Nikon 80-200mm f/4 AIS... worth it, or outdated?

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

12/19/2009 07:22:24 PM · #1

This lens supposedly was in everyone's bag... in the '70s. It's a push-pull, which I'm dying to try, and they're selling for between $50 and $150 on eBay, which is dirt cheap considering they're called "Nikon's sharpest MF zoom," they're "built like a tank," and they're constant-aperture (which you can't really get in any focal length for less than $500 nowadays).

However, '70s equipment is kinda... dated. Is a 30-40 year old MF lens still worth the investment? And will some tape really fix the zoom creep? And with a good technique, can I really get spot-on focus through my crappy D40 viewfinder? (Yes, I know it won't meter on the D40)

Bugzeye

12/19/2009 07:33:04 PM · #2

The price sounds right. Never used that particular lens so I have no experience to go by, But if it is as sharp or sharper than the Nikon 80-200 2.8 which I do own and use often. I would say it probably is a performer. Hopefully someone who owns one will chime in and give you the answer you are looking for.

Message edited by author 2009-12-19 19:33:31.

Tamron SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD

12/19/2009 07:38:15 PM · #3

Originally posted by Bugzeye:

I think you're referring to the AF-D, which is probably wayyy sharper. But this was the sharpest Nikon MF zoom ...according to a number of sources.

mfrauenhoffer

Nikon D600

12/19/2009 07:40:03 PM · #4

I have it and I bought it for $30 online. It's a great lens but it definitely takes a bit to get used to being manual focus.

scarbrd

Leica M10

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical MF - Black

12/19/2009 07:46:21 PM · #5

that lens was a legend in the early zoom days.

Tamron SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD

12/19/2009 07:49:48 PM · #6

Originally posted by mfrauenhoffer:

I have it and I bought it for $30 online.

I may be able to get one with perfect front/rear element condition, no dust, little zoom creep, "snappy" (I hate that word) and oil-free aperture, and pretty good cosmetics for about $100. Sounds like enough of a deal to me. I saw a few sell for $50-60 but they all either made no mention of condition or said they have quite a bit of zoom creep and/or internal dust.

ETA: Also, I looked here in the equipment section and I meant to PM you but didn't want to disturb. Any thoughts on the optical quality of the lens? As sharp as they say? Any complaints about CA? Seems to be common...

Message edited by author 2009-12-19 20:03:41.

mfrauenhoffer

Nikon D600

12/19/2009 07:51:00 PM · #7

Mine is in great condition... I guess I got lucky!