Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 D ED Lens

The 80-200 f2.8D is a great solid reliable and high performance lens. It is optically comparable to the first series 70-200 f2.8 VR, so the decision comes down to your need for image stabilization and instant manual focus overide. If these are not essential then the 80-200 is a perfect alternative for performance, and certainly for price! If the best optical performance is your criteria, then the series II 70-200 VR is a little sharper and holds to the edges better, but this older lens is still a stunning performer. The only limitation is that the performance does drop slightly past 180mm, noticeable with the lens wide open. If you look inside you can see one of the lens tubes reverse direction from 180mm, it's this motion that is 'stretching' the optical boundaries. Stopped down though, it delivers great performance through to 200mm. This two ring version is a heavy and beautifully built professional lens, it is perfectly balanced, the zoom ring is easy to use with an ideal rotation range, and it is easy to use in manual focus. It is optically the same as the earlier push-pull version. I loved push-pull on the older and smaller manual 75-150 and 80-200 f4, but not so easy on the larger diameter 80-200 f2.8. This newer version I find a much easier to use lens, and that translates to better pictures. Also, the push-pull has no tripod mount, whereas this one has a very solid rotatable mount.