Before I get into the good stuff, I just want you mention that I won’t be going into significant technical details about this lens. That information is readily available from Nikon USA’s website, and unlike other blogs, I don’t feel the need to continue to beat the dead horse. The point of this review to is to let you know how this lens feels in the field during use. That being said, lets get started.

Having recently acquired some funding to upgrade my photography I entered into full on research mode. As a photographer, I find that I swing one of two ways … 1.) I try my best to maximize each dollar. I consider the amount of possible use, the number of times per month I can use it, longevity, upgradability, image quality, etc, etc, etc. and 2.) I blow a wad of cash on something that I’ll probably use once a month (maybe).

For me, the 80-200 f/2.8 AF-D was a case of #1. After a month of research, I felt that the 80-200 would be the best option for my style of photography. Good range for wildlife, nice low-mid range for portraiture, fast for low light usage in wedding situations, awesome bokeh, and great crisp focus. At 1100.00 new, in comparison to the 2000.00+ 70-200, the 80-200 f/2.8 is a STEAL … period. Occasionally, you can find it Refurbed by Nikon in the 800.00 range, Used ones tend to go in the 500-900 dollar range. Something to note when shopping for a Used 80-200, there are actually two versions of this lens. Originally, the lens was a push/pull style but was later switched to the current two ring version. Having used both, I can personally say that I prefer the two ring version that I own.

Build Quality

You cannot talk about this lens without discussing the build quality. Weighing in a roughly 3.5 pounds the 80-200 f/2.8 is largely constructed of metal. I don’t recommend dropping it on concrete. Internally, the lens contains 16 elements in 11 groups including 3 ED elements. The aperture is formed with 9 rounded blades for buttery smooth bokeh when shooting wide open.

Focus Speed

One complaint that people have with this lens is that it is slow to focus. Personally, I don’t agree with those people. From my own tests with a Nikon D80 I can focus the entire range in less than 2 seconds. Two seconds might seem like a long period of time, but for the range the lens gives you I find it to be quite acceptable. There is occasionally some back focus, but I have determined that this isn’t a problem with newer/better spec’d bodies (D90 and up).

Image Quality

Well, it’s just perfection … Im not sure if there is anything I can really say more than that. It is tack sharp with little evidence of distortion. It has great contrast and with the f/2.8 you can get great shots in natural light. The below images was taken at 200mm, roughly 25ft away, handheld in natural light.

Hood

The optional hood, the HB-7, is … well, pathetic in my opinion. It is functional, but no where near as good as it could be. However, the HB-29, that is made for the 70-200 is an excellent replacement. The mounting grips are different though and you will need either a 3rd party adapter (via eBay) or you can choose to modify the HB-29 petal hood to fit the 80-200. In my opinion, the adapter is well worth the 30.00 (including shipping) even though it can be a little difficult to use sometimes.

A third option is a 77mm screw on rubber hood. They are made by several different companies, but I recommend the one manufactured by Mamiya. This hood sells for about 30.00 and can be purchased via any number of camera stores.

Overall

Overall, this is a spectacular lens for the money. Some might not think that 1100.00 is a small amount, but when compared to the 70-200’s price, 1100.00 is a great value. Don’t think about it, just buy it! I got mine here.

Occasionally, however, photography can land you in a spot where you have reached an apex. A point in time and space where the cosmos/nature are prepared to give you a rare Jackpot payout. To send a message, as if to say, “We’re watching you, keep up the good work.” For me, this happened yesterday.

After driving through No Where, South Eastern Kentucky for over an hour we arrived at the top of a small mountain. 2200 feet in elevation. Small by Rockies’ standards, but approaching the top of the world in this area of the country. Last time we were here we got to see the elusive elk that meander around these parts. This time there were no elk, but the wild horses that roam the area were hanging out for a mid-morning snack. We snuck around leaving quite a distance so as not to spook them.

After a few minutes the “Alpha” male amongst them began to make his way towards us. His actions weren’t hostile so we stayed put. He came up to my friend first, putting his nose into the hood of my friends 400mm Canon lens. The horse noticed me taking a few shots of him and my friend, and came over to me. Highlight of my day. Petting him for those few moments, I felt connected to something WAY bigger than me. Miles from civilization, in the wild, 2200 feet up, 360 degrees views, super cold, and windy. Just us and our new friend. Don’t worry nature … I got the message, loud and clear.

Photo by Daniel Boggs

The first thing I tell people is about the fact they are buying a system, not a camera. In fact, I just said that, but let me explain a little further. When you go out to buy a DSLR it is kind of like buying a car, you don’t jut pick a brand and pick the first one in your price range. You test drive it, you find the one that you feel good driving, the one which handles the best for the type of driving you plan on doing, and you look at how much it will cost you in the future. You should do the same thing when choosing a camera. Go out to a camera store and see about renting the camera you are considering purchasing. You might end up spending a $100.00, but as they say you don’t want to be penny wise and dollar foolish. By going this route you get a good feel for the camera in your hands, and its operation. You may even find that a camera you hadn’t even considered turns out to be the best choice for you.

Next, you should look at the types of lenses available for the brand you ultimately chose PRIOR to purchase. What many first-time buyer don’t understand is that the camera body you buy is disposable. In 2 years, maybe less if you’re like me, you’ll be on the hunt for a new camera body. However, you’ll still use your collection of lenses. The other thing most beginner don’t realize is that lenses can be expensive, and by expensive, I mean EXPENSIVE. Some lenses can cost as much as 2x any of a line’s camera bodies. Hence why I say lenses are your primary investment when choosing a brand. Be sure to see which brand of DSLR have good quality lenses for what types of photographer, and be prepared to pay god money for them. They will last you a long time.

Third, and I can’t stress this enough, forget Megapixels. Unless you plan on blowing up images beyond 20″ x 30″ 6MP is more than sufficient for the average print. Invest in glass (aka lenses) over megapixels. I could wax long on sensor types, brands, and sizes; but, that would really miss the mark on what I want to get across here. So, let me sum it up in a nice neat package. If you buy a non-Professional level camera you’ll be buying an APS (or close) sized sensor. For professional grade cameras they will have a 35mm sensor, or what is known as a Full Frame sensor. Just like film, larger sensor areas leads to sharper pictures, more contrast, and a larger image size.

In short, test drive the camera you are planning on getting to really make sure it is what you want. Ensure the brand you choose has suitable, quality, lenses for the type of photographs you plan on taking, and don’t let any salesmen try to get you to buy a camera based on more megapixels.

As for Nikon verses Olympus verses Pentax versus etc. I generally like to keep it in the realm of Nikon and Canon and Nikon.

Now, I am going to give my personal opinion on this matter. I shoot Nikon because they fit my hands well, and I feel like it is a better made camera. Perhaps this is just a bias remark, but it is how I feel nonetheless. The build quality also extends into the higher end Pro level cameras were, personally, I think Nikon’s offerings are leaps and bounds beyond Nikon to be better suited to the photography I choose to do.

I did a lot of research when I first decided to purchase a DSLR. I also took the time to visit several retail stores to feel the cameras in my hands, and to get a real feel which one was best for me. This is honestly the best suggestion I can pass on to those who are looking to entry into the exciting world of Digital SLR Photography.