Camera Labs

Thanks Thomas

Do you think the optical quality is significantly improved to sway a potential purchaser but?

If it is not a huge stride forward over the old lense, then it would make me re-consider purchasing the VR II.

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Nikon D700, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Future purchases: Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8G ED & AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D

I cannot speak from own experience with any other version, Colin.
But from what I've read and from my experience with the VRii I'd assume:
- You won't see a lot of difference between the VRii and the VRi on a D700.
- On full-frame with a higher resolution like 24MP or 36MP I think you would clearly see it
My advice: look at the lens like an investment: It will keep you company over a longer time than any body will. And as Megapixels are ever increasing the VRii should be more future-proof.

Hope that helps.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hi Thomas,

Apologies for my late reply..

Well I only purchased my D700 at the end of July, it could be a long time before I upgrade. If I do it will be to a D3, that really depends on how my career pans out with photography, plus the D700 might just be sufficient for my requirements, and the VR would suffice with the D700 then.

However another factor is pricing; since I read your review/thread for Q&A's I have saw a new VR II at AU $2'389, and a VR priced at US $1'600 excluding shipping/duty, so it might be prudent to purchase the VR II given the (in my opinion) slim price difference alone.

I agree with your last bit of advice with the lense out lasting the body of a camera, the megapixels increasing, and as you say to compensate for the loss of magnification, it is just a matter of standing a bit closer.

Thanks for that Thomas, yes very helpful.

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Nikon D700, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Future purchases: Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8G ED & AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D

Colin,

I'm in the same boat as you. I am looking for a 70-200mm for my D600 and I'm torn between the VR1 & VR2 versions. I've read that the VR1 is optically optimized for DX cameras (see photozone.de) and causes heavy vignetting on the FX format. Thomas' review of the VR2 shows what an excellent workhorse of a lens this is. I've searched online and seen used copies of the VR1 from $1500-$1700 US. With the VR2 running at $2400 US, I find it tempting to go with the VR1. But I keep asking myself if the savings are worth it.

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Nikon D600, 24-70mm f2.8, 35mm f1.8, 105mm f2.8
On the list: 70-20mm f2.8, 14-24mm f2.8, 16mm f2.8 fisheye, 45mm PC-E, 85mm f1.8

I would not go for the VR1. I did not own that version personally but from all that I've heard the better long-term investment is the VRii version.
Just look at it this way: If you use the VRii version 12 years and the VR1 version 8 years (because you find it necessary to update the VR1 earlier than the VRii) then the cost per year is equal for both lenses. You surely even get a better "used" price when selling the VRii over the VR1.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Tritons;

I had forgot about it being optimised for DX, but now you mention it I remember another member talking about this point.

Yes the review was excellent, thank you Thomas by the way.

Also as he has pointed out I think the VR I lense would be a worse choice on economics alone.

The price difference really isn't worth it, you're looking at pherhaps $500, plus you never really know the history of a used lense, quite a risk which is why I tend to buy new.

Also the overall optical improvement, the VR II is said to have better sharpness, colour, contrast, focusing is better and faster vs the magnification argument, well as pointed out it is just a matter of standing closer to a subject.

Ultimately when I was faced with the dilemma between these two versions I really didn't think I would be able to make my mind up either way, but now after chatting here, looking at what other members have said, and with Thomas pointing out some facts I will choose the VR II.

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Nikon D700, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Future purchases: Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8G ED & AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D