Superb telephoto-zoom lens for sports and nature photography. 3 ED glass elements for high resolution and high contrast even at maximum apertures. Mai
Superb telephoto-zoom lens for sports and nature photography. 3 ED glass elements for high resolution and high contrast even at maximum apertures. Maintains fast f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range.
Incorporates Autofocus and Internal Focusing technology. D-type lens technology provides distance information to select Nikon digital and film SLR cameras. ED glass for sharp pictures.
This is a great lens! Sharp, clear and well built. I took a photo (handheld) of a moving buffalo cow with my D80 from about 150 feet away in the evening sun and when I enlarged it on my computer, I could clearly see her individual eyelashes hairs. Best telephoto zoom I've ever used and the last I'll ever need to buy.
I have learned to only use it on a tripod or monopod - or rest it on something stable. To me, it would be a waste to handhold a lens with such great optical sharpness (although at a high enough shutter speed you can do it), and well, it is a heavy lens. The pod mounting ring is handy and sturdy.
This, in my opinion, is not a good walk around lens, and I don't think I'd take it on an overseas vacation. . The 18-135mm kit lens is actually really good for that. But if you have a definite, light sensitive, mission in mind and a midrange zoom telephoto is what you need, I don't think you could find a better value.
Strengths:
Optically sharp.
Well built.
Significantly less expensive than its 70-200mm VR descendent.
Comes with a sturdy storage case.
Five year Nikon USA warranty.
Weaknesses:
Heavy.
The manual focus ring has a little play in it. Just a smidgen but enough to be annoying.
Doesn't come with a sun shade.
The last 80-200MM lens I owned was the F4.5 version in the '70's I believe and It was a pretty good lens. The one I have now is the two-ring ED AF version F2.8 with 3 ED elements. This one, in my opinion is better. Great color, saturation and almost 2 F-stops faster. It is a bit heavy but I use it with my monopod which helps. I believe Nikon got it right with this version. Well, along with the AF-S version as well but there was a big price difference. Don't feel like I had to settle for second best with this lens.
My personal feeling is that this lens is possibly one of Nikon's finest ever made. It's got plenty of contrast, it's very sharp, well built and heavy, just how Nikkor's should be!
Despite the weight of this lens, it never feels bulky on cameras (i use it on a D2Xs), in fact i can't fault the handling at all, except the M/A focus switch, which can be knocked out of position sometimes, but not a major issue overall.
The body of the lens also has a non removable tripod ring, which does the job when you may need to use it, which rotates smoothly.
Because Nikon have introduced the 70-200mm f2.8, you can pick this lens up new for the same sort of money you would spend on a used one, or a lesser brand one, which is a real bargain for the quality of lens you're getting.
On a DX sensor camera, this lens becomes a 120-300mm f2.8, which is great for sports and people pictures, and some wildlife.
If you're in the market for a top quality, pro spec telephoto zoom, then you won't really go wrong with one of these lenses, and it's built to last!
Strengths:
build quality, image quality, price, brand name
Weaknesses:
The M/A focus switch is easy to knock out of position
The best lens I have ever had, very rugged very sharp, very heavy. I would recommend this lens to anyone that needs fast glass for not a lot of money.
Strengths:
Very Durable, Heavy, professional grade lens. Like I said above this is the best lens that I have ever used, including a 50,000 lens for a Television camera.
I just buy this lens today, i have a very good feeling about it, even though i was looking for the 80 200 with cola second hand then i found this one 98 %, and build quality is superp, its easy to zoom and manual focus also like dream.
Strengths:
Sharp, fast enough AF for sport and animal photographing
Weaknesses:
no tripod holder, the cola is no fixed with this lens
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