Review Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6

For the opportunity review of the lens Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210 1: 4-5.6 Many thanks to Oleg Muravitsky.

Review Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6

Review Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6

The Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 is a good old 'dark' telephoto zoom lens from film cameras. The zoom ratio of the lens is exactly 3h. There are three Nikon autofocus lenses in the 70-210mm class:

  • Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4 - Nikon's first ever autofocus telephoto zoom lens. It was produced only in Japan. Interesting constant aperture and internal type of zoom. Non-D version.
  • Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 (MKI) - The second version of the lens from Nikon class 70-210mm. It already has a different optical scheme. Only available in Japan and became not a replacement for the MKI version, but an addition. This lens is presented in this review.
  • Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6D (MKII) - third version. Optically exactly the same as MKI, just upgraded to version D type lens. It was produced in Japan and Thailand. You can find more details about the differences from MKI here.
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 side view

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 side view

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 has a piston design. In order to change the focal length of the lens (zoom), you need to pull or push the front of the lens. The piston grip is very comfortable, the ribbed surface of the piston control ring turned out to be plastic. But the ribbed surface of the focus ring is made of rubber. Unlike single-ring lenses, the Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 has two rings that share the focus and zoom tasks. Personally, it’s more convenient for me to use single-ring piston lenses, where one ring is responsible for both focusing and zoom, an example of such a lens is Nikon ED 80-200mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor (MKII)... The pump mechanism of the lens forces the rear lens to move, which creates the effect of a vacuum cleaner - and this threatens with excess dust in the middle of the camera.

Nikon 70-210 rear view

Nikon 70-210 f4-5.6 - back view

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.

Enlightenment Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm F4-5.6

Enlightenment Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm F4-5.6

Important: the lens has an aperture control ring. In order for the lens to start working normally on modern cameras, you need to set the F / 32 value using the aperture control ring on the lens itself, while the aperture control ring is automatically locked by a special lock button. This button has an orange color, it is easy to find on the lens near the iris control ring. After such a manipulation, it will be possible to control the diaphragm from the camera, like with modern lenses, in more detail in the section on Non-G Lenses.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm F4-5.6 lens at 210mm and MDF

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm F4-5.6 lens at 210mm and MDF

Auto focus on the lens is slow. When focusing, the front element rotates around its axis and moves forward 2 cm. The focus ring rotates a little more than 90 degrees. I did not find any problems or nuances in the auto focus. The only thing you need to remember is that the lens decently buzzes when automatically focusing. Autofocus speed is exactly the same as Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4. At 70 mm focal length, the lens focuses a little faster than 210 mm.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm F4-5.6 aperture

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm F4-5.6 aperture of the lens aperture and the appearance of the lens indicators

The lens has a focusing distance scale and two indicators for working in the infrared spectrum for 70 and 105mm focal lengths. It's a pity, but the lens lacks a depth-of-field scale. The number of diaphragm blades is 7 pieces. The lens itself weighs 590 grams and uses 62mm color filters. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 can use lens hood NH-24which is screwed in instead of a light filter. I really liked that the lens is enough compact.

Two brothers 70-210

Two brothers 70-210

The disadvantage of the lens is the spontaneous protrusion of the trunk, the focal length lock button on the lens is not provided. Sometimes, when you sharply set the focal length to the extreme position, you can hear a strong metal ringing. Some disadvantages of the lens are fully compensated by the image quality from it and the price / quality ratio.

Two televisions 70-210

Two televisions 70-210

Examples of photos on FX:

Sample photos on DX (EGF is 105-315mm):

Personal impressions of the lens

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 I like a lot more than modern plastic animals Nikon 55-200mm f / 4-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR Nikkor and Nikon 55-200mm f / 4-5.6G AF-S Nikkor. There is something nice about old lenses, and it's not just the metal mount and metal part of the case. Old AF lenses have a kind of their own charm. Now used Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm can be bought for just $ 150 Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm is very suitable for outdoor use on a clear day. Most importantly, the Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm has a nice design, not much worse than that of Nikon 70-210mm f / 4 AF Nikkor. Most likely, the small popularity of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 and Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6D is due to the fact that there are more attractive models of lenses with a range of focal lengths of 70-300mm and the presence of an image stabilizer.

Who has experience with this lens, unsubscribe in the comments.

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.


Conclusions

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6 is a solid old full-frame zoom telephoto lens. Provides good image quality for a modest price. Behaves well both on crop and full frame. I recommend it for simple photo tasks.

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

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Comments: 133, on the topic: Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6

  • Rinaldo

    Hello. I got this unit almost for nothing. But the trouble at the long end is terribly soaping. They say that they didn’t drop it. What could be the problem. When covering the diaphragm, the picture improves a bit. Can this defect be eliminated. Or the game is not worth the candle. Otherwise, the working lens .In manual focus is also soap.

