Nikon AF 80-200mm f / 2.8D ED MKIII review

For the opportunity to review the legendary Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D MKIII many thanks to Dmitry. Dmitry is engaged in the sale of excellent professional lenses, his catalog can be viewed here.

Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D MKIII review

Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D MKIII review

TTX Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKIII)
Focal length: 80-200mm, 2.5X zoom
Diaphragm: F / 2.8-f / 22
Number of aperture blades: 9 pieces
The weight: 1.3kg
Optical design: 16 elements in 11 groups, with 3 ED elements and DIH enlightenment
MDF: 1.5m (1: 5.9 magnification), the lens has a system CRC
Front Filter Diameter: 77 mm

Optically, the third version of the Nikon AF 80-200 / 2.8 lens is no different from the first two versions of MKI and MKII.

A complete and accurate list of all Nikkon Nikkor class 70(80)-(180)200/2.8 autofocus professional lenses:

  1. Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) - November 1987 to September 1992, 16 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED elements)
  2. Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII) - from September 1992 to 1997, 16 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED elements)
  3. Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKIII) - January 1997 to present, 16 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED elements)
  4. Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D Silent Wave Motor (MKIV, AF-S) - from December 1998 to 2003, 18 elements in 14 groups (with 5 ED elements). There are two colors: black and gray.
  5. Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G Vibration Reduction SWM IF (MKV, VRI) from February 2003 to January 2009, 21 elements in 15 groups (with 5 ED elements). There are two colors: black and gray.
  6. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8GII ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF (MKVI, VRII) - July 2009 to present, 21 elements in 16 groups (with 7 ED elements).
  7. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat (MKVII, E) - from October 2016 to the present, 22 elements in 18 groups (6 ED, 1 FL, 1 HRI element). There is a rare subversion Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED N VR Nano Crystal Coat Nikon 100th Anniversary (100th Anniversary) - April 2017 to present, features a metallic gray finish with the Nikon 100th Anniversary logo).
  8. Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm 1: 2.8 VR S (MK VIII, Z, S-series) - from January 2020 to the present day. Nikon Z mirrorless version, 21 elements in 18 groups (6 ED, 2 ASP, 1 FL, 1 SR)
  9. Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm 1: 2.8 (MK IX,Z) - from June 2023 to the present day. Version for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, 19 elements in 14 groups (5 ED, 3 ASP, 1 SUPER ED), diagram from Tamron 70-180mm F / 2.8 Di III VXD Model A056

Old versions Nikon ED 80-200mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor MKII and MKI are basically different from the Nikon ED 80-200mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor MKIII using the zoom method and type of enlightenment. The first two versions are often called 'single-ring', since one ring on the lens is responsible for zooming and focusing, and the zoom itself is performed using the piston method. The MKIII version is called 'two roundabout', since there are already two rings on the lens, the first is responsible for zooming, and the second for focusing, while the lens has a classic modern zoom method. All three versions of MKI, II, III have the same optical design, so the image quality of these lenses is quite similar to each other. There are even rumors that the first versions of MKI, MKII are even sharper after the third, I don't believe in that.

Optical design Nikon ED 80-200mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor (MKIII)

Optical design Nikon ED 80-200mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor (MKIII)

An interesting point is that until now (at the beginning of 2013) only 2 versions of the lens of the 70 (80) -200 / 2.8 class are produced - this is a nanocrystalline Nikon ED 70-200mm f / 2.8GII AF-S VR N Nikkor (IF) and this old Nikon ED 80-200mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor (MKIII). The MK3 version has been very, very successful.

Lens Enlightenment Nikon ED AF Review Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D MKIII

Lens enlightenment Nikon ED AF review Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D MKIII and aperture view

Nikon AF 80-200mm f / 2.8D ED MKIII made in japanhave been producing the lens since 1996. The build quality is at a very high level, almost the entire lens barrel is made of metal alloy. The zoom and focus rings are rubberized. The lens itself is quite heavy for use on amateur cameras, as it weighs much more than the amateur camera itself. But the appearance of the lens is very 'serious'. The lens uses 'professional' 77 mm filters. On my Nikon D700 sits and looks very nice. Managing the lens is very convenient.

Focusing

Lens does not have internal focus. When focusing, the front lens rides and rotates freely in the lens barrel, but the trunk of the lens does not extendas the lenses are inside the frame. There will be no problems with using filters. Also, while zooming and focusing, the rear lens remains stationary, which reduces the 'vacuum cleaner' effect.

