Best sports lens

[Chris Calohan]

for the Nikon D7000. I would like to continue to shoot events like rodeos, baseball or soccer games, racing, etc. I see there are two Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lenses, and the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR
 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED. Is there really enough of a difference in performance to justify paying nearly $700 more for the later version?

Or, is there a better lens comparably priced that will get me the performance the 70-200 2.8 seems to achieve?

[Chris Calohan]

Figured with the DX format, the earlier version would be just as good. I also went with a 1.7 teleconverter and a new monopod.

[qwz]

Try Sigma 2.8/120-300mm

[jeremypayne]

Figured with the DX format, the earlier version would be just as good. I also went with a 1.7 teleconverter and a new monopod.

Yes ... The I own the original.  On DX, it is a true star.  On FX, it is GREAT up to about 135mm ... From 135-200 it is useless as a landscape lens, but just fine for portaits and sports where the corners don't matter.

I have shot it on both my D700 and a D300s.  Even with it's shortcomings, it is my most used lens.

From 135-200 on FX, the corners aren't just soft ... they are smeared ... Especially at 200.

I also use it with the 1.7 ... Which fixes the corner issue, but softens it overall.  Once you get to f8 and above, you get really nice performance with the TC.

[Chris Calohan]

I appreciate the suggestion but I have not had great results with the two Sigma lenses I've tried so they are not on my buy list.

Thanks Jeremy. Your endorsement has been shared by others in different places. I am much looking forward to working with this lens and converter.

[adelehmacca]

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens

[Chris Calohan]

I went with the 70-200 2.8 nikkor with 1.7 teleconverter and I love it...now if it would just stop raining so I could use the glass, I would be most happy.