Nikon 70-210 f4

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Daniel
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Hi guys
anyone use a nikon 70-210 f4?
Considering getting one of these if i can find one
Previously had a 80-200 2.8 that was lovely and sharp and have heard this is a mini version, can anyone compare? plus what's the af like?
 
Hi Dan.

I have one of the 70-210/4s which I picked up for song last year. It's a nice little lens, it's light and nicely sharp and has the bonus of being f/4 instead of variable aperture. However, as it was Nikon's first AF tele, the AF is slow and unreliable at best. Even on my d300s using the centre AF point it can be well off, so I wouldn't recommend for wildlife. I use it occasionally for landscapes, but even thats annoying as the front element rotates and is pretty loose on my version so when your in MF it moves at the slightest touch.

Hope this helps!
Stu
 
Cheers stu
Think thats me saving for another 80-200 then! need quick af so no good
thanks for the input
 
I had one a long time ago, wasn't that impressed to be honest. No doubt you can get something decent out of it in the right conditions but overall I wouldn't recommend it. Have you thought about the newer zooms at that level, like 70-300 vr?

To be fair I have the 70-200 2.8 VR now and I haven't played with any of the other zooms.
 
Cheers stu
Think thats me saving for another 80-200 then! need quick af so no good
thanks for the input

No worries mate. If you can find a good deal on an AF-S 80-200/2.8, you'll be laughing. Could also use a 1.4x TC then.

Re: the 70-210/4, it's a nice idea which if came out 5 years ago and not 25 then it'd be a winner! (Nikon take note!).
 
I have this lens... It cost me next to nothing, I do not use the focal length much but it suits my needs.

The lens is not as contrasty as an 80 200 and the corners not as sharp, it does however have very good close focus distance don't quote me on this but I'm sure I read somewhere that it was one of the best nikon lenses ever made for close focus considering it's not a macro lens. On my d700 I find the focus fast enough as I only use one focus point most of the time. I would not expect it to perform great with the advanced tracking technology found in modern day camera systems given it's age. It was designed for 35mm film cameras and because of this it performs great on full frame cameras. I am more concerned about af speed of the 50g than I am of this lens.

This lens is great for portraits and some larger subject sports, I have had great results shooting cycle races, show jumping and even small birds with this lens.

Do an image in flickr and see how others are using it. If you find one for pennies buy it.
 
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