Reviews
(26)
+ 0 likes
Autofocus works with all digital bodies except the baby Nikon SLRs (D40-60). This is a very sharp, fast lens yielding detailed, accurate colorful images. I use it to take candid shots in parties, weddings and similar occasions. It is unmerciful to the vain, because it brings everything out. I could not shell out the additional $1000 or so to acquire the more current Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras. Rumors are that Nikon is going to discontinue this lens. I hope it is replaced with comparable product at a slightly lower price. It is a solid looking, impressive beauty of a professional lens. Many people find it to be heavy. Not me. Feels just right, but a solid tripod or monopod is necessary if shooting in low light or using the longer focal length. I just purchased this and then learned about the new D90. Should I have bought the Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) or this lens? The Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera
...
more
+ 0 likes
Okay, if you got the dough to shelf out ~$1700 for the VR 70-200, go for it. Stabilization can really help with this kind of heavy lens. This sucker does weight close to 3 pounds by itself, and personally a beautiful lens to behold. It's very well constructed and takes great picture too.
I use this on a D80, typically shoot aperature priority. It's very sharp but does exhibit slight distortion at widest aperature. Dial it down to around f/4, it gets super sharp. The AF is fast on the D80, and switching to manual zone is a breeze.
If you're not a tripod/monopod person, you'll be looking for bracing a lot when shooting. Steady hands and a tree... Minimum focus distance is 5.5'
I use this on a D80, typically shoot aperature priority. It's very sharp but does exhibit slight distortion at widest aperature. Dial it down to around f/4, it gets super sharp. The AF is fast on the D80, and switching to manual zone is a breeze.
If you're not a tripod/monopod person, you'll be looking for bracing a lot when shooting. Steady hands and a tree... Minimum focus distance is 5.5'
+ 0 likes
I purchased this lens mainly to use with my new Nikon D300; just used them together for Christmas portraits of my great-granddaughter and family. The results exceeded my expectations. The pictures were clear and the colors vibrant. This is definitely a great lens at an affordable price.
+ 0 likes
This lens is THE lens to own if you want to shoot indoor sports. The newspaper I work for has me out on a lot of volleyball, hockey and basketball beats, and this lens does not come off my camera. I have taken this lens out to soccer games and baseball games but use it mainly as back up. If you want to shoot these sports you'll want something up in the 300-400 range. Soccer especially.
The 2.8 aperture is a must for these low (and orange/brown) light situations. I was using a 200mm f4 but fell just short of being able to freeze the action perfectly without any blur. The little bit of extra light makes a world of difference.
I shoot with a D80 and find that I can keep my ISO down around 400 and be very comfortable with the results. In my situation (newsprint) I could go as high as 800 and be alright with it, but the glass in this lens lets me keep it low.
If you are in the fence, pick this lens up. For under 1000 bucks you can't beat it. It's ultra wide, and doesn't lose any sharpness
The 2.8 aperture is a must for these low (and orange/brown) light situations. I was using a 200mm f4 but fell just short of being able to freeze the action perfectly without any blur. The little bit of extra light makes a world of difference.
I shoot with a D80 and find that I can keep my ISO down around 400 and be very comfortable with the results. In my situation (newsprint) I could go as high as 800 and be alright with it, but the glass in this lens lets me keep it low.
If you are in the fence, pick this lens up. For under 1000 bucks you can't beat it. It's ultra wide, and doesn't lose any sharpness
...
more
+ 0 likes
I bought this Lens before one week , and i'm very happy to get like this lens it's amazing , clear , fast and very very sharp , because that I switched to NIKON
+ 0 likes
Quick Shipment from b&h as always.I added this to my lineup a couple of months ago, and it hasn't let me down. I love the bokeh from the 2.8 and the sharpness, not to mention the contrast.The only thing missing is the VR. I know there's a 70-200VR, but it wasn't in my budget- this lens is the next best thing.Features - Tripod Collar comes in handy.Ease - M/A ring takes a fraction of a second longer to switch than the AF-S switches.Value - Pretty good considering the speed and range.Design - Great balance because the front element is static.Expectations - LOVE the Bokeh!
