Review Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4 is Nikon's first autofocus telephoto zoom lens.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Main technical characteristics of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4:

Review Instance Name Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4
Basic properties
  • FX (for Nikon FX) - lens designed for Nikon FX full-frame cameras
  • AF (Auto Focus) - automatic focusing due to the camera motor
  • Non-d (Non distance) - without transferring the focusing distance to the camera
  • Non-g (Non-gelded) - the presence of the aperture control ring
  • NIC (Nikon Integrated Coating) - special integrated enlightenment of optics
  • Internal zoom with fixed rear lens
  • Constant maximum relative aperture of 1: 4 over the entire range of focal lengths
Front Filter Diameter 62 mm, metal thread for filters
Focal length 70-210 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 105-315 mm
Zoom ratio 3 x
Designed by for Nikon film cameras
Number of aperture blades 7 straight (not rounded) petals
Tags a window with a focusing distance in meters and feet, focal lengths for 70, 85, 100, 135, 210 mm, marks for aperture values ​​f / 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22. Tags for 70 and 210 mm focal length to work in the infrared spectrum.
Diaphragm From F / 4 to F / 32 over the entire range of focal lengths. The lens has an aperture ring (Non-G - lens type)
MDF 1.1 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 3.9
The weight 760 g
Optical design 13 elements in 9 groups. Optics has NIC enlightenment.

Optical design Nikon Lens Series E Zoom 70-210mm 1: 4.

The image of the optical circuit is clickable.

The optical design is identical to the lens. Nikon Lens Series E Zoom 70-210mm 1: 4 (I did not find a diagram from the AF version)

Lens hood Nikon NH-24
Manufacturer country MADE In Japan (Japan)
Period From September 1986 to April 1987 (lenses were produced for only 8 months). In August 1987, a replacement addition came out in the form of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6.
Price Prices for modern Nikon Nikkor telephoto lenses are available look at this link

The first thing that catches your eye is the interesting lens design. When changing the range of focal lengths, the lens does not move anything. The lens looks solid on the camera.

The design is austere, the whole body is made in black with white markings. Only the minimum aperture value and the aperture lock button are orange.

Sony has a similar lens - Minolta 70-210 / 4, which is called "beer can" due to the similarity of the lens and aluminum can. Since the Nikon 70-210mm f / 4 AF has the same specifications, it is sometimes also called "beer can".

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Nikon 70-210mm f / 4 AF is valued as a great portrait lens. Indeed, after a series of shots, you begin to appreciate his unique design and amazing picture. And Nikon 70-210mm f / 4 AF is very compact (as for a telephoto) and not at all heavy. My Nikon 70-300mm 4.5-5.6 much more bulky and slow due to the fact that his trunk is lengthening. For lovers of faster aperture optics Note: Nikon 70-210mm f / 4 AF is darker Nikon 80-200 just 1 stop (2 times).

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

The main points you need to know about the Nikon 70-210mm f / 4 AF lens and their effect on the resulting image.

  1. The lens from the film cameras, and this gives the ability to use it on full-frame cameras Nikon Most likely, if you are configured to use or already use this lens, then when switching to a full frame by type Nikon D800, D3s etc., the lens can prove itself in all its glory.
  2. When used on Nikon DX APS-C cameras, the viewing angle will be narrower. The viewing angle will be equivalent to the viewing angle of a focal length lens 105-315mm when used on film cameras and / or in full frame. On my Nikon D90 и Nikon D200 the lens turns into a decent telephoto, and a rather large aperture allows you to do just great portraits.
  3. At the lens general aperture. This is indicated in the lens name as F / 4. This means that no matter how cool the zoom is from 70 to 210mm, and aperture will be permanent. This makes the lens look like its colleagues from the professional lineup. The most important thing is that already with F / 4.0 the lens is completely 'working' in terms of creating sharp photos.
  4. At the lens internal zoom. Internal zoom. When zooming, the lens does not extend its trunk - this is also an important professional feature of the lens. The zoom at the lens is exactly three times. There is a popular belief in what people do good zoom with a magnification of more than three - impossible due to physical factors.
  5. When focusing, the front element both moves and moves forward. Leaves somewhere by 3cm. This is inconvenient for manual focusing and for the use of some filters (especially polarizing and gradient). With manual focusing, the focus ring rotates 180 degrees, this can be easily checked by a small groove in the ribbed ring of the focus. Auto Focus Slow.
  6. The lens has a wonderful focus distance scale.
  7. The lens has aperture control ring, it is necessary for old film cameras and a useful thing when used, for example, with other systems. If you need the usual automatic iris control, then rotate the ring to F32where it clicks itself. The diaphragm \ diaphragm control is made in the form of a button, and not a moving slider.
  8. The lens has a standard 62mm filter. I advise you to immediately screw on it protective filter.
  9. The lens has an aperture with 7 blades. The diaphragm petals are not rounded, and the diaphragm hole creates nuts in the blur zone.
  10. True to the lens no depth of field indicatorsbut there is a focus correction in the infrared for 70 and 210mm.
  11. Nikon 70-210mm f / 4 AF very well shot, without backlash. With its 760g of weight, it is very convenient to consider my cameras Nikon D200, D700but on Nikon D80 it is no longer so convenient to control the lens, since it takes the bulk of the camera-lens bundle onto itself.
  12. This is one of the few lenses with zoom and focus. the rear lens group does not move... This will prevent the camera from sucking in dust, and in general - just a nice little thing.

