Nikon 80-200 2.8

pdq5oh · Feb 4, 2011

What has been the experience of people that have used both lenses? Does the AF-S lens focus appreciably faster than the D lens? Is there any difference in low light? I have a D7000, btw. Thanks in advance.

KmH · Feb 4, 2011

F/2.8 is f/2.8 at which ever focal length - so there is no difference when either is used in low light.

The AF-S version will auto focus only slightly faster.

Only used AF-S versions are available, at about $200 to $300 more than a used AF 80-200mm.

If you were to decide you wanted to get a good, used copy of the AF 80-200 mm f/2.8 there is one for being offered for sale right here at TPF: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/buy-sell/233456-fs-nikon-af-80-200-mm-f-2-8d-2-ring.html

djacobox372 · Feb 4, 2011

I've used all three versions, and the AF-S version very fast--about as fast as a modern af-s 70-200mm.

The two-ring version is no slouch when mated to a powerful body, but it's at least 25% slower then the af-s. The single ring version is just a tad slower focusing then the dual ring.

You can buy used 70-200mm f2.8 af-s VR1 lenses for just a couple hundred bucks more then a used 80-200mm af-s; I might go that route instead--I think VR is worth the little extra $$.

However; the AF versions of this lens are real bargains, especially the single ring--you can find those for $400. I've never quite understood what is SO much better about the dual ring for it to command almost twice the price.

pdq5oh · Feb 5, 2011

Thanks for the replies. I'm currently using a Tamron 70-200 2.8. I was looking at the Nikon lenses hoping for a bit sharper wide open and faster AF. I had the push pull Nikon lens when shooting film with an F4. That lens focused way too slowly. The Tamron is not bad, I was just hoping for a little better keeper rate. Thanks again.

djacobox372 · Feb 5, 2011

pdq5oh said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm currently using a Tamron 70-200 2.8. I was looking at the Nikon lenses hoping for a bit sharper wide open and faster AF. I had the push pull Nikon lens when shooting film with an F4. That lens focused way too slowly. The Tamron is not bad, I was just hoping for a little better keeper rate. Thanks again.

If your tamron is the one with the built in af motor, then the two-ring 80-200mm af would be a downgrade in focus speed. If you have the screw-drive focus version of the tamron, then you might see a little improvement in focus speed, but don't count on it.

Image quality wise, the old push-pull you had for your f4 is identical to the other versions.

As for getting "more keepers," you should also consider that nikon lenses are typically more accurate then third-party lenses; it's not all about speed.

pdq5oh · Feb 6, 2011

I do have the internal motor lens. Thanks for your replies.

manaheim · Feb 6, 2011

Million threads on this. Do a search.

70/200 2.8 VR1 is a little soft. 80-200 is sharper IIRC.

Also, the F-stop is a ratio... so technically it's possible that more light could come into one 2.8 over another... however I imagine such a difference would be negligable in thsi case.

KmH · Feb 7, 2011

Yes, the size of the opening at f/2.8 is determined by the focal length of the lens. f = the lens focal length.

At 200 mm a lens set to f/2.8 will have a nominal lens aperture diameter of 71.4 mm (200 mm divided by 2.8), while at 80 mm and f/2.8 the nominal lens aperture diameter would be 17.9 mm (80 mm divided by 2.8).