+ 0 likes
After receiving this lens from B&H I immediately tried itwith the D200.I think that this optics/sensor combination isperfect.Having printed a shot with no sharpening done theresults were fantastic.I am now using this combo most often, next with 50mmf/1.8Dthen Tokina 12-24mm f/4.
+ 0 likes
I bought this lens from B&H in the summer of 2006 and absolutely love it. I shoot indoor gymnastics, indoor soccer, and all sorts of outdoor sports and keep smiling when I see the results. Crystal clear sharpness, great color renditions. This is a well built pro lens, great optics, internal focus is smooth, and it is a bit heavy as you would expect. The weight is not a negative - it comes with the build. As I bump into other freelancers, they quickly give me a nod at this gear - even non Nikon owners respect it. Worth the investment and if cared for, will last a very long time. I am so hooked on this build and 2.8 that I am saving up for another 2.8 in the 17 - 35 or 17 - 55 range - those cost even more - but once you get used to this quality and bench mark in your bag - nothing else really stacks up. Works great on my D50 and would scream on the D200.
+ 0 likes
I have owned this lens since the spring of 98 and it has been the one lens that always stays with me on assignment. Over the years it has been used hard and is still working just fine, making it hard to justify switching to a 70-200 VR.Color and contrast rendition is amazing. I have never really found the weight to be a problem, but I have also always preferred lighter bodies such as the N90, F100 and D200.
+ 0 likes
I use this lens mostly indoors to shoot my daughter's vollyball games. I was amazed at the clarity and quickness of focus this lens provides. The cost was more than i wanted to pay but after a month of shooting great action shots i see the value. Its not good for any macro photos also it is heavy (5lbs). Use a mono pole or tri pod and you'll see pro like shots.
+ 0 likes
This lens is super sharp and well built. Yes it is heavy but I expected that for an F2.8 lens. I have used it twice now for photographing motorsports and it produced sharp shots due to it's excellent optics and the ability to increase the shutter speed. I use it on a Nikon D200 and it focuses very quickly and accurately and balances well with the MB-D200 battery pack attached. If it has a weakness it would be the switch for manual focus; not a deal breaker but an inconvenience. Overall I gave it top marks because of it's excellent image taking ability and durable design. I expect to have this lens for a long time.
+ 0 likes
After receiving this lens with much anticipation, I am excited to say it has met my expectations with surprising results. When people have said sharp, they meant it! This outperforms all my other lenses to date and I have a feeling it will stay on my D200 more than any other. The bokeh is absolutely beautiful, and the color capture incredible. Sharp, bright images! Mechanically, it is well built and functionally easy to operate.
+ 0 likes
The lens shown here is great. I just got mine the other day and right when I saw it i loved it. I was recommended to this product by a friend of mine. I really wanted a fast lens for sport and indoor photography and I didnt have over $1000 so this ruled out the nikon 70-200 f2.8 lens. I only tried it out on a handful of occasions but the results so far was amazing. The actual lens is very big and very heavy. I dont think the pictures here do the lens very much justice. I recommend this lens to anyone who shoots pictures in poor lighting or just wants that nice soft blurry background for portrait pics.
+ 0 likes
Pros:
Crystal clear images. Large aperture is also a handy thing. The build seems as solid as anyone would need. The optical quality is a bit better than the ultra zooms in the same price range. Finally, with the designated hood, on a large DSLR, you'll get respect regardless of your skill level. It looks classy.
Cons:
Like everyone else has said for years, it's heavy, and with the lighter, newer lenses coming out, I imagine this one will be purchased less and less. Don't buy this lens for use of macro setting, it's not as close you may need.
Comments:
Don't even think about buying a previous version of this lens without the tripod collar on it. That's your only prayer of getting sharp images, because of the weight of the lens.
This is awesome, and more than worth the money. You may never need to upgrade unless you really find it necessary for the VR function on the new stuff.
Crystal clear images. Large aperture is also a handy thing. The build seems as solid as anyone would need. The optical quality is a bit better than the ultra zooms in the same price range. Finally, with the designated hood, on a large DSLR, you'll get respect regardless of your skill level. It looks classy.
