Nikon Zoom-NIKKOR 80~200mm 1:4.5 Ai N Lens (80-200mm f/4.5)

Overall Rating:

This is the newest, latest version of this 80-200mm/4.5 lens. It first appeared in 1977 and lasted until 1981. It had a major optical upgrade to a design with 12 elements in 9 groups (from 15 elements in 10 groups) improving on sharpness and distortion, but the minimum focus distance remained the same as its predecessor (1.8 meters). About 150,000 were produced. It is sharper than the 80-200mm/4 Ai-S lens that replaced it. In its day, this was an expensive lens to buy new and as such it was mostly bought by professionals.

This lens is very sharp but does have very minor color fringing as it zooms to the long end. It's hardly noticeable. The bokeh is not bad on both the short end and long end. It flares and ghosts horribly which may not be a problem for some. Distortion ranges from a little barrel on the short end to a little less on the long end. Vignetting is present at f=80mm. This is an excellent infrared lens.

Some examples of this lens suffer from loose/dry zoom rings. Be sure to buy one from a reputable used dealer or try it before buying (or live with the dry zoom action).

Features a focus scale, depth of field scale and infrared focus index.

Diffraction has begun by f/8.

• Focal Length: 80-200mm
• Maximum aperture: f/4.5
• Minimum aperture: f/32
• one-touch zoom/focus
• ø52mm filter ring
• Lens construction: 12 lens elements in 9 groups
• Picture angle: 30°10' at f=80mm and 12°20' at f=200mm
• Distance scale: 1.8m/6ft. to infinity with infrared focus index

Related links:

• Nikon Nikkor Lens Reviews
• All Lens Reviews