Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens Imported
AF not supported by D40, D50, D60, D3000, D3100 & D5000 cameras
The Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens is a fast telephoto zoom lens, ideal for indoor sports photography and photojournalism in dim light. It incorporates Autofocus (AF) and Internal Focusing (IF) technology and ED glass for sharp pictures.
Note! AF not supported by D40, D50, D60, D3000, D3100 & D5000 cameras
- Superb Telephoto-zoom lens for sports and nature photography.
- It has 3 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for high resolution and high contrast even at maximum apertures.
- Maintains fast f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 80 - 200 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View |
30° - 12° DX Picture Angle: 20° - 8° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.92' (1.5 m) |
| Magnification | 0.24x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.16 |
| Groups/Elements | 11/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.4 x 7.4" (8.64 x 18.80 cm) |
| Weight | 2.86 lb (1.30 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 267 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (236)
- Strong construction (209)
- Durable (184)
- Consistent output (168)
- Rugged (155)
Cons
- Heavy (136)
- Slow focus (6)
- Lens hood not included (3)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (184)
- Low light (95)
- Wildlife photos (86)
- Weddings (82)
- Night photography (69)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (61), Semi-pro photographer (60), Semi-professional (35), Enthusiast (34), Pro photographer (25)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (90), Yes (7)
Most Liked Positive Review
Pro pictures at a fair price
I have owned the 70-200 2.8 VR1 and I currently own this lens. I shoot pictures as a hobby. I do not get paid for my work. I sold the 70-200 when...Read complete review
I have owned the 70-200 2.8 VR1 and I currently own this lens. I shoot pictures as a hobby. I do not get paid for my work. I sold the 70-200 when the price went up and bought this lens because this is substantially lower in price for pretty much the same results.
If you're situation is similar to mine. The 80-200 2.8 is more lens than you will ever need.
The 70-200 2.8 has AF-S and VR but if you have a halfway decent camera, AF-S should not really matter as your camera's motor should do you well. VR is only useful when you are taking pictures of static subjects. VR will do you no good if you think it will aid you during action photography. You pay almost 80-90% more for these two features. If you are not getting paid for your work, these features are a waste of money and two more things that are liable to break or malfunction.
From my perspective, both lenses pretty much produce similar pictures. Bokeh is excellent on both. You can make the argument that the 70-200VR will suffer less from chromatic aberrations due to the extra ED elements but then again, the average person will never notice something like this or you can just avoid tricky light. Bottom line is both will produce sharp, color-rich, and amazing pictures with very pleasing bokeh. You can take the same picture with both lenses and I do not believe you will be able to tell the difference; -I can't.
I like the fact that the 80-200 is smaller in size and weight so you can take it out in public without attracting too much attention.
Both lenses are built rock-solid. Build quality was never an issue for me with either lens. Of course, the 80-200 has plastic threads on the front but you just have to be careful not to cross-thread a filter. The 80-200 also does not have that rubber gasket by the mount. Again, I don't think it's an issue unless you are really abusing your equipment.
Also I like the cool-looking flower petal hood of the 70-200. You have to admit, the flower petal hood will make you look cool. You have to go and buy a hood for the 80-200 for almost thirty bucks and it doesn't even look nice. But I recommend you buy it because it offers protection. I personally don't waste money on UV filters, so a hood is needed for protecting the front element from bumps.
Even at the current price, this lens is an excellent value. Four or five years ago, you could get the same lens on rebate from Nikon for around eight hundred.
Be sure your camera has an AF motor as this lens does not have an internal motor. I still don't understand why some people buy the most expensive camera but skimp on the lens. Invest in the lens and buy only as much camera as you need.
You will be very happy with this lens. Most people will not need AF-S and the VR. I highly recommend this lens.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Problems with focus in 135-200 range
This lens has great problem with focus on 2.8 opening in 135mm to 200mm range. It is absolutly unusable for me at 200mm with 2.8 opening on my D300. Front-focus is so tremendous that ...Read complete review
This lens has great problem with focus on 2.8 opening in 135mm to 200mm range. It is absolutly unusable for me at 200mm with 2.8 opening on my D300. Front-focus is so tremendous that I'm unable to compensate it with AF fine-tune in camera body. Worst thing about this lens is that it is impossible to take it to the service for fine-tuning cause it is AF, not AF-S lens.
