The 80-200 F/2.8 still delivers.......

[UniquePortraits]

It doesn't have the fastest focusing, or VR or the nano coatings of the newer versions, but it still delivers professional results. And if you're making a living shooting events it makes a terrific back-up lens to the VRI or VRII for a reasonable cost. All the following were shot between F/2.8~F/4 handheld

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[seres]

Great shots, and I'll agree that the older 80-200 / 2.8 is a very fine lens!

 

[DavidKvapil]

Great shots and WOW!!! what a model.

 

[JohnB_Sea]

Stunning model and images. The AFS or AFD? Also, would you mind sharing some more details, like what other equipment you used? Camera body, tripod, lighting (flash)? Thanks.

 

[mksjjs]

Now I'm really getting excited for mine to come in!!!
Great shots!!

 

[Muonic]

Great shots from a great lens.

Maybe I got a lemon of a VRI, but frankly, it didn't compare to the wide open sharpness of my 80-200. So I sold it. But after 13 years of use, I still have my 80-200. :smile:

 

[sambo.]

Maybe I got a lemon of a VRI, but frankly, it didn't compare to the wide open sharpness of my 80-200. So I sold it. But after 13 years of use, I still have my 80-200. :smile:

when i got my 80-200D (15 odd years back) i was shifting from an FM2 to an F4 and the zoom replaced my much loved 105mm f2.5 and 200mm f4.

initially very sceptical, i was blown away with the performance of the 80-200 and still use it today on a D700.

it's been smashed and bashed around in press scrums and on the sidelines of sports matches and it just keeps on keeping on. sure, it's a beefy piece of glass, but it's solid.

i actually sent it in for service for the first time a couple of years ago. not because there was anything wrong with it, i just figured after a dozen years of service it might like some tlc.

 

[sprdv1]

Beautiful shots and model as well.

 

[soxOZ]

Well done on all counts and have to say that out of all my lenses the 80-200 (2-ring) is still my favorite that I can count on to get that special shot...

 

[UniquePortraits]

The AFS or AFD? Also, would you mind sharing some more details, like what other equipment you used? Camera body, tripod, lighting (flash)? Thanks.

sorry, this is the AF-D 2 ring version, D80 and 80-200, the shutter speeds were around 1/400s, with decent handholding technique VR wasn't needed. No strobes, all natural light, but I did try to make use of the light reflected off the water. #3 was cropped by about 20% . The 80-200 is also more compact which makes it easier to handhold, although it weighs a ton.

 

[Jeff Lee]

I love my 80-200 D 2r....I've had it about 7 years and the images always please me.

 

[Joseph]

I'm thinking about buying an 80-200 2-ring and testing it out alongside the 70-200 VRII. If I like it enough, I'll prob sell the VRII and keep the 80-200.

 

[jonshonda]

In the hands of a master.....anything is possible.


Great work.

 

[PakWaan]

I love mine, it's one of the best lenses I have ever used. Bought mine in like-new condition about 6 years ago and wouldn't part with it for anything.

 

[camerapapi]

All those shots are excellent, the result of a great photographer and a great professional lens.

William Rodriguez
Miami, Florida.

 

[Someguy]

These are indeed Unique Portraits, Beautiful work of all involved!

 

[rbsinto]

It doesn't have the fastest focusing, or VR or the nano coatings of the newer versions, but it still delivers professional results. And if you're making a living shooting events it makes a terrific back-up lens to the VRI or VRII for a reasonable cost.

I don't understand your point.
The lens was capable of giving wonderful results in the hands of a good photographer when it was first introduced, so why would you be surprised that years later it still does?
Once a good lens, always a good lens. And "the fastest focusing" or "VR" or "Nano-coatings" (whatever the heck they are) on the newer optics aren't going to change that.
When I read posts like these I always wonder how those of us who learned photography in a previous century ever managed to take any decent photos at all with the laughably out-dated, horribly backward gear we had to use then.
Oh. And as an aside, I think the shots you posted are excellent.

 

[UniquePortraits]

I don't understand your point.
The lens was capable of giving wonderful results in the hands of a good photographer when it was first introduced, so why would you be surprised that years later it still does?
Once a good lens, always a good lens. And "the fastest focusing" or "VR" or "Nano-coatings" (whatever the heck they are) on the newer optics aren't going to change that.
When I read posts like these I always wonder how those of us who learned photography in a previous century ever managed to take any decent photos at all with the laughably out-dated, horribly backward gear we had to use then.

Sorry, the point I was trying to make was: don't overlook the 80-200 just because it's an older design, the optics are pro quality.

However, VR and AF-S are critical features for sports photographers, and I can attest to the superb focus tracking capabilities of AF-S and the VR ability to shoot handheld down to 1/50s when tripods are impractical. But if the person doesn't normally shoot in such demanding situations, I suggest not overlooking the 80-200mm.

 

[rbsinto]

Sorry, the point I was trying to make was: don't overlook the 80-200 just because it's an older design, the optics are pro quality.However, VR and AF-S are critical features for sports photographers, and I can attest to the superb focus tracking capabilities of AF-S and the VR ability to shoot handheld down to 1/50s when tripods are impractical. But if the person doesn't normally shoot in such demanding situations, I suggest not overlooking the 80-200mm.

OK then.
When you phrase it that way, I see your point and can agree.
I have the relatively rare (only about 1500 made) zoom-Nikkor 80~200 2.8 ED AIS manual focus lens (released in 1982) and it is sharp as a tack, and excellent for street shooting, even hand-held.

 

[ndimages]

The lighting worked great for you!