The lens has focus stop. The limiter can switch the lens to one of the modes Full / limit. In 'Full' mode, the lens can focus from infinity to 1.5m. In 'Limit' mode, the lens can focus either from infinity to 2.8m, or from 2.8m to 1.5m. Of course, the lens has a focus scale in meters and feet, as well as an infrared shift indicator for 80mm.

My shabby copy of Nikon 80-200 2.8 MK3

My shabby copy of Nikon 80-200 2.8 MK3

There is a switch on the lens focus mode 'M / A'. In M mode, only manual focus is available. The manual focus ring rotates on 90 degrees in 'Full' mode, and 60 degrees in 'Limit' mode. Manual focusing is quite easy and pleasant. In focus mode 'A', only auto focus is available and the focus ring remains locked. The focus mode switch has a lock button. This button is very inconvenient to use, and the switch itself, which is made in the form of a ring, is inconvenient enough to rotate to switch the focusing mode. The focus mode switch is the only thing I didn't like about this lens.

The autofocus of the lens is fast. When using the 'Limit' mode, little time is spent running the lenses from infinity to the limiting value. In the 'Full' mode, the lenses take much longer to run. Of course, due to the camera's screwdriver being used to focus, the lens emits quite loud noise with auto focus.

Lens mount view Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D MKIII review

View of the Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D MKIII lens from the bayonet side

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.

Important: the lens has an aperture control ring. In order for the lens to start working normally on modern CZKs, you need to set the f / 22 value on the lens and snap a special switch near the aperture control ring. After such a manipulation, the aperture can be controlled from the camera, in more detail in the section on Non-G type lens.

The lens has tripod socket with foot. The socket cannot be removed. The socket foot can rotate around the lens and be fixed using a special clip.

Sample photos on Nikon AF 80-200mm f / 2.8D ED MKIII and full frame

All photo without processing. All photos in the gallery below were shot with a Nikon ED 80-200mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor (MKIII) lens and camera Nikon D700, RAW, NL image management mode, converted to JPEG using VinewNX 2 with automatic detection BB (Calculate Automaticaly), reduced size to 3MP and imprinted data from EXIF.

Sample photos on Nikon AF 80-200mm f / 2.8D ED MKIII and cropped camera

All photo without processing. All photos in the gallery below were shot with a Nikon ED 80-200mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor (MKIII) lens and camera Nikon D80, RAW, PO picture management mode, converted to JPEG using VinewNX 2 with automatic detection BB (Calculate Automaticaly), reduced size to 3MP and imprinted data from EXIF.

When using the lens on Nikon DX cameras EGF will be 120-300mm. Even on crop, this lens remains just a gorgeous tool in the hands of the photographer. The lens is well suited for portraiture, wedding photography, for wildlife photography, sports.

Personal experience

There are no significant complaints to the Nikon AF 80-200mm f / 2.8D ED MKIII, it is really a worthwhile lens, a good budget option to replace the expensive 70-200 / 2.8GII N VR. Many people write that the disadvantage of the lens is its weight, for me it is rather a virtue. Great weight helps take pictures with hand without grease. Of course, on F / 2.8 it’s not as sharp as a razor, but picture quality is really high. The lens may still use a lens hood HB-7, with a lens hood, the lens looks generally irresistible. Nikon 80-200 F2.8 MK3 can be considered one of the three lenses of a professional photographer, who should be in a case.

You can see the prices for the lens in popular stores. at this link, or in the price block below:

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

Lens view Overview Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D MKIII on Nikon D80

Lens view Overview Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D MKIII on Nikon D80

Conclusions:

Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKIII) - great professional lens. Good value for money. I recommend.

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

Add a comment: Jury

 

 

Comments: 365, on the topic: Review of the Nikon AF 80-200mm f / 2.8D ED MKIII

  • Far East.

    Recently I bought a carcass of Nikon D 610 and could not resist the temptation to buy a used TV set Nikon 80-200 MK3, BOMB !!! After crop D 7000 and Nikon 70-300 BP it is something. Good luck to all.

    • Victor

      How will the picture on d7000 mklll2. 8

  • Alexey

    Please tell me how critical is the lack of stub when shooting with poor lighting? At what maximum shutter speeds can I take pictures without grease? Thanks?

