In article <3332f77f.25605815@news.lightspeed.net>, rshiell@bak2.lightspeed.net says...
>On 21 Mar 1997 13:42:15 GMT, d_ruether@hotmail.com (Bob Neuman) wrote:
>>In article <3331e886.175156@news.wwa.com>, teknoman@wwa.com says...

>>>Can someone tell me their thoughts on obtaining best results for Macro
>>>shots with a Nikkor 80-200 f2.8.
>>>ie. tubes...?

>>I would recommend using virtually any other lens instead for
>>macro work (why use such a big/heavy/awkward lens, especially
>>if you use a tripod or flash for macro exposures...?). If you
>>must do it, tubes will not work well with this lens zoomed to
>>200mm (it isn't even especially sharp at 200mm at minimum
>>focus *without* tubes..., though it is a wonder lens otherwise
>>in the sharpness department). I would try a 77 -> 62mm step-down
>>ring and a Nikon 6T achromat on it (though it may vignette...),
>>or a 77 -> 72mm ring and the Canon achromat. Use small stops.
>>Better yet, don't use this lens for macro - buy a cheap used
>>Nikkor compact-version 200mm f4 and use tubes/converters/achromats
>>(even altogether) on it - that works well and it can be very
>>sharp at f11 or so.
>>Hope This Helps

>Well, `Bob', I disagree with just about everything you wrote.
>
>I use the 80-200/2.8 Nikkor with a Canon 77mm 500D two-element diopter
>for all my closeup photography nowadays; although I also carry a
>105/2.8 Micro Nikkor it's only marginally sharper and much more
>unweildy to use, as it must be moved back and forth to give the
>desired composition, whereas the zoom/diopter combo makes
>compositional adjustments a pleasure.

I don't think we disagree, we are referring to different versions
of the same lens (which I should have mentioned) - the earlier
version (which I have) is VERY awkward on a tripod (or hand-held
with the addition of flash gear...), the latter (with tripod
socket) may work well on a tripod (with the Canon achromat, which
I suggested) - and I trust we agree with the advice against using
tubes with this lens, at least when used near the long end of its
range (where its close-focus performance is not stellar...).
Of course, using small stops can be a great image-quality
equalizer...

>If someone owns an f2.8 zoom then I'd say they should definitely use
>it with a two-element diopter for closeup work. I've sold dozens of
>images made with this setup, including a two-page spread in last
>year's autumn Sunset Garden Guide.
>
>A 1.4x teleconverter can be added to the lens for closer focusing. Of
>course, magnification above 1:1 is best attained with a true macro
>lens or reversed lens.
>
>The `D' version of the 80-200/2.8 seriously vignettes when a 62mm
>filter is attached via a step-down ring; I would strongly advise
>against using such a setup. However, the older non-D version didn't
>vignette with a 5T or 6T diopter.
>
>Richard Shiell, ASLA, Horticultural Photographer

Hope This Helps