Nikon 80-200 /2.8 users

[De_Corday]

My one-ring 80-200 AFD is incredibly sharp, even wide open, except at 200mm, where it is annoyingly soft. Is this indicative of a problem? I regularly see reviews describing the lens as acceptably sharp end to end...

 

[ronnies]

I don't seem to have issues with mine at 200mm but then I don't use it at f/2.8 all the time.

Then you have the problem of defining "acceptably sharp".

Ronnie

 

[caila77]

how sharp is for you?

how sharp is for you?

what is sharp for someone could be .. not enough sharp for someone else....
if you can try to post a shot from your lens wide open at 200mm..
Mine is accettable also wide open ar 200mm ..... for me!

 

[peterm1]

My one-ring 80-200 AFD is incredibly sharp, even wide open, except at 200mm, where it is annoyingly soft. Is this indicative of a problem? I regularly see reviews describing the lens as acceptably sharp end to end...

I have always understood this lens to be more soft at the 200mm point. I have one and think that is so, but I would say mine is not objectionably soft. Then again I probably do not shoot it at 200mm all that often.

 

[View Range]

Mine was excellent all across the zoom range at all apertures. I often used the lens with the TC-20EIII converter and it was still excellent. I say "was" because the autofocus motor failed and two repair shops said parts are no longer available. Based on that consideration alone, I would avoid buying a used 80-200.

 

[ronnies]

Mine was excellent all across the zoom range at all apertures. I often used the lens with the TC-20EIII converter and it was still excellent. I say "was" because the autofocus motor failed and two repair shops said parts are no longer available. Based on that consideration alone, I would avoid buying a used 80-200.

The one ring 80-200 AFD doesn't have a focus motor.

Ronnie

 

[Ken Ford]

I beleive all the versions of the 80-200/2.8 are a little soft at 200, 2.8 and MFD.

 

[narsuitus]

I tested a Nikon 80-200mm AF-D that I was going to buy but sent it back because the image quality at 200mm f/2.8 was too low for my taste. I next tested a Nikon 80-200mm AF-S and purchased it because I was very pleased with its improved image quality.


Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S by Narsuitus, on Flickr

 

[raid]

Before the advent of AF, Nikon had a 80-200/2.8 ED zoom while Canon did not. I think that this was one of the main reasons for professionals to favor Nikon over Canon.

 

[Bike Tourist]

I have the two-ring later model D. It's the sharpest lens in my quiver.

 

[css9450]

I have exactly the lens the OP is asking about, the one-ring AF "D". Last of the versions without tripod collar. Fantastically sharp, but I only very rarely shoot it at 2.8. I think any soft photos might be if I miss focus.

I use mine with a Kirk tripod collar. Its their earlier version, which I prefer to the one that came later which wasn't user-friendly if you wanted to shoot verticals. My Kirk collar is rock solid.

 

[nikon_sam]

Nikon 80-200 2.8 Double Ring lens shot at 200mm f/5.0 1/640 (hand-held) ISO 100

Same lens but at f/8.0...I'm very happy with the performance of this lens...

 

[nikon_sam]

Both shot at 2.8 camera mounted on tripod, 100 ISO at 200mm

Cropped to area of focus...