It is time that I go into telephoto photography after having stuck at maximum 50mm (75mm on my Nikon D200) since the time I began. After getting used to using 'fast glasses' such as my Tamron A16 SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR DII LD Aspherical (IF) and Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D, I definitely require a 'fast' telephoto to add to my arsenal of lenses. I have immediately ruled out getting 'slow' and 'all-in-one' lenses even with Vibration Reduction (VR) capabilities, since these lenses apart from being 'slow' without a constant aperture, most importantly the image quality of the output can never match up to my Tamron A16. I have already been pampered by how my Tamron A16 is giving 'hair-splitting' images especially when shooting the cats. I peep for sharpness right down to the very pixel! I need a lens that can fulfill my selection criterion:
- Telephoto: The focal length must allow me to get up close to the subject with physically moving my position or when moving closer is impossible.
- 'Fast': The lens shall allow me to freeze actions or make it usable at low light (without flash). Having a wide aperture will make the lens 'fast' and increase the shutter speed.
- 'Bokeh': The out-of-focus region must be smooth and creamy. Having a wide aperture and the design of the aperture blades affects the depth-of-field (DOF) and this the 'bokeh'.
- Sharpness: Having sharpness at full resolution such that cropping is possible. I look towards getting 'hair-splitting' sharpness. It is important that the lens must perform very well, especially when high resolution digital SLR will amplify the slightest flaw.
- Vibration Reduction: Lenses with image stabilization or vibration reduction (VR) will make this lens usable at low light (without flash). However, VR does not freeze actions, since VR does not increase the shutter speed but stabilizes the glass elements.
- Macro/Micro: Macro or Micro mode both refers to close-up photography. Having a 1:1 magnification ratio suggests that the size of the subject can be captured at the 'same' size in the sensor. i.e. appear bigger and frame-filling.
- Minimum Focusing Distance: Minimum Focusing Distance (MFD) will determine whether how close the photographer can physically get up close to the subject and indirectly affects the magnification ratio and DOF.
Sadly, there is not much lens that fulfil the above criterion but the legendary Nikkor AF 70-200mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VR. Even though this lens is very fast and offers a total of 5 stops advantage, its Macro capability is not fantastic at 1:6.1. Furthermore, the price tag of this lens at around S$2,500 - 2,700 is way beyond my budget. Hence, I shortlisted a few other lenses:
- Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
a full-frame capable lens with a 'fast' constant aperture with commendable good image quality and a good build 2.5x telephoto zoom lens.
~S$1,680 - Sigma AF 70-200mm f/2.8 EX HSM APO DG macro
also a full-frame capable lens that is a close match to (1) and has a shorter MFD and thus a better reproduction ratio, but loses out slightly in terms of image quality. Though an EX lens, Sigma lenses still suffer from possible peeling lens coating.
~S$1,650 - Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR
a prime lens with excellent image quality that is both 'fast' and has VR capability. Being a micro lens, the reproduction ratio is 1:1, making it ideal for insect photography as well as portrait photography. The only drawback is the fixed focal length at 105mm.
~S$1,250 - Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR II DX
a very popular walk-about lens for beginners that can take wide angles to telephoto pictures with its 11.1x zoom. At the longest end, there is VR to provide 3-4 stops advantage. This lens is also suitable for those who dislike the hassle of swapping lenses in the field. Nevertheless, the small and variable aperture makes this a slow lens that cannot freeze motion despite giving a stable shot. This lens also suffers from severe barrel distortions, pincushion and lens creeping. Image quality still falls behind my Tamron A16.
~S$1,280 - Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR
very good image quality from this 4.3x telephoto zoom lens, with VR capable of 4-stops advantage. Nevertheless, this lens is still not capable of freezing action with the small and variable aperture.
