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Nikkor 200mm F/4 AI Review

   
Nikkor 200mm f/4

 
Evaluation (maximum rating is 5)
features
performance
build
value
 
Introduction
Positives
Drawbacks
Verdict
Alternatives
Sample Pictures

Introduction


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, id 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.

Alternatives


Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4.0D ED-IF From $ 1,139.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 200mm f/2.0G AF-S ED-IF VR. From $ 3799.95 US

Sample Pictures



Camera: Nikon D2H
 




 

 

Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/4
D2H, Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/4 1/1500sec
Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/4
D2H, Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/4 1/ 640sec
Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/8
D2H, Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/8 1/350sec
Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/4
D2H, Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/4 1/2500sec
Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/5
D2H, Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/5 1/1500sec
Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/8
D2H, Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/8 1/640sec
Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/11
D2H, Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/11 1/320
Home
Nikkor 200mm f/4 compared
D2H, Nikkor 200mm f/4 @ f/4 1/320sec
Nikkor 80-200 AF-S @ f/4 200mm
D2H, 80-200mm AF-S @ f/4 1/400sec -1 EV
The reason for the -1 EV, is a fault in my D2H.
© 2007 Fredrik A. Rasmussen. All rights reserved.