AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
High-performance, high-speed telephoto zoom is a superb choice for sports and portraits, even in challenging lighting conditions.
$1,224.95*SRPSRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Close
Supplied Accessories
- CL-43A Case
- 77mm lens cap
- Rear lens cap
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
51
51
Outstanding performance
At the risk of sounding like plain endorsement (which I wouldn't mind!) :) , the performance of the zoom is simply stellar. Wide open it's quite good, close a bit and you get outstanding image quality. Contrast and colour are simply amazing.
AF is fast in every camera I've used it (D70, D200, D300, it's quite good even on my good ol' F601), the focus limiter comes handy. It's usable with an aftermarket 1.5x TC, and the quality is still excellent.
Tripod collar is very good, and overall construction is top notch. Only drawback, the AF/MF switch, which is not on par with the rest. Mine broke two times until I had a technician do a weird fix that looks funny but works. Since I don't plan on selling this one, I don't care if resale value goes down...
Conclusion: a must have. If, like me, you don't need AF-S for 90% of my shooting (this one gets most used on photojournalism), this is the zoom for you.
July 30, 2010
I love this lens.
My main telephoto lens. From shooting atv racing to portrait / wedding work. Another very sharp Nikon lens. This is an older design, but have no complaints. The images produced with this lens are without question pro quality. At 200mm and f 2.8 the result can be a stunning selective focus portrait. Produces very powerful images. A standard to compare other glass.
July 30, 2010
Great lens for shoot moving subjects!
This is one of the first lenses that I purchased when I graduated collage in 1992. It has been a work horse for me ever since! It is great for capturing subjects in open spaces, as well and an amazing lens for close up portraits.
July 30, 2010
Beautiful lens!!
I love this lens, you can really do a lot with this lens, from wild life to portraiture! I have used this lens in all sports events, weddings, in studio/location portrait, wild life in the mountains, you name it, I have use this lens for it!! Fast lens but small enough to put in your camera bag and go everywhere!!
July 30, 2010
Built like a tank.
This lens is built like a tank! It has withstood treatment far rougher than anyone would ever put a lens through.
I've dropped this lens on several occasions, broken lens hoods and one time the autofocus switch. And the lens kept on shooting flawlessly. I have dropped, banged or other wise roughed this lens up in the course of shooting sports and remote location. And I continued to shoot with it for two years until I had a break in my schedule to have it serviced.
The image quality compares equally with the latest Nikon zooms in this range for sharpness and speed but without stabilization it is about half the price. A bit heavy but simply an excellent piece of equipment that will perform when you need it to.
July 30, 2010
Great lens!
I've had this lens for many years, starting with my N90. I can always spot the pictures that I've taken with this lens - sharp, great contrast, no flare. It's built like a tank, and am looking forward to using it on a new generation FX format camera when it becomes available!
July 30, 2010
Great lens for sports and general photography
First, the fact that it's a fast lens at f/2.8 makes this a favorable lens to have in one's arsenal. It's also a very solid and stable lens to hold in your hands. I've used this in my sports and news photography work when I was a photojournalist. I've seen the different iterations of this lens and it's very well-built now compared to its first release. Unfortunately, since it's not an AF-S, it won't work with the new DSLRs in Nikon's lineup. You'll need the 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VRII for that. Otherwise, it's a very good lens overall. I love using it!
June 23, 2011
5 Star sharpness & bulletproof, but no AFS
This is a great all around medium tele that can do both portrait and sports work. The 2.8 aperature, sturdy build and outstanding sharpness are truly pro-grade. The one drawback is the non-AFS focus speed, particularly for sports. The sharpness is 5 Star as is the build quality but it hunts for focus and once one becomes used to AFS lenses, this is a tad slow for sports, albeit at a considerable discount from the afs version.
April 14, 2011
Nikon 80-200 f2.8
Very good quality fast lens but HEAVY.
Good for indoor low light photography.
April 14, 2011
Awesome
Fantastic lens. Built like Iron man, fast like the Flash, Sharp like a dagger!
My only two complaints are the weight (compared to my other lenses), and the closest focusing distance which is sometimes annoying.
November 23, 2010
Honors the Nikkor name.
Top quality construction, reasonably compact and delivers very good overall IQ. A little soft at f/2.8 @ 200mm but quickly improves to very good by f/4 and excellent from there on.
October 4, 2010
Way too overlooked for the value!
This is perhaps the most overlooked lens in Nikon's arsenal in this focal length range. There's always a desire to have the latest and greatest lens, but this old workhorse is still a very capable tool for your bag. It also is about half the cost of it's newer VR enabled brother the 70-200mm.
If you are planning to shoot sports you actually don't want the VR enabled lens anyway. The VR on the newer lens will slow down your autofocus, and slow down your FPS rate. In the milliseconds to seconds it takes the VR to stabilize, you can't shoot, or AF. When it is stabilized, you will be able to AF then shoot. We are talking a very short time frame, but with sports things move pretty quick, so it can mean the difference between getting peak action, or missing it. When I shoot Missouri state high school sporting events and competitions all the Nikon shooters around me are shooting with this lens and have left their newer VR enabled lenses at home.