Cons:
Like everyone else has said for years, it's heavy, and with the lighter, newer lenses coming out, I imagine this one will be purchased less and less. Don't buy this lens for use of macro setting, it's not as close you may need.
Comments:
Don't even think about buying a previous version of this lens without the tripod collar on it. That's your only prayer of getting sharp images, because of the weight of the lens.
This is awesome, and more than worth the money. You may never need to upgrade unless you really find it necessary for the VR function on the new stuff.
+ 0 likes
It's not just a great lens...it's essential! This is a musthave lens for just about everything. This lens has survived8 years of abuse from me including two consective years oftravelling around the world. It is a real money making lens! I think I have just about worn mine out...the optics areperfect but it is scratched and generally worked over on theoutside. The point: this lens is so solidly built...it'salways there when you need it! My manual focus ring cracked so I can only use autofocusnow....no fault of the lens, just a sign of wear. I havetruly punished this lens and it is still workinghard...everything else is still tight fitting.It's not as fast as the AFS, but it does a great job in mostconditions...it struggles with focus a bit in low light, butonce you get used to it you can deal with it pretty easily.I guess I can't say enough about it. I make my living withit! The only logical competitor is the 70-200 VR.
+ 0 likes
I've had this lens for quite a while-- since 2001 when theyadded the current tripod collar.I use this lens quite frequently for my wedding and portraitphotography business. I absolutely love the bokeh. I'mfrequently at f/2.8-f/5.6, and center sharpness isoutstanding. Color rendition is right-on.My clients love the images from this lens!With my F100, it was a great focal length with my D70s,it's a bit long for many situations. I've just learned toadapt. I prefer to use the 200mm end most of the time,because of the smaller depth-of-field, so that can make itdifficult because of the 1.5x factor on the D70s-- I have tomove WAY back from my subjects. I guess I could just have mysubjects stand across a field from me, and I could pose themvia cell phone. [just kidding] I've learned to make do, andI don't always use 200mm anymore, esp. for groups. For ahead shot or a closeup of a couple, 200mm is quite do-able,and I'm usually about 10-20 feet away.The only reason I would ever give this thing up
...
more
+ 0 likes
This is the 2nd Nikon 80-200 2.8 I have owned. The original was from the late 80's. Both are very sharp, fast, and trust worthy. A solid lens- which produces what you want, when you need it. A solid purchase.
+ 0 likes
my dad always wanted to buy this lens back in the early 90sfor it was the best but now i bought it, 10 years later andit still is one of the best.it's heavy in the hand but worth the weight.heavy on your wallet but worth every penny.for serious photography, either buy this or the 70-200but for everyday use it's to heavyafter holding it all day your hand get a bit soreit's a great lens but i know regret buying it for i don'tshoot much stuff above 100mm.should have bought a nice wide-angle zoom instead
+ 0 likes
Brought one of these a few months back. Very very sharp on the D200, nicely balanced lens, smooth focus in manual, quick in auto, no hunting around in good light, constant aperture is a great bonus, and beautiful beautiful bokeh at 2.8.
+ 0 likes
I started shooting film back in the mid seventies and have always been a bit of a snob when it came to the quality of glass that I use. I had always been intrigued by the digital revolution and was a very early adopter of DSLR technology with a Minolta/Agfa RD175. The first digital however, that convinced me that the shift from film was feasible was my D100 that came to me after being wait-listed prior to product release. Being a hardcore manual camera film guy, the D100 just felt right to me and although I purchased an N90 and F100, they've sat on the shelf. What's my point? Glass. I had always been skeptical as to the imaging qualities of the smaller format, and as a result felt a sense of reluctance in overspending in the lens department. From the day I purchased my D100, my system consisted of Nikon's 24-85 2.8 macro and the 80-400 VR. Not cheap lenses, but clearly in a different category than the 80-200 2.8.A couple months ago I finally bit the bullet after a 5 hour wedding
...
more
+ 0 likes
This is probably my favorite zoom lens, period.The range is nice when coupled with a lens such as the 28-70 or the 24-85. I have tried the 70-200mm VR, which I will admit is a dream to use, but in the field hand-holding things, VR or not, this lens is much easier on the arms. As far as I can tell, the image quality is the same for both. This lens is a classic for sports and street photography as a super-telephoto. If you have the money, I would highly recommend this over a 3rd party lens or the 75-300mm. Similarly, if you want the most value for your money, this lens is a great choice over the much more expensive 70-200. And as much as I love prime lenses, you get more bang for your buck with this over the 300mm f/4. I mostly use this for outdoor (daytime) sports and street photography, but outside of work it's range makes it a great addition to a weekend photo kit.
