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

Evaluation (maximum rating is 5)

Introduction

Positives

Drawbacks

Verdict

Alternatives

Sample Pictures

Introduction

The 80-200 AF-S is the 4th AF 80-200mm f/2.8 zoom from Nikon,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 degrees 10 minutes-12 degrees 20 minutes (35mm format),
20 degrees-8 degrees (Nikon DX format)

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.
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.

80-200 with hood

Removable tripod mount. I really like this Feature(especially since the lens is so heavy). you wont be able to use the tripod mount on this lens on a pro body(depends on tripod head),unless you use a teleconverter.
Tripod mount. The new tripod mount on this lens is way better then the one on the AF 80-200 f/2.8D ED

af-s tripod 80-200d tripod

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

Drawbacks

Heavy.This is a heavy piece of glass(weighs 200 grams more then the 80-200 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 my 80-200 f/2.8D in everything, except price maybe.
If you can get your hands on this lens for a fair price, it's a winner.