A huge thank you to Dmitry for the opportunity to review the Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D (grey) lens . Dmitry sells excellent professional lenses; you can view his catalog here.
Nikon AF-S 80-200mm f / 2.8 IF-ED review
The Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D is a professional, fast-aperture telephoto zoom lens for Nikon full-frame cameras. The Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D features a gold ring near the front element—a mark of high quality for Nikon lenses. Naturally, the lens is made in Japan. When used on Nikon DX cameras, the equivalent focal length is 120-300mm.
The Nikon ED version of the AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D is sometimes referred to as the Nikon 80-200/2.8 MK IV , as it is the fourth model of Nikon's 80-200/2.8 class autofocus lens.
A complete and accurate list of all Nikkon Nikkor class 70(80)-(180)200/2.8 autofocus professional lenses:
- Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8 (MKI) - November 1987 to September 1992, 16 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED elements)
- Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII) - from September 1992 to 1997, 16 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED elements)
- Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKIII) - January 1997 to present, 16 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED elements)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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)
- 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
Black version of the Nikon AF-S 80-200mm f / 2.8 IF-ED
It is said that no more than 73.000 units were produced. The Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D was replaced in 2003 by the 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S ED-IF VR. The Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D was the first lens in the 80-200mm/2.8mm class with a built-in focus motor (AF-S SWM). Some believe that this model was not fully developed and suffered from a number of problems, which is why it was discontinued. However, the older, more successful Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Nikkor (MKIII) is still in production. NHHC gave this lens a truly terrible review (you can read it here ). Personally, I did not find any flaws in my copy, or any serious flaws in the image quality.
Nikon AF-S 80-200mm f / 2.8 IF-ED Lens
This lens was produced from December 1998 to 2003 and is available in two versions: black and white or gray . This review features the rare gray version of the Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D. The gray and black versions differ only in barrel color; they are optically and mechanically identical, although rumor has it that the gray versions are of higher quality.
Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AF-S with front hood hood and tripod foot.
The optical design includes 18 elements in 14 groups, and this is the first new optical design in the 80-200mm f/2.8 series of lenses. Previously, all versions of the MKI, MKII, and MKIII had the same optical design with 16 elements in 11 groups. The optical design of the monster Nikkor AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8 IF-ED also includes a whopping five ED lenses.
Optical design of the Nikon 80-200 2.8 AF-S lens
The Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D has a very user-friendly focusing ring. On the lens itself, near the front element, is a focusing distance scale with an 80mm infrared shift mark. In manual focus mode, the ring rotates approximately 120 degrees from infinity to 1.5 meters. The lens has a focus mode switch, with two available modes: 'M/A' and 'M' . You can read more about the M/A mode here . A focus limiter is also located on the lens . The limiter can be set to 'Full' or 'Infinity-2.5m'. In the first mode, the lens focuses from infinity to the minimum focus distance, and in the second mode, from infinity to 2.5 meters.
Enlightenment of SIC lenses (Nikon Super Integrated lens Coating)
Please note that the focus limiter is disabled when manually focusing; you can always manually focus from infinity to 1.5 meters. Also, between the focus ring and the zoom ring, there is an area with three dedicated buttons. These buttons override autofocus when pressed, which can sometimes be very convenient in place of the 'AF-L/AE-L' button located on the camera body.
Autofocus is fast at any stop position. At 80mm, the lens focuses slightly faster than at 200mm. Autofocus is quite quiet. It's great that the Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D features internal focusing and internal zooming . The lens doesn't change size at all when focusing or zooming , and the rear element remains stationary when focusing or zooming. Autofocus with this lens will work with all Nikon digital zoom systems.
Switches on Nikon AF-S 80-200mm f / 2.8 IF-ED
The lens has a tripod socket, and the socket with the tripod collar is removable. The lens accepts 77mm diameter professional-grade filters . Overall, the lens is very heavy: the Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D weighs 1440 grams without the tripod socket.
Detachable tripod socket
The lens comes with a huge, intimidating HB-17 lens hood . The hood can be installed backwards, which will result in loss of access to the focusing ring and quite difficulty zooming. A very attractive CL-73 carrying case is also included .
Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AF-s. View of the diaphragm and microprocessor control ring
Important: The lens has an aperture control ring. To ensure proper operation on modern digital zoom lenses, set the lens to f/22 and engage the dedicated switch near the aperture control ring. After this, you can control the aperture directly from the camera itself. For more details, see the section on Non-G lenses.
