2. I was waiting since July for it and a few days, bevor my retailer had it in stock I learned of the "shorter" problem, which I fear will affect it's bokeh. So all the months of wait were unnecessary, because I ended up bying the VR1 on Thursday.

But as far as I know, the VR2 is a bit sharper @ f/2.8, has better corner sharpness and vignetting has been almost eliminated. But I think it's bokeh is a bit "disturbed".

And there is some vignetting on D700 with VR1. But it's not as bad as you might think. Maybe I'll post some of my first pix made with it tonight.

greetz

[yellow15]

yes 70-200 VR has vignetting problem on FX cameras but it's nothing serious and i personally have never complained about it. I just love the bokeh, AF speed and colour from my 70-200VR.

[CTM]

I just got back from a short holiday, and the 70-200 was pretty much on my D700 the entire time! From landscape to portraits. Those photos are to come.....

I don't see a real need to get the VR2 over the VR1 especially considering the price. I am very happy with my 70-200.

[wrong]

nice photos! love the skintone, looks so natural