It's important: auto focus with this lens is available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing.

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras with a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will focus automatically:

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras without a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will not focus automatically:

Only auto focus and sound confirmation of focus will not work with these cameras, all other important functions, such as automatic exposure metering and automatic iris control, will work well.

You will find a lot of useful information on the types of cameras and lenses Nikon here.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Thoughts on the Nikon 70-210 mm f 4 AF:

The lens has a very small minimum focusing distance, you can take pictures of a completely normal macro with 210 mm 1: 4 magnification. The lens is not of the D type, because the camera will not know about the focusing distance to the object, maybe it will not be convenient for someone to work with the flash with this lens, but I did not personally feel the serious difference between D and none D. Lens focusing slow. Yes, the Nikon 70-210mm f / 4 AF has really slow focusing, the camera buzzes and twists the focuser for a very long time with its motor. When focusing, a rather strong and unpleasant sound is produced.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

About image quality:

The lens is almost completely devoid of distortion. The lens is sharp enough already with a full f / 4.0 aperture. Significant open diaphragm chromatic aberration, including strong friringo. The color reproduction is excellent, although they say that due to the old NIC (Nikon Integrated Coating) enlightenment, the lens can distort colors a little.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

Sample photos on Nikon 70-210 mm f 4 AF

More examples of photos on this lens can be seen with me here, here, here, here и here. My wedding (the one where I was the groom, not wedding photographer) was shot on Nikon D610 + Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4.

After about 1986 years passed from 2012 to 26, Nikon came to its senses and released Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 4G ED SWM VR IF Nano Crystal Coat. But this is not the original 70-210 / 4, but still 70-200 / 4.

The only weakness of the lens is poor coping with backlight - the lens starts to catch hares and lose contrast. Perhaps a hood would help with this ailment. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised that a lens even at 30 meters can separate the background from the subject in the field of focus. Vignetting on crop is minimal, but at 210mm 4.0 it is still slightly noticeable. The bokeh of the lens is excellent, I'll even write “amazing”.

All Original Similar Nikon FX Telephoto Lenses

Below is a list of all Nikon Nikkor telephoto lenses without high aperture and with auto focus support:

  1. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4, 1986-1987
  2. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1:4-5.6, 1987-1993
  3. Nikon AF Nikkor 75-300mm 1:4.5-5.6, 1989-1998
  4. Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1:4.5-5.6D, 1991-1999
  5. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1:4-5.6D, 1993-2000
  6. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 70-180mm 1: 4.5-5.6D ED, 1997-2005
  7. Nikon AF Nikkor 75-240mm 1:4.5-5.6D, 1999-2000
  8. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6D ED, 1998-2006
  9. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6D, 1998-2006 (?)
  10. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6G, from 2000 to 2014, black or silver
  11. Nikon AF S Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6G ED VR IF SWM, from 2006 to 2017
  12. Nikon AF S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 4G ED SWM VR IF N Nano Crystal Coat, from 2012 to the present day
  13. Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6E VR ED, 2017 to present

The names of the lenses are indicated according to their spelling on the case.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Hack and predictor Aviator:

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4 is a great telephoto lens with interesting characteristics. One of the few lenses that you can safely recommend as a portrait zoom lens. It has an excellent drawing, small dimensions and low price. If you are in the throes of choosing a zoom portrait, take Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4 you won’t be mistaken, just remember that autofocus will only be on older Nikon cameras.

See also the review of a modern similar lens Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 4G ED SWM VR IF Nano Crystal Coat.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 299, on the topic: Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4

  • Dmitry VK

    I don’t understand if the manual nikon 70-210 MF f / 4 exists or is it a mistake in the description. Tell me if anyone knows

    • Arkady Shapoval

      In what description? There is a manual Nikon Lens Series E Zoom 70-210mm 1: 4

  • Dmitry VK

    Arkady, I’m sorry that I didn’t write clearly. Offer and description on Avito. I’m already used to getting all the reliable information from your site)) it’s probably him, Nikon Lens Series E Zoom 70-210mm 1: 4 didn’t come across such a nikon in your hands?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Until I came across.

  • Dmitriy

    There is an opportunity to take Nikon 70-210 f4 for normal money, but I doubt the nikon d90 will it be too narrow, maybe there is something more suitable for crop?

