First test shot with my (new to me) lens

[00SS]

I just picked up a mint condition Nikkor ED 80-200 2.8 D - so far I adore this lens, and i've only taken a handfull of test shots with it.

Over the last few weeks I have taken numerous shots of these flowers (whatever they are they live a long time). Anyway, went somewhere different with the processing.. thanks for taking a look.
http://devinheywood-photography.smugmug.com/Abstract/Abstract/valentines-stuff-7/785542249_G4KTb-L.jpg (http://devinheywood-photography.smugmug.com/Abstract/Abstract/10137580_eXnbj#785542249_G4KTb-A-LB)

Devin

[black mamba]

Hi Devin,

I like your treatment with this shot. I might like a little tighter crop on the flowers, but I'm not sure. It's a striking photo. Very well done.

Tom

[Azzaro]

Hi Devin.......Well done....I really like it......I have been trying to decide if I want to buy a Nikon 80x200mm 2.8 or not......I think that your picture did it... BUY...... Does the weight bother you ???? azzaro

[00SS]

Hi Devin,

I like your treatment with this shot. I might like a little tighter crop on the flowers, but I'm not sure. It's a striking photo. Very well done.

Tom

Thanks Tom - I tried a tighter crop.. but felt it needed a bit more of the black dead space for some reason :dunno

[00SS]

Hi Devin.......Well done....I really like it......I have been trying to decide if I want to buy a Nikon 80x200mm 2.8 or not......I think that your picture did it... BUY...... Does the weight bother you ???? azzaro

Hi Azzaro, thanks for the nice comment. I wasn't sure how I would like the push/pull (second gen on this one) instead of the ring version.. but it grew on me rather quickly. my thoughts so far;

It is a bit heavy, but other factors make it very worth the weight. It has a very fast focus (even in low light) and feels fairly balanced with the grip on my D80. It is also a tiny bit noisy, but no more than other lenses i've tried, that didn't have near the quality (not to mention 2.8 thru the whole range).
Overall, i'm very happy with it, next is a 1.4 TC in my near future for these hawks i've been missing :clap