This lens is heavy, but built like a tank. From the moment you pick it up you will realize that it's not a cheap kit lens. I use this lens to shoot high school football, volleyball, softball, baseball, basketball, and wrestling. Nearly all high school gyms are poorly lit and dark. This lens with it's 2.8 aperture produces great images for me in gyms even when the iso is cranked up to 3200 and 6400 for newsprint work. This lens also produces amazing wedding images for me as well.
It's weight makes handholding not an easy task to still get crisp clear images, but if you seriously have intentions of shooting sports action with this lens you understand that it's best to shoot with this mounted on a monopod anyway.
This lens maintains a constant length throughout it's entire zoom range. The focusing is all internal. When you rotate the ring from 80 to 200 all of the glass movement occurs inside the lens. The images I get from my lens copy are consistently sharp throughout the entire focusing distance.
Nikon deviated from it's normal design when it produced the AF/M changing mechanism on this lens. This lens has a small poorly designed ring with a button on it that you have to push then rotate to switch the lens from AF to M mode. It's not a rugged design by any means and is known to break if handled vigorously. Be aware of this.
August 8, 2010
Good Solid Lens
I have had mine for almost 6 years and it is still great. I love the VR on the newer versions but this is still a classic.
July 31, 2010
Less Flash, half of the cash
Yes it lacks VR, nano coatings and VR but this lens should not be overlooked. It has proven excellent and sharp at weddings, rock concerts and sports events. A little soft wide open but by f/4 it gets very good. Yes the camera screw drive is a bit noisy when focusing and that would be my main reason for upgrading to the 70-200 (VR 1 or VR 2). Nice lens.
July 30, 2010
Great in Low Light Sports
I use this lens for Hockey as well as MMA and it is a very good lens. It is fast enough to catch all the action I need when I am at the arena or the Rink.
July 30, 2010
not a great choice
This lens ended up in the shop within six months; an electrical problem that had nothing to do with mishandling on my part. It is quite heavy, and vignettes around the edges, which is distressing in a product that is this expensive.
July 31, 2010
38 Questions | 55 Answers
Product Q&A
Ask your questions. Share your answers.
38 Questions | 55 Answers
Have a new question?
Ask a new question Search the Product Forum
All
All
AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
3 Answers
Will the AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED lens work on the D50
5 months, 2 weeks ago
by
frank
Tracy, CA, USA
Location :
Tracy, CA, USA
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
I use that same combination and it works great. The D50 has a focusing motor built into the body, so it will drive this lens for AF. I have read some reviews saying that the D50 is not as snappy with AF on this lens as with other bodies, but I it seems plenty quick to me for shooting ballet and soccer.Jul 9, 2012 by
by
Anonymous
Kent, WA
Location :
Kent, WA
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Your D50 has a focusing motor and will drive the AF 80-200. It's confusing because Nikon took the focusing motors out of some of the lower cost cameras after the D50 was introduced (D3000/5000 and others). See page 106 of the D50 owners manual.Feb 9, 2012 by
by
Mike
Chicago, IL, USA
Location :
Chicago, IL, USA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than 20 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
It will work but will not autofocus
AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
3 Answers
Hello. Which teleconverter can mount on the lens (the body is a d7000) for keep autofocus?
2 months, 3 weeks ago
by
Giuseppe
Italia
Location :
Italia
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Didn't read your lens correctlt, sorry didn't realize you had the older AF lens. Nikon does not make a teleconverter for AF lenses.Answer:
The chart posted is for AF-S lens. This lens is AF not AF-S.Apr 23, 2012 by
by
Giuseppe
Italia
Location :
Italia
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
All Nikon teleconverters will autofocus with that lens.Here is the compatability chart
http://www.nikonusa.com/en_INC/IMG/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/en_US_Comp_chart.html
1 year, 3 months ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes, Works Great! The D90 has a motor on the body that auto focuses the lens. Might be a tad slow at focus though.Answer:
Yes, this lens can be use with the D90, but AF-assist illumination is not available.
AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
2 Answers
is there a update to this lens such as Nikon prod # 1997
i was told that this lens was updated from 1986 to 1997 is that true?
1 year, 3 months ago
by
BOB
SHIRLEY NEW YORK
Location :
SHIRLEY NEW YORK
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Professional photographer
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes, it was updated from the push-pull type of mechanism to a two-ring function (one for the focal length, the other for focusing). This may seem rather unusual or perhaps even counter-intuitive, but it does work well. It's still a very good and sharp lens to have and use. I use mine (it's the second version that has the limiting switch, not a ring to limit the focusing range) and it's been a solid lens.Jun 25, 2011 by
by
NikonEd
San Francisco, CA
Location :
San Francisco, CA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
Product # 1997 is a TC-20E Teleconverter, and no this lens has not been updated to a newer AF-S/ AI-S type. That is a popular request and it has been passed on to our product development group in the past.Mar 24, 2011 by
by
Anonymous
Has staff answer
AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
2 Answers
Do you need a "working" limit/full switch in order to autofocus? I have seen a lens where this switch is missing.
