1963mca

I only have one zoom lens for my Nikon F4S, a Nikkor 28-70/2.8D. All my other lenses that I use with the F4S are prime, 20/2.8D, 35/2D, 50/1.4D and an 85/1.4D, my longest lens. All have aperture rings to allow me to shoot manual.

I also use these lenses with my D800 and D850, but for these cameras I also have a 105/2.8G Micro, a 16-35/4G, a 24-85/3.5-4.5G, a 70-200/2.8 FL ED VR and a 200-500/5.6E. These lenses do not have manual aperture and since I like to shoot the F4 in manual mode a lot, the loss of aperture control is a bummer. Having access to these lenses on the digital bodies has got me thinking about adding a longer lens for the F4. Since I don't use the F4 anywhere near as much as the other bodies, I don't want to invest in several longer prime lenses just for the F4. I would like instead to get a single zoom that starts somewhere around 70 or 80 and goes up to 200 or 300. I'd also like it to be relatively fast, the 70-200/2.8 FL has me really spoiled. If it only had manual aperture control!

What I'm asking for are recommendations on Nikkor zoom lenses that are somewhere in the range of my requirements. Please don't bother suggesting other brands, I know there are those who feel there are other brands that are as good as, or better than, Nikon/Nikkor, but in my case I prefer to stick with the Nikon brand. I know I can just browse thru the list of all the Nikon lenses to see what is/was available, but I'd like some real-world experience and recommendations to base my decision on.

Bill P

Can't you just set the camera on manual or aperture priority and control the aperture with a thumbwheel?

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Here’s your only option:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124669-USA/Nikon_1986_AF_Zoom_Nikkor_80_200mm_f_2_8D.html/specs
I use mine mostly on my F, F3, F4, F4E, F4S or F5. For testing, I’ll use it on my Df. It’s a pro-grade lens.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

That only works with cameras that have a thumbwheel.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I have had this lens from back in film days. Nikkor 80~200 f 4. manual focus with aperture ring. Ebay might be the place to look for one.

(Download)

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

As RWR stated, Nikon has an 80-200 F2.8 AF-D with the two rings, which should work. You can still get a new one, and they cost $1220 new. I have one in 9+ condition that I will be selling soon that was refurbished by Nikon 2 years ago. If you are interested, send me a PM. Now that I have a 70-200 FL I no longer use it.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

My strong suggestion would be the versatile and sharp Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens. You can get this lens off ebay, I would suggest MINT only. Just so you know, several D lenses will not auto focus on the newer Z Nikon's. If this is a concern, contact Nikon.
I used this lens shooting for an Ohio school system and got a special award from the Ohio Department of Education for images produced from this lens. I believe I shot it off the D300. But it will operate just fine off your F4s. By the way, when I did wedding photography, the D4s was my special effects camera and the Hasselblad 500c was my straight camera.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The 80-200mm AF f2.8 meets your needs

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

If you end up getting a used 80-200 F2.8 AF-D two ring design, be aware of a problem that they all had - the ring that switches the lens from Auto to Manual Focus is known to fracture. Some have had other issues with the MF/AF ring not properly engaging. Once the ring breaks there is no option but to send it to Nikon, and they will fix it and anything else that they feel needs replacement/repair. This is part of the reason my lens has been recently refurbished, btw. When the lens is returned it is better than new.

Here is a thread that describes this:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/2646159

And here is a picture of a ring that has cracked but not separated:

http://www.outletphotography.com/repair-cost-for-nikon-80-200mm-f2-8d-ed-af-cracked-a-m-ring/

Mine cracked in the exact same place. The repaired lens shows no evidence of cracking or weakness, BTW. Otherwise it is an excellent lens, and works nicely with the Kenko Pro 1.4X adn 2X Teleconverters.

BebuLamar

Except for the 200-500 which doesn't have an equivalent with the aperture ring.
There is the 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D which does have the aperture ring.
There is the 24-85mm f/2.8-4 AF-D also.

Bill P

Ah, I forgot about the AF. I don't have a problem because my D3 supports that, but somewhere along the line they dropped support of screw drive AF from some cameras. I'm blissfully unaware of what the F4 has in regard to that.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

The F4 has an AF drive. It is not as fast as the F5, but it is functional. Another fun lens that you can get that works well with an F4 is the 28-105 F3.5-F4.5 AF-D. I have one of those as well (holding onto it). It has a closeup mode that gets you to 1:2 magnification with very decent results. It is quite a sharp lens overall, and a steal if you can find a clean copy. I think I paid $125 for it.