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

---

Introduction

Updated August 17, 2008.

The Nikon 80-200mm AF-S is the 4th AF 80-200mm f/2.8 zoom from Nikon. It was the first one to feature the silent-wave motor. A major upgrade in itself. With this lens you don't have to worry about touching the focus ring as you use AF, you can actually override the Auto focus, without damaging the lens. It also features focus lock, three buttons around the lens, which you use to stop the AF, a brilliant feature. It also feature a new optical formula, 18 elements in 14 groups(5 ED), compared to 16 elements in 11 groups(3 ED) from the 80-200 f/2.8D. This lens focuses about 20% faster then its predecessor, the 80-200 f/2.8D(on a pro body, in this case the D2H). This lens is razor sharp

Specifications

Lens Construction: 18 elements in 14 groups (5 ED)

Picture Angle: 30° 10 12° 20 (35mm)

Filter Size: 77mm

Nikon Lens Hood: HB-17 (included)

Size and weight: Length 8.1 in, Weight 1725g

Diaphragm: 9-bladed with circular blades

Price from: $ discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Sharp. This is one of the sharpest lenses I've used, this and the 17-35 f/2.8 is top notch.
• Fast. The AF-S works really good,and its about 20% faster then the old version(depends on camera).
• Focus lock. I know a lot of people don't use this, but if you get used to it, you will see this is a great feature.
• Lens Hood.The new and improved lens hood really works.
• Removable tripod mount. I really like this Feature(especially since the lens is so heavy)

80-200AF-S tripod VS 80-200D tripod

Drawbacks

• Heavy.This is a heavy piece of glass(weighs 200 grams more then the 80-200mm f/2.8D)
• Expensive. Even second hand this lens sells for quite a bit, then again you are paying for quality.

Verdict

I really like this lens, it outperforms the Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8D in everything, except price maybe. Not much more to say about this lens, performance is outstanding. If you can get your hands on this lens for a fair price, it's a winner. The AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8 does not have any problems on the FX format, like the newer 70-200mm f/2.8 VR.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikon AF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR. Price From: $524.95 USD

Nikon AF 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX. Price From: $679.95 USD

Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8 ED AF-D Price From: $1,049.95 USD

Nikon AF 70-200mm f/2.8D G-AFS ED-IF VR. Price From: $1,869.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 21, 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.