    • KalekseyG

      I do not repeat twice, do not repeat twice.

      • Rinaldo

        Well, it happened. From a mobile phone I wrote the connection slows down. I thought that they did not publish it!))) Well, what kind of people are you? I ask for help and you! ((((

        • KalekseyG

          my not great, but experience, suggests that someone unscrewed the front lenses and screwed poorly. and then yourself or a specialist like Radion

          • Rinat

            Regarding Nikon 70-210. I wore diagnostics to the service for a long time. Well, the masters just went pipets now. They couldn’t do anything about adjustment and calibration, etc. the infinity until the end of the icon was screwed up and bit a bit at the end. So the lens was dropped and, as you said, the focusing lenses. One lens came off its seat and got distorted because of this half of the image focuses the other soap and vice versa. Delov repair 15 min unscrewed w with a caliper, the ring holding the lens got to the second lens that distorted. Well, and put it in place. I collected everything and works wonderfully and sharply Pts sharply. So Thanks for the advice helped!)))))

  • KennethesorO

    Hi! buy viagra pills online excellent website.

  • Maria

    on the D3200 is it worth taking or not?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Not worth it. Better 55-300

    • Michael

      Do not be shy. Try and test. And then draw conclusions. The picture from the object is good!

      • Nicholas

        I just like the lens and the fact that you can take pictures with high quality and 70 mm and 210!

  • willow

    shot through a dirty window, the tripod was a stool on the bed)))

  • Igor

    Sharpness on the D7100 is not like

  • anonym

    Hello. Tell someone, is it worth taking it for 2500r if autofocus does not work? Actually, I don’t have a screwdriver (5100). With his hands, is he normally focusing?

    • Ivan

      Over 2500, definitely not. Cookies autofocus for crop with a weak for 3-4 and there will be those happiness. Optically new is better.

  • Victor

    Thanks to the author of the review. We purchased 70-210 1: 4-5,6 on Ebay, cost $ 55 with delivery. Our second lens for the first SLR (D90, also thanks to the review from this site). Still to come).

  • Irina

    Good afternoon.
    Should I take this lens on the Nikon D5200?

    • B. R. P.

      Autofocus will not work.

  • Stanislas

    Hello! On Nikon d3100 worth taking?

    • Pokemon

      Stanislav, this is a non-motorized screwdriver lens.
      There is no screwdriver on your camera.
      Have to focus manually.
      It is not very difficult when you are shooting something from a tripod and slowly.
      But when there is no tripod, then using any manual lens and trying to focus on focal lenses above 120-130mm will be a problem - there will be a lot of defects.

      • Pokemon

        I meant “a lot of waste” - shooting in conditions of illumination far from ideal, shooting and focusing “hand-held”. Your camera is lightweight, the lens will outweigh it - you will have to balance the weight while trying to focus accurately.
        Better look at the motor Sigma 70-300 with a stabilizer, as in this review:
        https://radojuva.com/2017/06/sigma-dg-os-70-300mm-4-5-6/

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Not worth it. Something marked AF-S, AF-P follows for Nikon D3100

      • Vitaly N

        AF-P is not supported by the D3100.

  • Andrei

    I saw a review with you at 70-210 * 4
    But did you manage to compare them?
    Will there be newer versions, or also soapy?
    Is drawing weaker substantially?
    Thank you

  • Nicholas

    I thought for a long time what to buy for the addition to the whale 18-55, read the comments and took the line 18-70 and Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6. The first is good, but sometimes it’s overkill with colors, especially with red. The second, so that someone does not say that this is old, but I am happy as a boa constrictor! Portraits, events are excellent! Such a cool color rendition was not long, the last time I shot with such quality on a film correspondent Nikon! I’ll master a little bit of amateur digital camera, try a professional camera. It was just a break of 20-25 years. when I gave up photography, but again I wanted to shoot.

  • Stanislas

    I bought such a lens Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210 1: 4-5.6 for a trip on vacation because I needed a telephoto lens. The lens is sharp at all focal. The picture is very beautiful, especially portraits with a blurred background. I was satisfied with the lens. Now I do not use it. Given its beautiful picture, sharpness, it was produced only in Japan and the cost is that it has no competitors. If anyone needs it, I can give it for not expensive. Call 097-147-10-05.

  • Alexander

    And the lens came to me. And about the charm and about the beautiful picture I completely agree. And sharpness quite suits me. I tried on Nikon D300s and D700. For your money (about 50 bucks) a great option. It can be used as a portrait.

  • anonym

    Good day!
    Tell me, which lens is better than 80-200 f4 nikkor or subject?

