Bargain! (I hope)

[SwissJon]

I've just picked up what I'm hoping is a bargain. $400 from the local thrift shop for a Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 D

Now, I've got some decent fast lenses at the short focal range, and I was about to spend more on the 105mm Nikkor 2.8 Micro VR II, but I already have a 60mm Micro for macro work, so the 105 was really only going to be for portraits and similar. This beast, covers that speed range and a lot more besides. If it works (And I've a 30 day guarantee on it) then I think I've got a real nice lens.. Ken Rockwell rates it highly as a pro level zoom lens.. Says it's better than the AF-S version that came afterward, it's got a full metal body and is less fussy than the newer models.

Having checked prices on Fleabay and similar, I think this lens was sold to me rather cheaply, similar lenses being sold at $500 or $600 or more.. I checked it thoroughly, there's no sign of mould, there's not cracks in the casing which looks in excellent condition with very vew wear marks at all, and there's a UV filter on it that looks like it was never removed... So I'm hoping that when I put it on my camera later today, I'll have a big grin on my face..

Does anyone else have this lens.. What do you think of it? Good buy or did I just grab something I'll regret?

[RLucas]

Which version did you get? The 2 ring or push/pull? If it's the 2 ring, I would say you got a hell of a deal!

Originally Posted by RLucas

Which version did you get? The 2 ring or push/pull? If it's the 2 ring, I would say you got a hell of a deal!

I'd doubt it. But, hey, it could happen.

[SwissJon]

Push/Pull... I don't think the price was incredible.. But not bad considering it's got a 30 day warranty. They still sell them brand new.. $1400!

By the way, there's a lock on the aperture ring (This is the first manual aperture lens I've had) at F22.. Is that for transport or something?

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Push/Pull... I don't think the price was incredible.. But not bad considering it's got a 30 day warranty. They still sell them brand new.. $1400!

By the way, there's a lock on the aperture ring (This is the first manual aperture lens I've had) at F22.. Is that for transport or something?

Most likely i think the lock is to keep the aperture set so you don't bump it out of place. I've done that a few times in a rush.

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Push/Pull... I don't think the price was incredible.. But not bad considering it's got a 30 day warranty. They still sell them brand new.. $1400!

By the way, there's a lock on the aperture ring (This is the first manual aperture lens I've had) at F22.. Is that for transport or something?

You have a D7000 right? Lock it at f/22 so you can use the command dial. I don't know if that camera allows full manual mode or not, but it could throw an error code if it's not locked.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by RLucas

You have a D7000 right? Lock it at f/22 so you can use the command dial. I don't know if that camera allows full manual mode or not, but it could throw an error code if it's not locked.

Oh you star.. I was about to take it back to the shop because I thought it was bust!

Thanks Luke.

[RLucas]

No problem! If you get any more D lenses, just be sure to lock the minimum aperture. You got a good lens there. From what I understand, they are sharp as a tack!

[scootermcq]

Tried my friends and you get wonderful sunburst & lights in city scapes because of the aperture blades. Great lens.

[Mike367]

My cousin let me borrow hers for about a month; I loved it. She just took it back about an hour ago.