Nikon Zoom Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Review

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Introduction

January 2007

The Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED is one of two high-speed tele zooms in the current Nikon lens lineup.This lens got upgraded to a two- ring version, and it also don't have a rotating front element(big plus if you use pola filters, or graduated filters) The lens is nicely balanced in your hand,and you can feel the pro quality of the lens.This is a lens built to last.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 16 elements in 11 groups (3 ED)

Picture Angle: 30 degrees 10 minutes-12 degrees 20 minutes (35mm format),
20 degrees-8 degrees (Nikon DX format)

Filter Size: 77mm

Nikon Lens Hood: HB-7 (not included)

Size and weight: Length 7.6", Weight 2.84 lb(1300g)

Diaphragm: 9-bladed with straight blades

Price from: $869.95 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Sharp. This lens gives sharp and crisp images, slightly softer then the AF-S version, but at half the price its nothing to complain about
• Price. Compared to the 70-200 f/2.8G ED IF AF-S VR @ USD 1,569.95(imported) this is a bargain
• Weight. weighs 200 grams less then the newer f/2.8 lens

Drawbacks

• Tripod collar. on a pro body(F5 D2h/x) your not going to be able to mount the lens on a tripod with the body attached(depends on the tripod head)
• Lens hood. Lens hood is not included.
• MF switch. This should be handled carefully,as it get "loose" easy.My lens is still as new, after 3 years of rough handling, and it doesn't show any problems of the MF switch. I've seen this on other second hand versions tough.

Verdict

Despite the Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED is a bit old, this is a great lens both mechanically as well as optically. It also has a nice price tag on it. Pro quality lenses can cost less then a 1000 USD after all. Peak performance is f/4-f/11. This lens is slightly softer then the newer replacements, not something you will see unless you compare them side by side tough. Well known is the problem with the 70-200mm VR on a FX sized Nikon Dslr. This lens does not show the same problem, and can be used without problems on a D3, D700 and the D3X.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Price from: $869.95 USD

Alternatives

Nikon AF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR. Price From: $469.95 USD

Nikon AF 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX. Price From: $649.95 USD

Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S (discontinued)

Nikon AF 70-200mm f/2.8D G-AFS ED-IF VR. Price From: $1,579.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from AUgust 17, 2008.

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.

Nikon D2H, Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 @ 86mm 1/1000 f/10

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