    • Igor

      Your question has a lot of "unknowns".
      What is “80-200”?
      If autofocus 2.8, then the question is not correct due to the price difference of 3-7 times depending on the version (MK-I, II, III, etc.). Naturally 80-200 2.8 is better and on radojuva it has been discussed more than once.
      If 80-200 4,5 then it is not autofocus and that’s it.
      But if you have an entry-level camera, then the "subject" and all the other "screwdrivers"
      the lenses will not have autofocus and will significantly outweigh the device giving an endless movement. Take the zoom-DX with a stub (Sigma 500-200, Nikkor 70-300, etc.).
      BUT - if the camera is with a motor, then yes you must choose according to the budget.
      I have 70-210 4-5.6 as in the review and I am delighted with the portraits that this glass draws.
      I went to buy 70-210 f4 and on the way I stopped to see the “subject”. I strapped it to the camera to try it and immediately gave the money to the seller!
      Plastic, color, detail and ease of use in a reliable and very compact package.
      I am satisfied and advise, since the price of $ 65 pays off with more than pleasure from the shooting.

    • Igor

      Sorry, I didn't notice “f4”)
      Manual focus, 1981. In my opinion "subject" is definitely more interesting

      • anonym

        Thank you

  • Makunochimaster

    Tell me, does this lens have a better picture than AF 75-300 and AF 70-300 ED?
    Will it be so much better to neglect 300mm?

  • Olga

    I love this lens. Very beautiful portraits. Perfect. I love to shoot him on the street.
    But! Something happened with the focus ring. It suddenly began to block at 10 meters, it does not go any further. At first I sinned that I put it on the D750, but he already worked with it without problems. just once something went wrong. For in the removed state, the ring also does not go further than 10 meters. Repair or hands are crooked?

    • Max

      Disassemble and clean

    • Max

      Another option - if you understood it, then it was not assembled correctly. You need to properly twist the focusing unit (the last part at the end).
      Maybe this video will help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQl6KlkSHTg

  • Vyacheslav

    Question! Who can tell me the brand of the original lens hood? Chinese blends are all short and do not give the desired effect. The lens is afraid of backlash.

  • Guest

    Nice lens for a ridiculous price. I really like his drawing and color rendition, some kind of atmosphere is created. For portraits in sunny weather, that's it. I tried to shoot them at d7000, constant mistakes. But with the d300 everything is fine. There was an unpleasant moment that he ... spontaneously figured out) the bolts unscrewed and the lenses fell out) nothing, since they had done it reliably before) I inserted everything, screwed it on and removed it again)

  • Max

    Useful infa for the owners of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4-5.6
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQl6KlkSHTg

  • Dmitriy

    Having 70-210 4-5.6 D, I like it very much on the D50, it can be seen at 6MP, because it was developed for film cameras, the portlets are also good from it.

  • Valery

    I really like the lens, it draws a proprietary Nikon picture. I bought it for 1800 hryvnia for d7000 to the existing Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and Nikon 50 1.8g. It is a pleasure to shoot outdoors during the day - in the park, walking with your child. Perfectly focuses, minimum of marriage when shooting. Universal focal points for the street. I shoot in M ​​mode. I also wanted to buy Nikon 85 1.8D or Tokina 50-135 2.8 from high-aperture and focal points, probably interesting. Do you think it is worth bothering with a purchase or just a bunch of existing lenses?

    • Victor

      It is better to limit yourself to the already existing bundle, or even better, after a while, buy in addition to q7000 - q700, and see what 70-210 is actually capable of.

      • Valery

        Thank you.

  • Dmitriy

    I like this lens on the 6MP matrices of old Nikon cameras, the picture and drawing are soft and pleasant to the eye, I did not impress on the D700 and D7000, this lens is from film cameras and you can see it will open up in full at 6MP.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Pixel density d700 lower than older 6MP crop

    • Victor

      This lens needs just a d700 to open up. On the crop, the drawing is definitely not the same, and on the seven hundred in sharpness it will obviously be better (for some reason, Arkady has already written above)

  • viT-1

    If I hadn't been chasing the compactness of lenses (http://vit-1.blogspot.com/2021/02/tele-zoom-nikon-fullframe.html),
    then, in terms of the transmitted picture and micro-contrast, in relation to the price and weight of the lens, this, together with 28-105 / 3.5-4.5, would probably be the best tourist double-kit. As a result, for trips where it is possible to recharge the batteries every day, I chose the m4 / 3.

    My pictures on 70-210 D (with a red question in the photo frame): https://vit-1.livejournal.com/415835.html

  • Olga

    Is the d3200 suitable for Nikon?

    • Victor

      Ok, but you'll have to focus manually.

      Look for 55-200 or 55-300 for your camera.

  • Kirill

    Good afternoon! I bought this lens, I use it on the d300 (I'm not a pro). Got an fEE error. In your review, I read that the aperture ring should be set to 32 and it will automatically lock. Set, the error is gone, but for some reason the ring is not blocked, i.e. it’s easy to knock it down again, don’t tell me, maybe I’m doing something wrong, or is there something wrong with the lens?

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