70-200 2.8, 1.4TC, and 70-300 Comparison

[tirediron]

Hardly a scientific comparison, but out of personal interest, I did a quick comparison between my 70-200 f2.8 (with and without 1.4 TC) and my 70-300 f4-5.6. All images were shot at f8, and are 100% crops (centre of image and upper, RH corner) of RAW images converted to 800x600 .jpgs. The results I have to admit are nowhere near as dramatic as I expected. (Edited to add: All Nikkor lenses)


70 - 200 @ 200mm
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/...200_centre.jpg
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/...200_corner.jpg


70 - 200 @ 200mm w/ 1.4TC
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/..._TC_centre.jpg
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/..._TC_corner.jpg


70 - 200 @ 143mm w/ 1.4TC
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/...143_centre.jpg
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/...143_corner.jpg


70 - 300 @ 300mm
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/...300_centre.jpg
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/...300_corner.jpg


70 - 300 @ 200mm
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/...200_centre.jpg
http://www.johnsphotography.ca/hold/...200_corner.jpg

(Posted as links 'cause of the four-image limit )

Thoughts? Observations?

[Lovin]

I would like to see some photos with a 70-300 f/4.0 by Zuiko (Olympus), to compare with the Nikkor ones. The Zuiko had 3 ED lens, comparing with Nikkor, only 2 ED, and is cheaper than Nikkor.
I wanna see just for my documentation.

[Travis]

but i didn't see a comparison of how the lenses matched up at 2.8...


It's kinda hard to compare when you have to keep punching different links...

but at F8 there really shouldn't be much difference between the two...

the consumer 70-300 is also one of nikons big time keepers.... it has a cult following over at the nikon forum...

thing is f8 is really the starting point for that lens where as the 70-200 starting point is f4.... it's even optically acceptable at 2.8....

I could make images pop nicely from f7 to f11 with 18-200 and the 55-200.. the 55-200 in another great deal.... super sharp and cheap..

however when it comes to structure the consumer line is a bit questionable... see how loose and weak the barrel is when extended? doesn't look like it'd take much to shift an element and throw everything outta whack.... maybe not a big issue if you shoot every third sunday, but if your out there often i doubt they have the staying power..

kinda like being a mechanic and using jobmate tools...

[tirediron]

but i didn't see a comparison of how the lenses matched up at 2.8...

Well, since the 70-300 starts at F4...

It's kinda hard to compare when you have to keep punching different links...

Talk to the management about that one...

but at F8 there really shouldn't be much difference between the two...

That was sort of my point; compare the lenses in their sweet range. Of course the 70-200 is going to smoke most consumer glass wide open, but I wanted to see if or how much difference there was in their working range.

the consumer 70-300 is also one of nikons big time keepers.... it has a cult following over at the nikon forum...

thing is f8 is really the starting point for that lens where as the 70-200 starting point is f4.... it's even optically acceptable at 2.8....

I could make images pop nicely from f7 to f11 with 18-200 and the 55-200.. the 55-200 in another great deal.... super sharp and cheap..

however when it comes to structure the consumer line is a bit questionable... see how loose and weak the barrel is when extended? doesn't look like it'd take much to shift an element and throw everything outta whack.... maybe not a big issue if you shoot every third sunday, but if your out there often i doubt they have the staying power..

kinda like being a mechanic and using jobmate tools...

[Travis]

mtf charts on dpreview show the 70-200 being sharpest at F4... this somewhat surprised me...

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/..._n15/page4.asp

maybe you need to redo the test with the 70-200 at f4.....

I have a whole whack of newsprint tests if you want them...

I'm having a problem with my 70-200 when mounted with the 1.7 tele... unacceptable softness when fully extended and stopped down (f6.3)...

the problem only occurs when focus is at or near infinity..... hence my indoor newsprint tests showed the combo razor sharp 2.8 onwards....

this has been frustrating to diagnose and i'm still not there....... maybe i should just buy 70-300...

[tirediron]

I have a whole whack of newsprint tests if you want them...

Sure

I'm having a problem with my 70-200 when mounted with the 1.7 tele... unacceptable softness when fully extended and stopped down (f6.3)...

Odd; any chance its wear in the mechanism?

[Barefoot]

Forgive me for butting in, but I’m trying to follow your line of discussion and asking myself if you may be experiencing issues of front or back focus.

As you are both users of the D300 and discussing issues of sharpness in a particular lens or lenses, I was wondering why nether of you have yet to mention the AF calibration function available in the D300.

[tirediron]

Perhaps; I've certainly seen no focus issues with my body or lenses, but that could relate to Travis' problem...

[Travis]

Forgive me for butting in, but I’m trying to follow your line of discussion and asking myself if you may be experiencing issues of front or back focus.

As you are both users of the D300 and discussing issues of sharpness in a particular lens or lenses, I was wondering why nether of you have yet to mention the AF calibration function available in the D300.

Thing is with the front/back focus adjustment... it only works with if the lens is front/back focusing throughout the entire zoom and focus range. Mines only out at extended zoom and focus, any adjustments i make on the long end will put the short end O.O.F.

Both the tele and the 70-200 are six months new so I doubt wear is the issue.

Tirediron shoot me your email if you actually wants my newspaper shoots. I have them for 70mm, 135, 200mm f2.8 f4 f7 with the tele on and off. Just for kicks I also tested the 50mm 1.8, Nikor 24-70 2.8, Sigma macro 105mmAperture and the Tokina 12-24. And sorry to hijack your thread.