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Nikon 70-200 Vr 1 Vs Vr2: Which One Is The Better Lens For You?

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • The VR1 lens has a first-generation VR system, while the VR2 lens has a second-generation VR system.
  • However, if you’re a professional photographer or a serious enthusiast who needs the best possible image quality and performance, the VR2 lens is the better choice.
  • The VR2 lens is better for wildlife photography than the VR1 lens because of its faster autofocus system and more effective VR system.

The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 is a popular lens among photographers of all levels, and for good reason. It’s a versatile lens that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from portraiture to wildlife photography. But with two different versions of the lens available, the VR 1 and the VR2, which one is right for you?

In this blog post, we’ll take a close look at the Nikon 70-200 VR 1 and VR2 lenses, comparing their features, performance, and price. We’ll also help you decide which lens is the best choice for your needs.

VR 1 vs VR2: What’s the Difference?

The Nikon 70-200 VR 1 and VR2 lenses are very similar in many ways. They both have the same focal length range, the same maximum aperture, and the same minimum focusing distance. However, there are a few key differences between the two lenses that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

1. Vibration Reduction

The most obvious difference between the VR 1 and VR2 lenses is the VR system. The VR1 lens has a first-generation VR system, while the VR2 lens has a second-generation VR system. The second-generation VR system is more effective at reducing camera shake, which can be helpful for shooting in low-light conditions or when using a tripod.

2. Autofocus

The VR2 lens also has a faster autofocus system than the VR1 lens. This can be a significant advantage for photographers who shoot fast-moving subjects, such as wildlife or sports.

3. Build Quality

The VR2 lens is also better built than the VR1 lens. It has a more robust construction and is weather-sealed, which means it can be used in harsh weather conditions.

4. Price

The VR2 lens is more expensive than the VR1 lens. The price difference is typically around $200-$300.

Which Lens is Right for You?

The best lens for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re a casual photographer who doesn’t need the latest and greatest features, the VR1 lens is a good option. It’s a solid lens that will produce great results.

However, if you’re a professional photographer or a serious enthusiast who needs the best possible image quality and performance, the VR2 lens is the better choice. It has a more effective VR system, a faster autofocus system, and a better build quality.

In a nutshell: Nikon 70-200 VR 1 vs VR2

Ultimately, the best way to decide which lens is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer. You can do this by renting the lenses from a camera store or by borrowing them from a friend. Once you’ve had a chance to use both lenses, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which one to purchase.

Common Questions and Answers

  • Q: Which lens is sharper, the VR1 or VR2?

A: The VR2 lens is generally considered to be sharper than the VR1 lens, especially at the telephoto end of the focal length range.

  • Q: Which lens has better autofocus, the VR1 or VR2?

A: The VR2 lens has a faster and more accurate autofocus system than the VR1 lens.

  • Q: Which lens is better in low-light conditions, the VR1 or VR2?

A: The VR2 lens has a more effective VR system than the VR1 lens, which makes it better suited for shooting in low-light conditions.

  • Q: Which lens is better for wildlife photography, the VR1 or VR2?

A: The VR2 lens is better for wildlife photography than the VR1 lens because of its faster autofocus system and more effective VR system.

  • Q: Which lens is better for sports photography, the VR1 or VR2?

A: The VR2 lens is better for sports photography than the VR1 lens because of its faster autofocus system and more effective VR system.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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