+ 0 likes
I got this lens in yhe 90s shortly after a purchase of an F5. It was great for general work when paired with a 35 to 70 f2.8. It was fast enough to handle most everything in range with the added f stops. Then I got a D2H and wow. It really made a difference. Suddenly I was taking great shots of bears in Katmai. You can zoom in and out of the action and the lens focuses fast. Not as fast as a silent wave but close. You really can get that close to the bears on the provided elevated walkways and on group led tours. The big problem is vibraton from people walking on the structure. Even people w/ VR could not solve the problem. Resting the camera on foam did the job. The only big draw back to the lens is that you loose auto focus with a teleconverter. I have thought of replacing it with the 70 to 200 VR but getting a fast 300 Vibratin Reduction Lens seems to make more sense for my overall system. And this lens seems to take the beating. Best camera lens investment I have made.
...
more
+ 0 likes
Used with an F5 to shoot landscapes and glamour. This lenshas extremely fast AF response when used with F5. The F5 AFdrive motor is strong with a lot of torque; this lens cantake anything the F5 can hand out, it is very durable. Landscapes shot through the 80-200 AF-D exhibit nodistortion, although you need to be careful about stoppingdown excessively. This is a professional classicaloutstanding deal.
+ 0 likes
I bought this lens to take pictures of middle school and high school basketball games on a D50. When I bought the camera I also bought the 70-300 f4-5.6 G lens. That's a nice lens too: small, light, and inexpensive. But in school gyms with relatively low light it would not stop the action, so I bought this one because it is an f2.8 lens. It does a great job and I've taken thousands of indoor basketball photos with it. It keeps a constant f2.8 throughout its zoom range, which is nice, and another (minor) feature is that it zooms internally, so the lens does not extend in length as it zooms. Nikon makes a more expensive similar lens with VR, but I don't miss the VR for action photos because I'm keeping the shutter speed fast enough to stop the action. If you plan to shoot at slower shutter speeds, the VR might be a plus, but for action photos I don't think it's necessary.
+ 0 likes
Historically Nikon has been a leader in designing high quality zoom lenses for its 35mm SLR cameras, of which this 80mm-200mm f2.8 ED AF Zoom Nikkor is a shining example. It is extremely sharp and contrasty, even wide open, judging from pictures I've seen taken with this lens. Unfortunately it is extremely heavy, and should be used only when the lens is supported by a monopod - or better yet - tripod, which can be attached to it via its tripod mount collar. Much to my surprise, it has two focusing rings - instead of one - which set independently the focal length the photographer is interested in in the range from 80mm to 200mm (So you can't take any fascinating "zoom" photographs by pushing the zoom focusing ring back and forth along the length of the lens barrel, which was a fine feature of the classic 80-200mm f4.5 and 80-200mm f4 Zoom Nikkor lenses.) and the focusing distance between the photographer and the subject being photographed. Nikon's new Super Integrated Coating is designed
...
more
+ 0 likes
This is a top-notch lens, tack sharp and fast (f/2.8) across it's entire zoom range. The built-in tripod collar will save a lot of stress on your camera mount, you'll see why when you lift this sucker - it feels like a brick. On the downside, auto-focusing can be a little slow. If you have an older camera body with an underpowered auto-focus motor it may not be able to keep up with a fast moving target. My N90s can handle it pretty well, but I don't do many action shots. If you shoot sports or other fast action, you should consider the AF-S version. It's internal motor eases the load on the camera and improves focus speed, but make sure you're body can use AF-S lenses.If you're a casual photographer who generally uses fast film, this lens is probably overkill. If you're very serious and shoot slow film, it will help you squeeze out every stop possible. The wide aperture is also great for minimizing depth of field, very useful if you shoot through wire at the zoo and for isolating subjects
...
more