The diaphragm device itself has 9 rounded lobes.
Nikon 80-200 AF-S with tripod foot
Sample photos on Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (gray) and full frame
All photos are unprocessed . All photos in the gallery below were taken with a Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D lens (gray, MK4) on a Nikon D700 camera . They were shot in RAW format , using the NL Picture Control mode. They were converted to JPEG using VinewNX 2 with automatic WB detection (Calculate Automatically), resized to 3MP, and imprinted with EXIF data.
My experience of using:
As far as I know, the Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D has no dust or moisture protection. In general, this is a very high quality lens. I liked it very much. Image quality is at a very high level, at least in the copy I got for this review. In general, when I prepared a 3MP photo for the site (reduced the size), the sharpness turned out to be just crazy. The gray version of the lens looks quite unusual on the camera, somewhat reminiscent of the Canon L series lenses that I often see on my colleagues.
Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment.Conclusions:
Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D - a gorgeous high-aperture telephoto zoom, perfect for reportage, wedding photography. Can serve as an excellent portrait lens. Has very fast autofocus and good image quality. I liked this model much more than its predecessor. Nikon ED 80-200mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor (MKIII).
This material was prepared by Arkady Shapoval . The greatest support for the site is if you use links on this site, such as Amazon , when purchasing anything . It costs you nothing, but for this site, and therefore for my family, it's the main source of support.
I wanted to buy this lens on the D300.
The owner of the D750 does not work with him at all!
When testing on the D300, a problem immediately emerged when the zoom was set to 80mm - it couldn't focus!
No further testing was done. On younger carcasses it works without problems.
Really a very bad and problematic lens!
Andrey, probably, you got some kind of low-quality copy. It works fine in conjunction with the D750
You just did not get the lens with a breakdown. I have not found any problems with it for 2 years. But there is not enough stub, I will eventually switch to 70-200 vr2.
I shoot with a subject (black) with heel and 300s, out of three family representatives - the third AF, the first 70-200 and this one - it turned out to be the best.
Unlike the third AF, the zoom is more convenient, it focuses significantly faster, the picture is more colorful and sharper.
Unlike the first 70-200 - the picture really has character, it is more plastic and at the same time softer.
I would take white, but they come across infrequently, they usually cost more.
IMHO, if you rely on reporting, speed and sharpness, then 70-200 is better, especially the second. He has a stub, which is sometimes extremely useful.
But if you want to be beautiful and picturesque, 80-200 AF-S steers.
My favorite glass! Volume, working 2.8, sharpness. Minus one - there is not enough stub for 200 mm, there are no problems with shorter focusing problems.
Tell me, does this lens have a screwdriver connector?
That is, if autofocus is broken on the lens, will the camera screwdriver work ??
There is no connector for a screwdriver, if autofocus does not work - most likely the focusing motor of the lens has burned out, this is the main problem in these used lenses. Before buying, ask the service about the possibility and cost of repairs.
The glass focuses on 3,5m, which is further out of focus, the motor is buzzing. By the way, manually the focus does not scroll further either. What could be?
The service will give you an exact answer. But the problem is clearly "iron" - maybe mechanics and optics.
Guys, I’m the owner of the Nikon d750 camera. After reading these reviews, I now doubt something about buying a Nikon 80-200 lens. Judging by the reviews, he does not want to be friends with this camera, or is the problem clarified?
There are persistent rumors that after installing the latest firmware, the D750 works without glitches with all lenses .... Try it.
The firmware on the D750 decides everything, not only this lens does not work on the D750, but there was also a case with the Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art. After updating the firmware, everything works fine. So, dear owners of D750 - update the firmware.
Arkady, thanks for such a wonderful and easy-to-understand review)) Question: will this lens fit on the nikon D5100? thanks
This af-s will do.
Yes, it does.
Arkady, I am considering this model of a fuji lens with 5 about your opinion can be found?
Just right
Hello, please tell me what is the alternative to the Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D lens? for Nikon D90.
Tokina AT-X PRO 80-200mm 1: 2.8
Tokina AT-X AF SD 80-200mm 1: 2.8
Sigma 70-200mm 1: 2.8 APO EX HSM
Sigma AF Zoom APO 70-210mm 1: 2.8 for Nikon
Tamron SP AF LD 70-210mm 1: 2.8 67DN
and others.
On my D750, this zoom works without any problems. Now I decided to part with him, because I use it extremely rarely, I manage 85 \ 1,4. Therefore, if anyone is in search, write, I will send a photo from him.
