Nikon 70-200 VRI vs. VRII on a D700?

[erinag99]

I've been saving for a while to upgrade my Sigma 70-200 2.8 to the Nikon VRII sometime in this year (depending on when/if I sell the Sigma). Well, tonight an acquaintance offered to sell me her VRI for a *really* good price. (She's upgraded to the VRII)

Does anyone have experience with these 2 lenses on a D700?
I've read that the VRI better on DX bodies and the VRII is better on FX bodies, but I'd like to hear from anyone that has real experience with both or someone that's shot with the VRI on a FX/D700 body. At the price she's offering, I'm thinking I should jump on it, but I don't want to buy something I will be unhappy with. Opinions?

Thanks for the help!
Erin

[wwong]

If it is a *really* deal, what are you waiting for! Buy it and try. You can always resell.

[revjvegas]

Have you tried out the lens? Surely she'll let you test drive it.
If you can try it out and like it why not go for it if its a *really* good price.

I never owned the VR I, only just got the VR II and using it on my D90...and loving it. Though I did rent a VR I first and I cannot say I noticed any significant difference.

So that's .02 from someone with a DX body; wish I could give you an opinion from the FX side, but that's going to have to come a bit later :-)

[BigEasy]

Yes.. I have had all three Nikon 70-200 f2.8 lenses. The original is a great lens, but without VR. I loved my VRI, but when I went to the D700 it had horrible vignetting. I was so disapointed as it was such a great lens on my other rigs.

After much thought, I talked myself into the newer VRII. It was not a mistake!! In addition to the disappearance of vignetting... I think it is a superior lens in sharpness & focus speed.

[erinag99]

Thanks all. She's going to let me borrow it for a couple of weeks so I can see how it works on my D700. :)