Nikon 70-210mm f/4 AF Zoom-Nikkor Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by:

caspert79
( Expert)

Review Date
January 29, 2008

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 1 of 27

Price Paid: $100.00 from second hand

Summary:

This is an excellent zoom lens in terms of optical performance and build quality. The lens is very sharp and contrasty, and most remarkably, shows almost no distortion. In fact, the results are almost prime-like. The optical performance is really quite amazing, probably almost on par with the 80-200/2.8.
Biggest drawback is the AF, which is verrrrrry slow. You might prefer to use MF on this lens. Also, some examples of this lens seem to suffer from an AF error (so always test this lens before you buy it).
For slow photographers like me, this is a perfect lens. A lot of bang for your bucks!

Strengths:

- Stunning optical performance
- almost no distortion
- F/4 from 70-210mm
- build quality

Weaknesses:

- very slow AF
- relatively big

Would you like to Comment?
Join PhotographyReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Rating
Reviewed by: Jeremy
(Professional)

Review Date
January 4, 2007

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 2 of 27

Price Paid: $208.00 from eBay

Summary:

It's a good piece of glass. Certainly cheaper than getting the 80-200 f/2.8!

I've done two shoots on my Fuji S2 and it seems to respond just fine with digital. The only real diffrence with this and a D designated lens is... it doesn't "talk" to the SB flashes.

It's great to have a constant f/4 across the board so you don't have to make adjustments when you zoom out further. The distortions are very low and the colors are very flattering.

For about $200.00, you really cannot go wrong with the lens.

Strengths:

Constant aperature.

Good zoom range.

Excellent resolve properties and good color.

NOT a push-pull zoom!

Can be had for a great price used... if you get a really clean one.

Weaknesses:

It's not entirely a lightweight, but it IS smaller and lighter than the 80-200 f/2.8!

AF is a bit noisy, but do we really care?

MF ring isn't the most conveniently placed or sized.

Do have to refocus when zoomed out, but that's the case of about 99% of the zooms out there.

Similar Products Used:

Contax/ Zeiss 80-200mm f/4 (on Contax system)

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 (it IS a fantastic piece of glass, don't get me wrong)

Would you like to Comment?
Join PhotographyReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Rating
Reviewed by:

dale heit
( Intermediate)

Review Date
January 11, 2006

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 3 of 27

Price Paid: $250.00 from KEH

Summary:

I wanted a medium telephoto lens that wasn't to heavy to lug around in the woods. This turned out to be a a great choice. I have used this lens for about 2 years. I always use a tripod and this lens has produced some very sharp images at 13 x 19 prints. Constant f:4. I have not had any focusing errors with my D70. It was manufactured in 1985 therefore its autofocus is slower than the newer lenses. Probably not as good for action shots in autofocus mode. The manuel focus ring is small and way up at the front of the lens. It is a 1:4 macro and coupling that with the digital facter, its great for close-ups (315mm macro) with tremendous working distance. It has a 62mm filter thread compatible with Nikon's 5T and 6T close-up filters. It is not a IF lens so it can be difficult using a polarizer filter. It weighs 27 oz which makes it heavier than the new plastic lenses. This is a well made lens built to last. It seems to render images on the cool side but a slight adjustment in white balance is an easy fix. This lens is appreciating in value as they becoming scarce. Some of the used EX+ / LN are going for $300.00.

Strengths:

Very Sharp! Sharp throughout all focal lengths Well made - A work horse Constant f:4 Good bokeh Less expensive than 70-200mm lens 1:4 macro 62mm threads convenient for close-up filters Seems to be appreciating in value.

Weaknesses:

Rotating front element Heavier than a Nikon 28-200mm but much lighter than 80/70-200mm f2.8 Could use a tripod mount Slower autofocus

Similar Products Used:

None

Would you like to Comment?
Join PhotographyReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Rating
Reviewed by:

lmg
( Casual)

Review Date
October 31, 2005

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
2-5 years

Visitors rate this review
3.67 of 5,
3 votes

Review 4 of 27

Price Paid: $180.00 from ebay

Summary:

I looked for a reasonable range,luminous and priced tele-zoom

Strengths:

Max aperture, light, continuous f4, price. The alternative to the not affordable 80 -200 -f2.8

Weaknesses:

Why don´t they make an upgraded and modern one?

Customer Service:

not used

Would you like to Comment?
Join PhotographyReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Rating
Reviewed by:

paullgj
( Intermediate)

Review Date
February 5, 2005

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
8 votes

Review 5 of 27

Price Paid: $200.00 from used

Summary:

I'm not going to give you a lot of technical jargon - just the results. This is the one lens that always goes with me, I'll never sell it. The images, taken with Reala 100, are crisp, clear, and full of vibrant color. It gives very good background blur for outdoor potraits. It can focus fairly closely for a tele-zom - it can almost be used as a macro. Used on my new F100 I have no problems with focus errors, back-focus, or any other problems. Best results are with a tripod.

Strengths:

Construction - very heavy duty. There is no equivalent from Nikon today. Canon has a 70-210 f4 for $600-700. Nikon should update this lens. This is A good travel lens without the bulk of the more expensive a newer 80-200. It is the best bargain in my inventory of Nikon lenses.

Weaknesses:

Yes, it's slow to focus compared to todays AFS, but it still does the job. Not available new today, getting hard to find used. It needs an update!!

Similar Products Used:

24, 50, and 85 AF primes; 28-105 AF zoom; 28, 50, 135, 200 AIS primes

Customer Service:

N/A, haven't had to use.

Would you like to Comment?
Join PhotographyReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.