Lets post something new today! I know you don’t see me post any sports photo and that’s because I don’t do much sports photography. Most of the photos I have that pertains to sports are mostly portraits of players. But today, after my workshop, I decided to test my newly acquired lens which is the old-school bad ass Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 lens.
I happened to pass by a football game near the place where I parked. So I took the opportunity to take some action shots during the game. Honestly, I don’t know how to play American Football since it’s not a common sport here in the Philippines but what the heck! I was there to shoot and that’s it!
They say, the Nikon 80-200 2.8 lens is not a really a good lens for sports because of its slow focusing compared to the Nikon 70-200 2.8 and also it doesn’t have VR. But while I was shooting I didn’t even notice that. I say its still good for sport or moving subjects. The focusing speed is tolerable, its not even slow! You just have to use your brain and compensate with your settings. Sharpness? Ofcourse its Nikon and its a pro lens, top of its class during its time so that’s not even a question! VR? Who needs it? All my lenses doesn’t have VR so I’m used to it. If there’s not much ambient light, then I guess you just have to bump up that ISO and appreciate the grain that comes with it! It doesn’t hurt!
Conclusion: The Nikon 80-200 2.8 lens is really a superb lens. Also, for a Pro Lens, its really affordable. Its half the price of the Nikon 70-200 2.8 but as sharp! Focusing speed of this lens for me is not an issue especially for my style of shooting. If VR is not an issue for you, then I suggest you settle for this one.
(Above are sample shots using this lens. All of it are shot at f2.8)