  • Dmitriy

    Arkady, thanks. And Nikon 70-210 f4 on the D90 showed itself?

  • Dmitriy

    Old. bored. Igor thanks, advise - is it worth taking?

    • Star boring. Igor

      If we are talking about the one that is in this review and it is in good condition, then it’s worth it, I’ll note on my own that he brought me so much joy that I bought a D200 specially for it and then began to grow overglass, etc., and at the end the end is already time to sell, tk. under 80-200 2,8 (or 70-200 bp) it is necessary to free up space, but the hand does not rise, I come up with excuses like “well, maybe use it in bad weather”, etc…. The only thing that needs to be understood is that he is more of a portrait than a telephoto, i.e. if you are interested in distant objects, sharpness, then I think you will take it for a similar price https://radojuva.com.ua/2014/04/nikon-af-70-300-mm-4-5-6g/

  • Andrei

    Tell me please ,
    and will the E-series lens be much inferior?

  • Yang

    Took 70-210 from a friend! Very dark lens! Explain people to a fool: why when I set aperture 17 on my Sigma 50-4 and compare it with 70-210 on the same aperture, the picture on Sigma turns out to be much lighter (about 1,5-2 stops) ??? Just do not need to write in style - set the shutter speed longer or raise the ISO)))

    • Sergey

      Because in the OVI you are ALWAYS aiming with the aperture open, and for Sigma 17-50 is 2,8.
      The Sigma diaphragm is clamped to 4 only at the moment the shutter is released.

    • Peter Sh.

      Because the density of light rays (brightness) does not change with decreasing hole diameter.
      In dark glass, brightness is just less.
      Therefore, the true optical aperture is not measured by the geometric size of the aperture.

    • Mad

      you compare different focal) what can not be done

  • Alexey

    Hello.
    I’m thinking about buying the one described in Article 70-210, while there are already 55-300 1: 4.5-5.6G VR. I want to use as a portrait. Will there be a noticeable difference in aperture, etc.?

    • brighty

      In the aperture, of course there will be a difference, this lens is significantly lighter, the f4 starts at 70mm, and for the 55-300 4.5 with 55mm. But it's not that. These are completely different glasses. 55-300 is a very good lens in terms of optical performance, unfortunately it rotates the front lens when focusing, it’s hemorrhagic to use a polarizing filter. Some still don't like the speed of focusing, but it's a matter of habit. And 70-210 has all these disadvantages, but does not have a stabilizer (of course). And depending on the camera, the result will be different, for example, at 7100 it is soft and slightly loses by 55-300 in color, it is dirtier or something. But if you shoot in RAW and make friends with Photoshop, then no problem.
      In short, if there is no other portraiture, then 70-210 is very good.

  • Viktorych

    They wrote a lot here, both good and bad, I’ll say a few words:

    Advantages:
    - completely indestructible construct - glass, metal and a little plastic, and a couple of gears.
    - a nice picture of the blur of the backdrop, I did not compare it with the 55-300 and 70-300, but with the kit 18-105 on comparable focal lengths and apertures, no comparison
    - Acceptable sharpness, as for the ancient zoom, and who said that the 7100 matrix is ​​not for it?
    Here is a frame for example with 7100 + 70-210, the aperture is slightly covered up to 6.3.
    https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/64973/80897468.18/0_12c994_39e54f4_orig

    Disadvantages:
    - the copy may suffer from a focus shift depending on the focusing distance, at least for me that is. On MDF, the focus correction is +15, on ~ 50m - already to zero.
    - the front lens rotates during focusing, on the one hand it is a drawback, on the other - a design feature. At least it is good that the size does not change when the focal length is changed.
    - the most significant drawback - if it encounters objects with contrasting lighting in the background - mascara light :) Chromats are just the sea. It is worth choosing the background carefully.

    The fact that it is relatively dark, without a motor and without a stub is not a drawback, everything is stated in technical specifications, who needs something else - 70-200 VR.

  • juliana

    Hello. I understand that this lens will focus automatically on my d7100 camera. What about the vivitar 28-105 f / 2.8-3.8 lens? I look forward to hearing. Thank you for your articles, very useful information.

    • Igor_K

      If the full name is “Vivitar Series 1 28-105mm 1: 2.8-3.8 MC Auto Focus Zoom JAPAN Ø72mm”, then it will focus, and quite quickly.

  • Victor

    He is manual, this is your Vivitar.

  • Dmitriy

    Is there a variation in quality depending on the instance of this lens? And does it make sense to change to 80-200 / 2.8 if you do not take into account the aperture, and only compare the sharpness of both at aperture 4?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      80-200 at F / 4 gives a much better result than 70-210 at fully open.

