I squeezed the trigger on this one last night................

S

STM

Senior Member
I figured I could cut 3 lenses out of my bag, 85mm f/1.4, 105mm f/1.8 and 180mm f/2.8, with this one lens. I have never been much of a zoom guy, but this last version of the 80-200mm f/4 AIS has the distinction of being probably the sharpest lens in this category that has ever made. It focuses to just under 1.5m, so slap on an extension tube and zoom to 200mm and you have a good on-the-go macro lens. I had the old non-AI version f/4.5 and it was a beauty. Yes, I will lose a few stops depending on the lens, but I am shaving a little less than 3 pounds from what I carry. That is another 1.5 quarts of water. And while that may not sound like a lot, over the course of a day's worth of hiking that will make a difference. I will be lugging enough gear as it is!

This one is in near-pristine condition and comes with the screw in hood, which alone is going for about $25. This set me back $137.50 including tax, title and dealer delivery charges. Another score for the good guys!

$_57.JPG


$_57.JPG


$_57.JPG
 
Last edited:
S

STM

Senior Member
mikew said:
Nice purchase,i have looked at these as i used to have one years ago,you say the last version does this mean any AIS version.
Click to expand...

If you look at the reviews, it means ANY Nikkor to date. Newer does not necessarily mean better and the build quality of these older Nikkors surpasses most if not all on the market today, and it has NO PLASTIC in it at all. And unlike so many zooms to day, this one remains at a constant aperture throughout the entire zoom range.
 
S

STM

Senior Member
Marcel said:
Nice catch. A lot smaller than the 80-200 2.8.
Click to expand...

The f/2.8 ED AIS version of this lens is a beast, albeit a superb beast, and because it is so rare it commands a top price. I have seen them go for $2,800 or more depending on condition. A mint one will command about $3,500.
 
S

singlerosa_RIP

Senior Member
Not quite sure how this lens replaces the 85 1.4 when it comes to portraits. I relied on my 70-200 2.8 before getting an 85 1.8 and I can appreciate the lightness and additional 1 & 1/3 stops of the 85. Don't know that I could be satisfied with f/4 shooting portraits.
 
S

STM

Senior Member
singlerosa said:
Not quite sure how this lens replaces the 85 1.4 when it comes to portraits. I relied on my 70-200 2.8 before getting an 85 1.8 and I can appreciate the lightness and additional 1 & 1/3 stops of the 85. Don't know that I could be satisfied with f/4 shooting portraits.
Click to expand...

I don't anticipate doing much if any portraiture in Springerville. I got this for nature work. I am still taking my 85mm f/1.4 with me, I just don't anticipate using it much if at all.
 
S

STM

Senior Member
The lens arrived today, it is immaculate and the focusing and zooming is like butter! And perfect timing because I will be leaving first thing tomorrow for Springerville. I will get up at five and probably be on the road by 5:30. It is about 11 hours +/- to San Antonio. From there, on to El Paso and then to Springerville. I will probably get into Springerville around noon on Sunday.
 
J

john*thomas

Senior Member
O.K. so I am going to ask......I bought my D7100 in part because of being able to use an older lens. Is not having the OS on a lens like this not as big of a deal as some make it seem to be?
 
SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Sometimes I wish I didn't need good AF to just cover the glass I need via vintage selection and ease my wallet, but sadly no can do... Something in greater than 200 range I'd possibly want to look into later on to save money, but heavy on not, daily drivers got to be reliable and fast.
 
Top