    • Jury

      1 / FR. For example, 200 mm to obtain a sharp frame, the shutter speed should be no shorter than 1/200, and for reliability it is advisable to set it even shorter.

  • Alexey

    Ok, that means, in principle, the wedding and the report should completely go away. Do they just sell one copy in perfect condition? After reading the review, our hands were combed! Or maybe someone will say if you choose between a Tamron 70-200 with a stub and this native Nicorr, which is better and more reliable?

    • Arseniy

      Hello. Definitely Tamron vc version will be both faster in terms of focus, and an order of magnitude sharper (relevant for d800).
      Tamron strongly wins optically at 70-200 / 2.8 vr1, what can we say about the oldies. But there already the focusing speed and "pedigree" are inclined towards the native lens.
      There is definitely a tamron

      • Igor

        And you do not pay attention to the price?
        This second-hand glass costs $ 300-320.
        How much does Tamron cost?
        Thank you

  • Anastasia

    Arkady, thanks for your reviews, which personally helped me more than once in choosing a lens. Could you advise, I have this lens of the first version available, on the D610 it does not behave badly with a screwdriver, but I need a longer lens. I looked at your test on the Nikon 300mm 4 AF and there is one question, how will it behave in a room for shooting sports?
    Regards, Anastasia

    • Arkady Shapoval

      If you get the hang of it, then 300/4 will be nice, there is no super fast focus there at all, but you can shoot. Look at more Tokin 100-300 / 4

      • Anastasia

        Arkady, thanks for your answer and advice! I also looked at Tokina in your review, and I liked it too, given the fact that I have several Tokina lenses, which I am very pleased with (which, by the way, were purchased after reading your reviews! Thank you very much again! ), only now I live in France and so far we have not seen this Tokina, and Nikon 300mm is available (used).

  • Alexander

    Good day. Please tell me who knows if the NV-17 lens hood will fit on this lens?

    • Iskander

      Nope, get up.

    • Iskander

      Do not get up. HB-7 is needed.

  • Konstantin

    Arkady good evening, do not tell me which extender can be used with this lens

  • Andrei

    I wanted to ask a question I have fuji with 5 about which TV is more suitable, and advise (there are several options, your advice is very necessary) thanks

  • Dmitriy

    Hello! I wanted to know how this lens for shooting sports events (football)?
    I am a photographer of a football club and I am looking for a suitable lens within a reasonable (price).

    • Peter Sh.

      Suitable for football, of course. If you shoot on the crop.
      If football is in the afternoon, then I generally shoot on f / 4-5.6 70-300mm VR.

  • Igor

    the front lens is a little loose when I turn the lens over, is that normal? and what to do?

  • Yaroslav

    Good evening, and why Not a video review? YouTube channel ...

  • Nikita

    Tell me, does this lens twist the background like the MK2 version?

    • Alexey

      Yes, it tightens.

  • Koba

    not only sharpness captivates in such really chic lenses, like they give out a noticeably greater gradation of colors, or, gray, one can also say that. The glass in them is too high quality, there is no plastic. even the old D80 produces gorgeous pictures with it, as well as good fixes.

  • Sashko Bulbash

    I took myself like that. With hands. Gorgeous. I’m not overjoyed. I stuck it on a carcass (D7200) so I don’t even try to take off the second week.

  • Alexander

    Tell me, they say this version of Nikon AF 80-200mm f / 2.8D ED MKIII
    there is a hood HB-7

    But on the Internet, a hood for mkII HB-7 II is for sale

    It turns out the hood under the MkI is compatible with the MkIII?

    Who is the owner of the native hood Nikon AF 80-200mm f / 2.8D ED MKIII, tell me the exact number on the native hood HB-7 ???

  • Alexey

    HB 7 and HB 7 Mk2 are suitable for this lens. This is a marking of the hood, not the compatibility. The difference in the free land is equal for HB 7 and for HB 7 Mk2 with cutouts.

