momentcorp.com Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Review

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

Evaluation (maximum rating is 5)

History

Positives

Drawbacks

Verdict

Alternatives

Sample Pictures

Introduction

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: $819.95 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.