Nikon 70-200mm VR?

Sorry for another lens question, but I got to thinking about a previous thought, the one of the 80-200mm f2.8. The minimum focusing distance was 6 feet, so that would likely bring some problems. The Sigma was another choice, but I heard it did not do so well at f2.8.

Anyway, someone was going to loan me $700 for the 70-200mm VR. My question is, would this be a dumb choice?

I'm just starting out, and really just finding myself right now. I'm looking into freelance photography, and just take it from there. Would it be wise for me to jump right into a professional lens? Or would it be better to start out slow? The 70-200mm is everything I want, so I would not have to compromise for speed or image quality. What do you think? Thanks for any suggestions.

Like I said, I was between the Nikon 80-200mm for:

Image quality, sharp at the maximum aperture. The downside is its minimum focusing distance is 6 feet.

My other choice was the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8, becuase:

Faster auto focus, minimum focusing distance is 39 inches. The downside is, at the maximum aperture, the image quality is soft. Also, the finish can be scraped off with a fingernail.

The 70-200mm has a good minimum focusing distance, great image quality, fast auto focus, not to mention the VR function. In my mind, it takes the best of the 80-200mm Nikkor, and the best of the Sigma 70-200mm HSM, and combines them into one. This is what I really need, but I'm wondering if the $1700 price would be a wise choice for a photographer who is not a professional, but trying to be. All I need is a good lens.

I know nothing of your financial abilities, so I will only address the lens as a choice. This might be the BEST zoom that Nikon makes. It would not be a dumb idea to own the lens.

I think there are 35 user reviews on B&H and 35 out of 35 gave this lens five stars.

If you KNOW you want this lens, you might be wasting money on an intermediate lens that would only delay your ability to purchase the 70-200.

Well, when you get it, come back and tell us all about it. I'd love to replace my 18-200 VR with this lens, but then again... Sometimes it's nice to use the 18-200 for casual shooting. Report It

There are no dumb choices ... If you need those focal lengths, then you need the lens.

Since your lenses are the most long lasting investment (decades) and your camera has to be replaced every three to four years. Buying third-party lenses are not that good a deal in the long run ... especially since the savings is so small over a decade or so.

That said, you will have to have at least two other lenses to cover assignments .. something like the 24-70mm and 12-24mm (just suggestions based upon my many years freelancing)