  • Alexander

    There is one for sale in Minsk. 550 $ + 37529609148five
    No nuances

  • Wladimir

    - Lenses rented just that for several years with the Nikon D600 camera.
    - a very specific glass of the heyday of the last years of the film era, somewhat resembling the unusual bokeh of Nikor 50 / 1,4D, which I also often have on the camera, although there are two more modern Nikors for portraits - 50 / 1,4G and 85 / 1,8G - the G-series generally has more classic bokeh, they are more colorful, they are immediately sharper and more contrasting with an open aperture, and nevertheless - more often when shooting portraits I use exactly 80-200 / 2,8D and 50 / 1,4D.

    The 80-200 / 2,8D has the best sharpness and portrait quality - at 135mm and quite sharply already at 2,8 - from 4,0 it is already very, very sharp, but the grip of this lens is very small and it is imperative to shoot the lens at the target and introduce corrections settings back front focus in the camera itself - that the front-back focus Lenses and creates a feeling sometimes not very sharp Lenses.

    At short distances, a pronounced back focus appears at the longest end of 200 mm and therefore, I usually either don’t spin to 200 mm and shoot about 180 mm, or I’ll go over the tip of the nose and not over the eyes when it’s 200 mm that gives some kind of gel-like twist background. At longer shooting distances, back focus usually disappears, and as far as I know, this is a feature of almost all 80-200 / 2,8D lenses.

  • Sergei

    Good evening! Please tell me that it is better to take, the lens of the review, Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4.5-5.6G VR IF SWM or 80 - 400 4.5 / 5.6 D Vibration Reduction?

    • Pastor

      It depends on why. If the main goal is birds and all sorts of distant objects, then 80-400, and if portraits, then 80-200 2.8. I will only note that 80-400vr in quality does not exceed 70-300vr, and the extra 100mm at the long end is not enough when they come in handy in everyday life. So for the birds, I would choose 70-300vr, or something more authentic, like tamron 150-600vs.

      • Sergei

        Thank you!

  • Kirill

    Hello, but tell me, who knows, is it parfocal or not? (Does the focus go astray when zooming or not?)

    • Anton

      Stray a little

  • anonym

    I got one, the price was delicious, the lens clearly went through fire and water ...
    But, I do not regret it, thing! In the internet you can find a bunch of offers. The only thing there are complaints about the focus lock ring, check the work. My copy, most likely the repair has already passed to me.
    Buying a new one is not a cheap pleasure.
    Stabilization is sometimes not enough.
    And so a great thing for a portrait, nature, etc. Weight, of course, will feel, pumped biceps, and back, if it is in a backpack to haul, but still with a big camera ...

  • Igor

    And who uses this on multi-pixel cameras?
    Well, like D800 / D810
    Are there any complaints about detailing?

    • Alexey

      I have a friend at 810 used soap soap in front of the model. It's not their connection anymore. Although I admit that it was just such an instance. Well, the drawing itself, of course, watercolor)))

  • Dmitriy

    Good afternoon! Thanks for the great review! Please tell me, does he lose much in autofocus speed 70-200GII?

  • Igor

    Arkady. Give some advice.
    What do you think, which of them will be better in picture quality.

    1. Nikon 70-300mm f / 4.5-5.6g ed if af-s vr
    2. Lens 80-200 from this review

    I have 70-300. New. But the quality is not impressive.
    24-70 f / 2.8 G, gives a gorgeous picture, but 70-300 is not that. Cheap one.

    So I was puzzled to replace but more top-end.

    • Dmitriy

      80-200 2,8 of the 3rd version will give an excellent, chic, “expensive” “picture”.

    • B. R. P.

      80-200 2,8 of those times when Nikon still loved their lenses.

  • Kirill

    I took a b / a - somehow blend (cotton leaf-native-7 II) is worn improperly petals rotated on an axis (not long on the top and bottom, and on the diagonal or on the sides) in what could be the matter? Is it possible to tighten the mount (without taking apart the lens a lot)? ... look at the photos of other items, so everywhere for some reason it turned bayonet mount in different ways (even in this review)
    …. And yet, there are back-focus (yet am saved AF tuning in the chamber), whether it is possible and whether expensive when corrected?

    • Oleg

      From the experience of repairing lenses, the price will be minimally in the region of 5-8 mp, while most likely they will not be able to fix the lens, but rather they will even completely lose focus. Therefore, it is better to use it until victory.

  • Ayrat

    Hello. Do I understand correctly that there are no differences in the picture between version 2 and 3? By reliability?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Hardly ever. In terms of reliability, both are also good. At MK3, the mode ring is cracking.

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