~S$850
In the end, I have chosen Nikkor AF 80-200 f/2.8D ED by Nikon. Based on specifications and research, this is a very heavy glass at 1.3kg and can put many people off. Many people also worry about the weight breaking the mount of the body. There has also been many complaints of the weak focus selector plastic ring that snaps at the same spot, causing MF/AF selection feature to be disabled. Hence handling of this lens is important. The lack of VR still makes this lens prone to handshake blur at this focal length range despite the fast aperture. The built-in rotatable tripod collar allows the lens to be mounted on a monopod or tripod for stability. The built-in macro/micro capability is nothing to shout about as well. It is still considered a 'fast glass' that can freeze action not achievable by 'slower' VR lenses, when under the same lighting conditions. It gives a smooth and creamy 'bokeh' as well. Lens flare is well controlled with the Nano-Crystal (N) coating.There is also not much barrel distortion and pincushion, despite some slight CA issues. This lens has a got a solid finish and feels very good in operation especially with a heavy body such as a Nikon D200.
Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
MK.III
by Nikon
There are four versions to this lens and this is the third version. The first two versions are of the one-touch push-pull design while the forth and latest AF-S version is the same two-ring design as this version, but with an added Silent Wave Motor that aid focusing speed and reduces 'hunting'. However, the AF-S version has been discontinued and making this third version the only version in the stores. Though I desired the AF-S version which focuses faster, allows manual override and resolves the weak AF/MF ring issue, finding a discontinued glass also means paying a higher price. The first two one-touch versions are unique such that pushing/pulling zooms while twisting focuses, the design causes air to be sucked into the barrel and resulting in dust collecting in the barrel.
- Type of lense: Autofocus Nikkor zoom lens with built-in CPU and a metal rear Nikon bayonet mount
- Focal length: 80mm to 200mm (approx. 123mm to 309mm for Nikon DX format DSLR)
- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Lens construction: 16 elements in 11 groups; x 3 ED elements at 2nd, 3rd and 12th, with close range correction (CRC) design
- Picture angle: 30° 10'- 12° 20' (7° 50'-19° 51' with Nikon digital cameras (Nikon DX format))
- Focal length scale: 80mm, 105mm, 135mm and 200mm
- Diaphragm: Fully automatic,
- Focus/Zoom control: Via independent focusing ring and zoom ring (2 rings)
- Finishing: full crinkle, hammered metal finishes
- Front Filter Attachment: Fixed, non-rotaing
- Distance Scales: Provided.
- Aperture scale: f/2.8, /f/4.0, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16 and 22 on both standard and aperture-direct-readout scalesMount: Nikon metal bayonet mount with CPU contacts
- Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet/inches from 1.8m (5.9 ft) at normal focus to infinity (OO); close focuses at its nearest distance at 1.4m (4.9') at MACRO mode (Displayed via an orange index line after minimum focus distance is achieved).
- Distance information: Output into camera body with CPU interface system is FULLY FUNCTIONAL with this version; Option for manual focus provided
- Attachment size: 77mm (P=0.75mm);
- Depth of Field Scales: NONE
- Reproduction ratio: 1:5.9X maximum at MACRO@1.4m; 1:7.4 at normal mode @1.8m
- Minimum aperture lock: Provided. Via slide switch
The front element of the lens is deep inside the extended 'built-in hood' of the lens, protecting it from physical contact as well as reduces lens flare. The rim of the 'built-in hood' is lined with rubber to cushion the lens during accidental contact, however, when a filter is screwed in, the rubber rim is useless. The 'built-in hood' also has threads for mounting of an optional lens hood (not included).
The silver button on the plastic focus selector ring engages the AF/MF mode. The front rubber ring is the focus ring while the rear is the zoom ring.
Left: The clear window shows the distance scale with increasing units to the left while the right end shows the macro range in an orange scale.
Right: Focal length scale is marked at the rear end of the zoom ring. The width of the zoom ring is ergonomically spaced but the small tripod collar can get in the way during operation.
Focus limiter switch is located beside on the distance scale on the 'built-in hood'. This is used to reduce the hunting by limiting the focusing to the locked distance to infinity.
The rear end of the lens is the metal mount with CPU-contacts and the aperture ring (for manual SLR use). The rear element of the lens is also very deep hence making accidental contact impossible.
The Accessories
Lens Hood
HB-7
With such a big front element, there is bound to be plenty of stray light that can enter the lens causing flare. Though it has a Nano-Crystal Coating and a 'built-in hood', an optional hood is a bonus.