1 year, 3 months ago
by
dasman
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
It will still focus, but it depends upon which position the switch was in when it broke off. If it's on the "Limit" setting, it's going to be quite limited in the range that it will work within. You will notice that it will stop at a certain point and won't focus past that spot (either near or far, depending). If it's focusing throughout the entire range, then it broke off in the "Full" setting, which is good because you can at least still use the lens. You (or the current owner) should consider getting that replaced/repaired unless you/they really don't use/care about that particular function.Jun 24, 2011 by
by
NikonEd
San Francisco, CA
Location :
San Francisco, CA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
This lens is AF that is way doesn’t have the switch for A or M (like AF-S models). It doesn’t have the Silent Wave Motor built-in in order to work with cameras bodies that don’t have built-in focus drive motor.Has staff answer
AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
2 Answers
Need to rephrase my last question. I have seen a lens where the limit/full switch is "broken", as in the switch has broken off, will it still focus?
1 year, 3 months ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
It will still focus, but it depends upon which position the switch was in when it broke off. If it's on the "Limit" setting, it's going to be quite limited in the range that it will work within. You will notice that it stops at a certain point and won't focus past that spot (either near or far, depending). If it's focusing throughout the entire range, then it broke off in the "Full" setting, which is good for you because you can at least still use the lens. Since you didn't specify what is happening with your particular lens, I can only speculate that it's broken off at the "Full" setting. You should consider getting that replaced/repaired unless you really don't use/care about that particular function.Jun 24, 2011 by
by
NikonEd
San Francisco, CA
Location :
San Francisco, CA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
We cannot guarantee the operation of this lens with the switch broken.Has staff answer
AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
2 Answers
What is the Function or Use of (limit / full) switch placed on lense AF Zoom-NIKKOR 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
1 year, 3 months ago
by
MS
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
limit/full switch is used to stop the automatic focus from moving too far. Sometimes you will notice that the lens is moving in and out a long distance to get the focus. If you use the limit/full swith in the "limit" position then the lens will not use the full focus range and this will save battery life. I generally leave it on "limit"Hope is helps!!
Answer:
The full/limit switch speeds autofocus by limiting the camera to "looking" for a subject in either longer ranges or closer ranges (depending on where you are focused when you set the limit). In the "Full" position the lens will hunt through the entire range when it needs to focus and this can take a long time.If you are only shooting close (or far) subjects, use the "Limit"
I am waiting to get a AF Zoom-NIKKOR 80-200mm f/2.8D ED, however they (being dealers) are all showing backorder from the mfg. Is there any kind of expected ship date to dealers? Thank you for your help.
1 year, 2 months ago
by
Weedy
SW Florida
Location :
SW Florida
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
There is no easy answer to this question. It's all a matter of supply and demand. Have you checked with other online retailers/mail order houses? If you don't mind getting used equipment, you may also consider checking online bulletin boards to see who is selling their equipment at steep discounts (based upon its condition and amount of use, of course). You can also check with your local professional processing labs to see the For Sale postings if you really need one now.Jun 24, 2011 by
by
NikonEd
San Francisco, CA
Location :
San Francisco, CA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
other than being 3x expensive? :) nothing. but the 2.8ED AF-D is a beautiful lens, alas, i don't think nikon manufactures it anymore. what they are selling as new are probably leftover stock.1 year, 2 months ago
by
dcv99
Colorado Springs
Location :
Colorado Springs
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Professional photographer
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
The six-digit serial number can be found on the "bottom side" of the aperture ring. It is engraved on the surface and can be seen from an angle. If you are the original owner, you should immediately record the serial number from the registration card that came in the box. This will help you when you need to provide it to Nikon ProfessionalServices (NPS) or if you have to make an insurance claim (theft, damage, etc.).
Jun 24, 2011 by
by
NikonEd
San Francisco, CA
Location :
San Francisco, CA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
Its on the end etched onto the aperture ring.1 year, 1 month ago
by
Anonymous
Florida
Location :
Florida
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
The answer is yes and no. Yes, in that all supported functions on the D3000 will work; and, no because the autofocus function won't work with the AF Zoom Nikkor 80-200mm in place. This is because there is no motor to drive the autofocus mechanism in the lens barrel like there was with the earlier crop of autofocus cameras. The current DSLRs all use the SWM to drive the lens. I found this out when I tried it on my D3100 and nothing happened. After some research and inspection of the mounting ring on the body, I realized that there was no pinout that drove the zoom lens like there is on the F-series of bodies (from the F4 on up, and the N-series of autofocus cameras).Jun 24, 2011 by
by
NikonEd
San Francisco, CA
Location :
San Francisco, CA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
Yes it will work but it will be manual focus only.
We’ll keep track of the products you view here.