80-200 f2.8

I own the AF-D version of this lens that I bought used at Christmas time. I've been thinking about upgrading and have been considering the 70-200 but also the 80-200 AF-S. Recently, I realized that the AF-S version of the 80-200 isn't produced any longer.

This seems strange to me. Why would Nikon create an AF-S version of this lens, then stop making it and begin to offer only the AF-D version? Is the used AF-D version I currently have (2-ring) the same as the newest version?

What's up with that?  

 

Paul, I noticed on that link you provided that it says the optics were improved. So I guess that indicates it is better than the previous AF-D version. So then I wonder if the current version has still the same optics as the AFS version or did they improve them once again. ??

I'm not convinced I need VR but maybe I'll borrow Gale's and see what it does. Saving a little bit of $ is always a good thing. Also I keep reading reports of poor performance of the 70-200 and D2X but don't know if that's just the minority speaking loudly. I'd rather have AF-S than not.

 

Well, that's encouraging!   I've been very happy with the results of my 80-200. I have an opportunity to earn some extra $ shooting sports and now that I've had the chance to use an AF-S lens, I hate to think of "trying to manage" without the added speed. I think I'm becoming a focus snob now, if there is such a thing.  

Anyway, you know what I mean. I appreciate eveyrone's feedback. It's great to have a resource such as this to bounce ideas.