  • Alexander

    What about this one? Nikon 70-180mm f / 4.5-5.6D ED Micro-Nikkor

  • Artem

    Hello Arkady! Sat down on your once and I can not get down, very sensible! Thanks!
    And I have a question ... Impressed by your review Nikon 28-105 bought it. I like it for his specific Nikon picture, which, as I understand it now, has always attracted me. There was a Sigma 17-50 before - a very decent lens, but the picture is not at all the same. And now I want to take a telephoto. I immediately wanted a Nikon 80-200 2.8 MKII, but somehow there was not enough money and at the moment there are no offers. Drew attention (also from your review) to the Nikon 70-210 f4. As I understood for myself - a lens from that era and with the same character as my 28-105. Those. great picture. But I was also very interested in the good offer for the Nikon 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR. On the side of the first one, the picture and the quality of the body, constant aperture are visible. On the side of the second 300 at the second end, a stabilizer. Now I think ... I myself am an amateur. I shoot relatives, friends, nature, crop events, everything. Soon I want to get a full frame. The 70-300 is subjectively more attractive in terms of reviews, but for some reason it seems to me that this 70-210 is much more professional than chtoli, for growth. And this 70-300 is a plastic slag. Or I'm wrong? I would be grateful for your answer.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Portrait - 70-210, everything else - 70-300

      • Jury

        Hello. I am not a pro either, but there has always been interest in photography, and the “viewers” ​​like my work. There was a long break, but I constantly wanted to return. I came back and the first thing I did was read a lot of Arcadia's reviews. I used to have exclusively Pentax, but decided to switch to Nikon. I like the structure of the reviews, their form. For myself, I find it useful that when it becomes necessary to return to the review, I know exactly where the information I am interested in is.
        I can tell Artem that I have both of these lenses (VR 70-300 and 70-210 f4). I bought the first one to work at the stadium (my son plays football, I’m catching the moment until he grows up :)), and the second one from this review, taking Arkady's word for it. I ordered it in Japan, it came in a new state. And as Arkady tells you, I use it for portraits. The lens is gorgeous! Take it - you won't regret it. Just choose carefully, because age makes itself felt, and many specimens are susceptible to mold and mildew. Everyone, without exception, has dust inside, but there are instances, we can say without it. If you are thinking of buying, I recommend it from Japan, or where you live, to pick up.

  • Alexander

    I rent weddings, portraits of a good lens. Not enough aperture, and freezing in bright light. Drawing is just class.

  • Alexander

    This is on focal 210

  • Alexander

    Good afternoon. Please advise the “Blend” model which is best suited for this glass. Thanks for attention

    • Alexey

      HN-24. Full on ebee (from 3 to 15s)

  • Lexaovo

    Good afternoon, thanks to Arkady for the review and Alexey from the last comment)) for the hood model! Bought today as my second camera D80 at a very reasonable price (one hundred bucks), the seller (amateur photographer - kakonist) strongly recommended that I buy this telephoto with him. Bargained for 50 bucks. Although I already have enough telephoto cameras, I took it at this price and I'm very happy. This one is better than Nikkor 75-240 mm 4.5-5.6 at least because of the aperture and does not wash.

  • Konstantin

    Colleagues, tell me, please, how to remove the front lens unit for cleaning this lens? I unscrewed the bolt on the focusing ring (with a slot), but when rotating counterclockwise, the block cannot be removed, it is firmly in the focusing cylinder. No more fasteners are not watching. Rotate counterclockwise or did the Japanese come up with something else here? The manual cannot be found on the network.
    Thank you in advance for your help.

    • Alexey

      The front lens unit is twisted counterclockwise; no bolt needs to be unscrewed.

  • Koba

    Speaking of compactness and generally in reviews, it would probably be better to add the lens sizes in the specifications table. So, the length of this lens is 156mm, and the diameter is 76mm, which is really not enough for a free lens, especially with internal focusing and zooming.

    • Victor

      So focusing is not internal, unlike zooming.

  • Anatoly

    Does anyone have experience using this lens with a 1.4x teleconverter?

  • Konstantin

    Well, finally I managed to unscrew it. Comrades - share my joy with me. Mold stains removed. The lens is now in perfect condition.
    I use it on the set of theatrical productions, where he copes with one hundred percent. Thanks for helping Alexey. Photos helped a lot.

    • Basil

      Congratulations)))) Good luck

    • Alexey

      Excellent, happy for you!

    • B. R. P.

      Thank you for sharing your joy, Konstantin. Good shots!

  • Vadim

    Hello, Arkady. There is an af-nikor 70-300 1: 4-5,6G lens. Should I exchange it for the lens you described? All the lens is 30 years old. Thanks.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Not worth it

  • Vadim

    70-300 without VR, 70-210 sell for nearly 300 dollars. Adequate price?

  • anonym

    "Pivna Banka" 70-210 / 4 is not a Sony but a Minolta.

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