This pronlem is common for this lens not just for my copy.
You can search the web for this very well known problem: "Nikon 80-200 mm 2.8 focus issue"
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 267 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
The best zoom lens throughout the Nikon line. The most used lens in my Nikon collection since I take a lot of indoor basketball games.Great for low lighting situation, color, focus and bokeh is excellent, no complaint on this lens especially considering it is "only" [$]. Focus is sometimes hesitated especially when half of the frame has moving object at the direction of "depth of field". Lateral movement is fine. Not sure if I have not found right way of using my D3s' autofocus mode yet...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
I bought this lens specifically to shoot indoor sports and I could not be happier. In the 2 short weeks I have been using it, my indoor sports shots have been outstanding. Even shooting hockey THROUGH the glass the picture are crisp and clear. It is heavy but a monopod solves that problem. I am using it with the D90 body and AF works great. Five stars!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
zoom and 2.8 f-stop.. cant get any better than, that.. I was taking pictures of my daughters basketball games.. works great if you have lots of light in there.. but I need to get a bigger add on flash to go with this..standard flash on the D80 just doesnt reach far enough to work with this lense..
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
Everyone who is at all serious about shooting needs to pick up a 70 (or 80 in this case) to 200 mm f2.8 sooner or later. For me, it was sooner. Typically, I like to shoot wide but I found myself (yet again) in need of something with reach to shoot my son's 5th grade basketball games. This lens blows me away.
Recently, I switched from Canon to Nikon (long story). When I was a Canon shooter, I had their venerable 70-200 f2.8 IS which was for all intents and purposes a very nice lens. However, it weighed a ton and cost two tons. I also thought I would like owning a "great white" but it became tiresome because it really stuck out like a very sore, very heavy, very expensive thumb when I was out in public. I shot basketball with that lens and it did a fine job. Of course the IS was useless for shooting fast action.
As basketball season approached this year, I started shopping. I knew I would need at LEAST 100 to 130mm based on previous experience and almost went with the 135mm f2 from Nikon, but I'm glad I didn't. The Nikkor 80-200 that I ended up going with is an absolute GEM! I don't care what anyone else says, and I don't care how many reviews you will ever read on this subject, YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS LENS.
I think I have read every review ever written on this lens and I have to dispute some of the negatives I encountered. First of all, this lens is NOT all that heavy. I mean sure, it's a 200mm 2.8, it's going to weigh a certain amount...but people act like it is cripplingly heavy. Not so! It is smaller and lighter than my old Canon. I will say that it is dense...very dense. I feel like I could almost hammer nails with it. I hate to be so cliche as to repeat the worn out truism that it is "built like a tank", but if it fits it fits. I guess I could say it is built like an anvil, or a safe. Suffice it to say it is a solid, solid, solid piece of professional grade equipment. It is a joy to hold and a joy to BEhold. Another thing I think needs addressed is that this lens focuses VERY fast. I had heard what a dog it is because the new version is "so much faster". So mush faster? By milliseconds, maybe. Not that big a deal in real life, and if you think you can't shoot sports with this lens, you are sorely mistaken. The lens has been around for about 12 years and at one time THIS was Nikon's latest and greatest. What do you think everyone shot sports with in the late 90's?
Now for the important part. I paid less than half the price of Nikon's 70-200 VRII at B&H and received essentially the same lens. The optics are almost identical and I have shot the VRII many times. In fact, I looked at some of my VRII shots EXIF data and recreated the pictures so I could look at them side by side. I can't tell the difference. This lens produces images that are scalpel sharp with excellent color rendition. This lens is also built WAY better than the new version, with the added luxury of NOT having VR and Ultra Sonic motors that will undoubtedly go bad before you are ready to replace your lens.
Had I paid 2.2X for the VRII version over this lens, I would be having my head examined right now. This lens is everything a great pro lens should be with the exception of being ridiculously expensive. If for some unknown reason you have convinced yourself you can't live without VR, by all means, get the other one. OR, if what you really care about is the end result of your art, buy this lens and pocket enough to buy another one and some change.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D is still one of Nikon's most popular professional lenses in 2012 and it remains popular because it offers fast autofocus and incredible performance, both mechanically and optically, for half the price of Nikon's other professional f/2.8 tele zoom, the 70-200/2.8 VR II.
