Nikon Nikkor 200mm f/4 AI Review

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Introduction

April 2007

This Nikon lens is an ultra compact 200mm telephoto lens, the lens provides dramatic 4X magnification compared to a 50mm lens.The weight and size of this lens should appeal to allot of photographers that don't want to lug around 20kg of equipment. Is this lens a oldie goldie?, read on to find out.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 5 elements in 5 groups

Picture Angle: 12°20 35mm

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: Built-in

Included accessories: ?

Size and weight: Dia68mm, Length 118mm, 520g

Diaphragm: 9 Straight blades

Price From: Discontinued

Price paid: $ 56 USD

Manufacturers web site:www.nikon.com

Positives

• Contrast, probably the best contrast I've seen in any lens.
  
• Sharp, this is actually sharper then the 80-200 AF-S @ 200mm f/4.
  
• Price @ 56$ this certainly is a bargain.
  
• Size, this lens is really compact

Drawbacks

• f/4, @ f/4 this lens is kind of slow.
• Can be hard to focus without a split image prism.

Verdict

I was really surprised about this lens, this is a excellent performer, probably the best contrast I`ve seen in any lens I`ve tried so far, it`s also a super sharp lens. If you compare it to the Nikon AF-S 80-200 f/2.8 @ f/4 200mm, I'd say the Nikkor 200mm f/4 is the better performer. This is a really good lens, I highly recommend it, getting this good optics for $56 USD is crazy. Get one while you can.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4.0D ED-IF From $1,629.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 200mm f/2.0G AF-S ED-IF VR. From $4,899.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 27, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.