Meanwhile, this is 70-200 VR become an integral part of my camera bag and a week with my excursions with this, although it is hard fucking, especially in several hours by foot marches in the mountains or in the desert (or both - who says that a desert Be Flat must). I need namely 3 lenses to replace one.
So far I have not yet abandoned this telephoto. Focus is lightning fast, the VR jumps when you need him (dim light, shade or inside buildings or caves). The bokeh is nice. And of course the pictures are sharp.
Yes, the Randabdunkelung (vignetting) has been very clear, but can be quickly and automatically in Lightroom fix. Since I shoot only RAW, I see little problem here.
This telephoto zoom lens provides high-contrast, sharp photos and good Bokeh with quick, very precise focus and good handling. It is ideal for portraits as well as landscapes, animals or birds (if those are close enough or large enough). What more do you want?
Compared to the 80-200 / 2.8: Both have a good look, because the VR does not get out much. However, the 70-200 VR provides a faster and more reliable focus, while the 80-200er shows no significant Randabdunkelung. The biggest advantage of 70-200er is the VR, which really makes a huge amount of. That is why my switch to the 70-200 / 2.8 VR.
Compared to the 70-300 VR: Well, actually there's not much to compare. Also, the 70-300 is very sharp, but the bokeh is problematic. Even with the exposure it skin not always go as it should (the 70-300er tends sometimes to slight overexposure). The 70-300er is also a fair-weather lens, so can not be used in low light conditions, and certainly not as sports, wildlife or birds. The only reason I have not yet sold the 70-300er, its compact size and light weight - so a travel lens. For the 70-200er for most people is likely to be too large and too heavy. In short - quality from the 70-200er is better by far.
Compared with the 180 / 2.8: The 180 / 2.8er is a top lens with excellent optics, yet compact masses. But it can not yet replace neither the focal length range of 70-200er (and its flexibility) the VR, the sharp photos even in low light conditions allow. As much as I like the 180, the 70-200er is simply more practical. The combination with a 105 / 2.5 or 85 / 1.4 (as examples) is not enough to make up for the advantage of flexibility 70-200er. For some, this flexibility may not play a role that should draw in any case also fixed focal lengths into consideration.
Conclusion: if you can live with the Randabdunkelung, for it is a versatile super-objective. Hence the 5 stars. For cameras with AFC sensor also the problem of Randabdunkelung falls away.
Suitable for:
Portraits
Sports
Landscape (who comes with the Randabdunkelung cope)
Animals and birds (in most cases, but too short to full-frame, unless you come get close)
Trip to the zoo (thus but one captures more attention than the apes)