The lack of VR can be an issue if you want to use for handheld this lens may result too heavy for some users. For me that not a problem since I had big hands.It behaves perfect with the D300s I recommend using the battery grip for a better handheld.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
This lens is just plain wonderful. Inside shots, baby portraits in low light, unbelievable. I have no issue with the lack of VR. Should come with a hood though.
Shooting it on a D7000. Does very well, autofocus is as quick as it needs to be.
Get one!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
Very sharp lens. Best if used with a monopod or tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Great color
- Great in Low Light
- Rugged
- Sharp at all focal length
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Public events
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
The fast aperture allows use of high shutter speed -- perfect for sports or anything else where there is a lot of action. The 80 to 200mm zoom range also provides maximum flexibility for scenics, especially in the mountains. The optics are superb. The zoom ring is exceptionally smooth. The overall build is very solid. I recommend this lens rather than the more expensive one with image stabilization because this one does it all, and costs $1300 less. In my experience, image stabilization is not all it's cracked up to be. If you need to use a low shutter speed, you will need a tripod for best results anyway.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
I am a long-time (1976) film photographer, but I recently purchased a D90 kit last year to see what I could do with digital. The kit came with the 18-105vr and 70-300vr and I have taken some amazing photographs with it. But I have been wanting a faster zoom and searched the web for reviews of f2.8 zoom lenses.
I have friends using non-brand glass and they are happy. The phrase usually following their praise invloves a reference to how much less expensive the non-brand glass was compared to Nikon.
I couldn't help myself, all my research led me to purchase the Nikon 80-200 f2.8. All I can say is WOW!
B & H offered the lens at a competitive price and I placed the order on a Sunday evening and UPS had the lens at my door by Wednesday afternoon.
Without a doubt the lens has some bulk, but it feels right, especially after using the 70-300. I had an opportunity to use it during a Division One college football game this weekend. I used it without my monopod and found it performed extremely well without VR functionality. The images were spot-on! Also, I didn't find the weight was anything to bother me as I am in my early fifties.
All in all I am more than pleased with the quality and performance of this lens. I'm glad I paid the extra for the Nikon product. I say if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right. Nikon seems to believe this strategy as well.
The photographs are razor sharp with amazing color richness. The focus and zoom rings have a precision feel when turning them. The auto focus is just as fast as my other Nikon AF lenses and the motor is quiet in my opinion.
I purchased the HB7 hood as well. It complements the look and function of the lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Difficult to Clean
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
Ken Rockwell was right. I was going to spend big money on the VR II. Glad I didn't
Now where's my $1,000 B&H
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
i shoot sporting events. its great in low light situations; fast too!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
I was very satisfied with this lens. The clarity was spectacular. Having the freedom of the 80-200mm gave me the range needed for the shots I so love to take
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
very pleased with the quanlity of action shots in low light!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
Great lens at the best price I could find. I'll be back to B&H
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
very good lens i use this lens in my nikon d300 is very sharpening i recomned this lens to use in the nikon cameras
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- lens hood not included
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
This is an excellent alternative to the Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 VR. I debated for months over purchasing this over a third party lens. At half the cost of the 70-200 this was well worth the money. The lens is very sharp wide open but softens a little at 180-200. Some people say this is heavy but I think it is a decent weight for the size, it balances well on my D300. I will be using it for weddings and some sports.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
Lightning shots, landscapes, people
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great for low-light
- Great for sports
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
I LOVE THIS LENSE! Kinda heavy, but I believe that its just good quality. Great in low-light and for sports. I do not believe that its worth it for the VR for over double the price. Very nice Bokeh too. Quality Nikon...Auto focus is a little slow.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
Fast, sharp, and great in low light. Love this lens! Well worth the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens:
I use the lens for sports primarily. However, I shoot a lot of abstracts and the 2.8 aperture allows me to throw a great deal of the image out of focus. Auto focus is very responsive. This lens is heavy, but manageable. I love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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What's in the Box
- CL-43a Lens Case & Strap
- Tripod Collar
- 77mm Front Cap
- LF-1 Rear Cap
- 1-Year B&H Warranty
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