Your thoughts on the nikon 80-200

redtippmann · Nov 7, 2009

I have been looking into faster telephoto lenses lately for photojournalism. I was looking at sigmas and tamrons (70-200 f/2.8) lenses but I would like to stick with nikon lenses.

So I stumbled across a nikon 80-200 on craigslist. (for $400!(I think thats good)) So it seems to be a nice lens and I can really use the 2.8. But I watched the review from nikon help hotline and they said its the 2nd worst lens (the 18-200 was first on their list) But Ken Rockwell said it was pretty good.

So anyone here have one? Anything else to add?

dhilberg · Nov 7, 2009

Whoever says that the Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 is Nikon's second worst lens is a bone head. It's one of their best, especially the last iteration of it (two-ring).

I own one (the two-ring, not the push-pull), and it's excellent. Do some Googling on it and you should find some very positive reviews.

redtippmann · Nov 7, 2009

so i should see if its 2 ring? if its one ring is that BAD?

PatrickHMS · Nov 7, 2009

I believe there is another very recent thread about this same lens....

Derrel · Nov 7, 2009

Somebody is pulling your leg. Seriously.

PatrickHMS · Nov 8, 2009

Derrel said:
Somebody is pulling your leg. Seriously.

???

I don't get it?

benhasajeep · Nov 8, 2009

There is a reason the lens is still being sold even though its replacement has been out for years!!! It's a damned good lens. Even the push pull was a good lens, just slower in focusing. The lens is still available new!! It's in a price range that competes with third party lenses. If you can do without VR or OS/IS or what ever Sigma and the others call it. It is a very good fast lens! Had mine over 10 years now. As good as the day I got it. :thumbup:

Mine is the newer version.

Garbz · Nov 8, 2009

Someone is pulling the leg about this being the second worst.

It's one of my most favourite and sharpest lenses. It's an investment worth making, a dream to use, and handles every situation except closest focus @ 200mm @ f/2.8 with very exceptionally good quality. Although it's very soft at the above setting, but that's the only setting.

PatrickHMS · Nov 8, 2009

Guess I got suckered, but even I am not stupid enough to believe anything that Ken Rockwell says about anything. And whomever quotes KR, or refers to his reviews doesn't have much credibility with me either.

I have had a copy of the 80-200 and liked it even if it was push-pull vesion, but the 18-200mm (even if IQ is good), wasn't one of my favorite lenses while I had it.

I just didn't see it as being THAT much better for the extra $$ than the 55-200mm VR and the 18-55mm were, and the $400 price difference makes changing lenses worth it to me. And all my 52mm filters will fit the 55-200mm and the 18-55mm.

And my 55-200mm VR doesn't have that annoying rattle the 18-200mm did.

And my 55-200mm has never had lens creep.

And I LOVE my Sigma 18-50mm HSM Macro constant 2.8 I got to replace my 18-200.

redtippmann · Nov 8, 2009

Yeah I like my 55-200VR but I need to shoot in low light allot so I think it would be worth it.

benhasajeep · Nov 8, 2009

redtippmann said:
Yeah I like my 55-200VR but I need to shoot in low light allot so I think it would be worth it.

Have a look at it and take a couple test shots at different ranges and settings. And if its an older push pull. Just go "Oh, its an OLD push pull model", " I was thinking it was the new design model", "well I am not so sure". :lol:

You may get it for a better price. :thumbup:

PhotoXopher · Nov 8, 2009

See my recent thread here:
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-know-nikon-80-200-push-pull-worth-400-a.html

benhasajeep · Nov 8, 2009

N0YZE said:
See my recent thread here:
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-know-nikon-80-200-push-pull-worth-400-a.html

Seems to be a rush on the store for Nikon 80-200's lately. Going to be a sad day when they do finally give up on it. I have my equipment insured for replacement value. On most of my D-type 2.8's that means the price of AF-S (and sometimes VR) lenses. But the 80-200 f/2.8D is still made so no insurance check for a new 70-200 f/2.8AF-S VRII for me. Not that I am planning a loss mind you.

ANDS! · Nov 8, 2009

And whomever quotes KR, or refers to his reviews doesn't have much credibility with me either.

Funny, since I find KR more consistent and useful than 90% of the posters on this forum. Nevermind that KR loves the 80-200 (in all of its iterations), but hey - nothing wrong with false statements.

In any case there are TWO push-pull models. One is slightly older than the other, but focuses slower. Im sure the model you are going to look at is the Push-Pull as no one is selling any of the two-rings for anything less than 600. Check here for what to look for to determine what model of the lens the fellow has, and barter appropriately.