Hard Leather Case
CL-43A
The lens comes in a classy-looking hard leather case when purchased and can be carried around with a sling. The flaw of this design is that when a filter or hood is mounted, the case cannot store the lens.
On the Nikon D200
How the Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED looks cool on my Nikon D200.
The HB-7 hood can be reversed mounted when not used.
The HB-7 hood mounted.
Test Instances
What better way to test the lens but to check the sharpness at widest aperture and sharpest aperture at both ends of the zoom. These test images can be enlarged at full resolution to scrutinize on the image quality.
No post-processing to image quality was performed.
Images shot handheld from my Nikon D200.
WARNING! Huge file sizes.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Test Conditon
Focal Length: 80mm
Apertures: (LEFT) f/2.8 and (RIGHT) f/8
Test Conditon
Focal Length: 200mm
Apertures: (LEFT) f/2.8 and (RIGHT) f/8
Test Conditon
Focal Length: 200mm
Apertures: f/2.8
The Birds Test
Birds are usually sensitive to the presence of humans going up close. Though pigeons are less sensitive to our presence, they are a good test of getting a close shot of them without physically going near to them, which might possibly scare them off.
The Cats Test
How can the lens test be complete without testing it on my favourite feline beings. Cats allow me to really test the 'bokeh', reproduction ratio, minimum focusing distance and most importantly, 'hair-splitting' sharpness that my Tamron A16 has been delivering. It is also critical that I am further away in order to capture their most natural reactions.
Note that the last image is shown in the micro scale, i.e. near MFD.
Verdict
I am definitely loving this Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED as much as my Tamron A16. This lens nicely complements my Tamron A16 by extending the range beyond its maximum 50mm, from 80mm to 200mm (equivalent to 120-300mm). It allows me to reach out to distances which I had to previously digitally crop to get closer. The 'bokeh' is indeed very smooth and creamy. The test pictures are sharp at f/2.8 and thus denounce the myths that this lens is soft at widest aperture. The 'fast' lens allows me to shoot comfortably handheld in good light and not worry about subject movements. The birds test shows that having a 'fast' lens is useful and the focal length allows capturing the animals in their natural undisturbed reactions.
The cats tests shows that images from this lens is 'hair-splitting' sharp! I also managed to get a sharp image at near MFD, despite some comments of softness at macro range. I shall point out that though the lens allows user to work close to the subject at near MFD, i.e. 1.5m distance, and still get a lock-on focus, but at this distance the DOF is a very minimum. Hence, if the focused area of the subject is framed such that it is bigger than the maximum magnification ratio of 5.9x (macro range), the subject will turn out soft when shot. That is because most part of the subject is within the circle of confusions since the DOF is so very shallow. Thus, I hereby denouce the myth of this glass having poor image quality at f/2.8 and at MFD.
There has also been comments of this lens having a common back-focusing issue. I do no experience much of this issue at my shooting distances with my lens. Back-focusing issue can be corrected with the manual focusing (preferably with manual override which unfortunately this lens cannot allow) and the aid of focusing viewfinder.
Though this lens is 'fast', the lack of VR capability makes the image in the viewfinder wobbly at 200mm when handheld. This however, is not a big issue when the shutter speed is fast and with proper techniques or with the aid of a monopod or tripod.
I love the feel of this lens in my hands. This lens has good a good built and excellent exterior finish. This lens is rather heavy and extra care is required when handling. Neck-slinging of the body with lens mounted is impossible, unless you want to snap your neck. These factors, on top of the lack of VR, are the most common reasons that owners are giving up this glass that they previously owned. I believe with proper techniques and love for quality images from this lens, these flaws can be masked.
The Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED is definitely one pro-grade lens!
And I am proud to be an owner of one!
Please respect the copyrights of the photographs and content in this post. Please support my work by linking back to this post via this address: http://mybearbrick.blogspot.com/2008/03/nikkor-af-80-200mm-f28d-ed-mkiii-review.html
technorati tags
Singapore Photography Nikon Lens Nikkor Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED telephoto 80-200mm f/2.8 f/2.8 Lens review Lens test
Comments