Hello. And part with as much as you want with the lens. and which version
Version 4 as described in this article. I'm asking for 43 rubles. Email me at [email protected] – we'll discuss.
For Marseille: version 4 as in the article. I'm asking 43 rubles. Email me at [email protected] and we'll discuss it.
I have the same lens. The problem was this, when focusing at certain focal lengths there were short jerks, pre-focusing was jerky. At 200mm, everything is fine, at medium, jerking, at 80mm, sometimes fast, sometimes the same story with jerks. We fixed it in the Nikon service for 3500r., I thought it would be more expensive)
Tell me please, how will this lens behave on the Nikon D7100 camera? Won't the 24 megapixels “confuse” him too much? I just tried Nikon AF 70-210 F4.0, not happy with the quality. If you shoot them at close range, then everything is fine. But in the distance it was a quiet horror. Thanks in advance for your answers. Photo just from 70-210 shot close at F5.6
Or buy Nikon AF-S 24-120 F 4? What do you advise in general
The problem with whistling in my copy also appears sometimes. It scares ((((Either sell as soon as possible, or give to the service ...
No one has instructions for him?
Good day ! I have a Nikon Af-S 80-200 mm F2.8 D IF Ed lens that autofocus in the lens stopped working. When I press the shutter button in the Nikon D2XS camera in the program: P the lens does not focus and the shutter does not work. When translating the camera and lens to the program: M and pressing the shutter button, the lens does not focus, and the shutter is released. Appearance: 5 has been used a little. I think the double-sided tape in the tape mechanism of the lens (if it is used there) may have dried up. The service said that it might fail engine, they have a price: 24 you Rub. The lens service is no longer done, because the old model and there are no spare parts. I am waiting for the verdict after the diagnosis. I’m interested in being able to make the lens alignment under the reference camera and they will flash the Chip (The drive of the motor integrated in the lens is controlled by the chip located in the same lens) The picture in it was Aerial Sharp.
Vitaliy, how's your 80-200? What is the verdict?
Himself in thought to buy this or take mk3. For me, not for commerce.
Tell me, is AF speed faster than 18-105?
Please advise people 80-200 mk3 or mk4 ???
Not for commerce, for yourself.
For myself - MK3.
Is hockey good to shoot on d800?
Is hockey good to shoot d800 in conjunction with MK3?
Normally, if you focus in advance, his autofocus is not very fast. For sports, something is better with a built-in motor.
In my opinion, 200 mm for shooting from the podium is not enough, but not far from the board it's normal. The bad thing is that the D800, due to its 36MP, and this lens, due to the long focus, require a very short shutter speed. Plus, the diaphragm must be tightened so that the depth of field is normal. The result will be high ISO. Conclusion: if a large size is not needed, then you can shoot under resize, the result will be good. Now, if you expect to sprinkle the image heavily then, I'm afraid the result will not be the best.
Arkady, why do you think the non-profit version of the MK3 is better?
The difference in price of 3 and 4 versions is not so great, I am faced with a choice.
MK4 has problems with the motor. Therefore, it was discontinued, but MK3 is produced and sold so far.
There is no motor in MK3, there is nothing to break. Given the age of these lenses, this is important.
After rereading everything in 70-200 and 80-200. I’d like to clean up between 70-200 and 80-200 different versions that are 80-200 microns optimal for weighty photos?
Good day, dear guests and the author of the resource.
I am a beginner teapot and take pictures so far on the D3100 + 18-55 ED VR. I understand that I no longer have a whale.
I choose a lens for trips (nature, mountains, seas and other landscapes). I consider two options: the subject from this review or the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED VR.
At prices they are about the same. The subject has a very good aperture ratio and work on short focuses (no "barrels", etc.), versatility. At 28-300 - zoom x10,7 (subjectively important) and stub. But it is dark and therefore does not pull on a wagon.
That suggest?
Z.Y. weight is not important at all.
From 80-200 it will be inconvenient to crop. Outdoors, in good light, aperture is not as important as versatility. Take a look at the version under the crop, 18-300 (there are 2 pieces), Tamron 18-400, 16-300, Sigma 18-300
Thank you, I went to read.
Those. Would you rather advise 18-300 and the like?
Yes, a wagon is better for such tasks.
Read. Thank you
In most cases, you still recommend the Nikkor 28-300. As I understand it, the crop will hardly be affected by vignetting and not the best sharpness in the corners of the frame. The aperture ratio will be compensated for by "natural" lighting. Remains only aberration and distortion at 28 mm from the disadvantages?
If so, then I chose a "travel" glass))
Distortion will also be less, because center clipping
Yes, I think you're right. I thank everyone for the help and advice to the teapot.
Of the shortcomings on the crop will be the lack of a wide angle.
Of the station wagons, I really liked the Tamron 16-300 f3,5-5,6.
I have it on both d5200 and d500 almost constantly. In fact, the ability to instantly jump from 16mm to 300mm makes for an interesting shot. At the same time, the picture is not bad.
When there is an opportunity to think about the beautiful, to choose, to pick up the glass for the tasks - then yes, you can put Nikkor 80-200 mk3 (heavy and beautiful), Nikkor 17-55 f2,8 (great staff for a crop), but if you walk or travel - then tamron 16-300 ..
I have little experience with different lenses. Of the station wagons, I felt Nikon 18-300, Tamron 18-400. Subjectively, they are inferior to tamron 16-300.
About the picture .. I shot roses, sparrows and titmice at 16-300 and Nikon 80-200 f.2,8 mk3 .. After that I showed my friends to the photographers and asked them to determine what was shot on what .. We could not determine 😀 It is clear which then the wagon will lose in specific conditions (for example, lack of light), but more often it will allow you to make an interesting shot.
Take a closer look at Tamron 16-300.
But on z6 it will be automatic?
Should work through an adapter.
Good afternoon! Tell me, if autofocus and stabilizer are not critical, since the camera will sit on a tripod / mount and be used for leisurely shooting landscapes and the night sky, then how much is the difference in the picture between MK3 and MK4? The MK4 interested me with its 5 MU glasses versus the MK3's 3 MU, which is very tempting for me when shooting in the evening.
essential, take MK4 for such tasks
Thanks Arkady. Already got the MK4. Today I'm going to the mountains, to test in the field
Aren't you afraid of possible problems with the MK4 engine?
I don't care about autofocus. I don’t shoot sports, birds, planes and other fast-moving objects, I don’t report, I don’t do portraits, purely for landscapes and the starry sky. Here I don’t need autofocus at all, because in nature I usually take a few frames at a close / medium / long distance with manual focus, and then I stack in Photoshop, so all objects come out very sharp - both far and near. And for shooting stars at night, all the more, aft focus is not needed, all the same, manually adjust everything, try it. Well, finally, I just like to mess around, pick something, watch, it's fun)
In this case, it would be worth looking for a MK4 with a faulty motor, they are usually given much cheaper.
Yes, there the difference between MK3 and MK4 was minimal, that's why I chose between them.
In this case, the choice is clear. mk4 of course a better picture.
Fun to overpay for an unnecessary opportunity af? Well, to each his own.
Here, after all, the point was not so much in auto focus, but in the composition of the glasses. The first VR ED also has 5 glasses and the circuits are identical, but it costs much more. And MK4 with the same number of glass units costs almost like MK3, the overpayment is minuscule.
If you can make out the difference in the image between 3ed and 5ed, good luck. Especially since you've already bought it.
I have nothing to compare this lens with (the only one suitable for the range was the Nikkor 70-300 AFS DX for crop cameras, but I don’t take it into account, because it’s still not that level). I've been using them for about 3 months. By the way, I bought it on the advice of Arkady. Impressions - the lens is gorgeous, never regretted the money spent, bow to Akradiy. The sharpness and depth of the picture are very impressive, the more you zoom in on the photo, the more details appear, but this is in my view unclouded by other zooms. Now I started trying to shoot the starry sky with this lens using an astrotracker, and then glue the panorama. Even there were thoughts to sell the Sigma 20 1.4 Art.
Recently I went out with friends. After taking portraits with this lens, they got tired of taking flat shots on an iPhone)).
But this zoom still has a minus - now I want to try other Nikon zooms in this range, for example, Nikkor 70-200 2.8 nanocrystal)
Hello Arkady. Is there an option to buy it for 250 euros, but with a non-working autofocus, or can you take an old working MKII for this money? I don't do commercial photography? I have a d610 and a budget no higher than 250 euros, and I want a fast zoom telephoto.
Glory to Ukraine.
Avzhezh brother with a working af, problematic objects / cameras can’t be seen better, if you’re a virtuoso repairman.
Arkady, so which version of 80-200 is better to take, 3rd or 4th? Or should I save up and take the 1st version of 70-200?
VR