Nikon Old Zoom VS New Zoom: I currently use a Nikon ED AF 80-200mm 1:2.8 (1988 made in Japan) with a Nikon D610 & D750.It was initally used on my Nikon F4 which is now resting in the...

CDS Loc: Oakville, Ontario, Canada

I currently use a Nikon ED AF 80-200mm 1:2.8 (1988 made in Japan) with a Nikon D610 & D750.It was initally used on my Nikon F4 which is now resting in the old photography box.
Im thinking of replaceing it with a TAMRON - 70-200MM F/2.I LD , which I think will have a faster focus response.
The question is , am I trading a better focus for less quality glass, or is the galss the same. The one thing I do know is the Nikon is very heavy wih out a tripod mount.
Any thoughts?

Quixdraw Loc: x

Here is a thread on that specific question. Link https://www.thephotoforum.com/threads/nikkor-80-200-f-2-8-or-tamron-70-200-f-2-8.346515/

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

CDS wrote:

I currently use a Nikon ED AF 80-200mm 1:2.8 (1988 made in Japan) with a Nikon D610 & D750.It was initally used on my Nikon F4 which is now resting in the old photography box.
Im thinking of replaceing it with a TAMRON - 70-200MM F/2.I LD , which I think will have a faster focus response.
The question is , am I trading a better focus for less quality glass, or is the galss the same. The one thing I do know is the Nikon is very heavy wih out a tripod mount.
Any thoughts?

Focus is slightly faster with the Tamron LD. Sharpness is actually lower on the Tamron LD model. The newest Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 G2 would be a better choice, both in focus speed and in sharpness.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I am still learning my 80-200 but I can see that it's gonna be a real winner.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I don't think the difference is that significant unless your pockets are deeper than mine

uhaas2009

I have 80-200 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 sec version. I programmed the button on 70-200 so I can jump between dynamic and group focus....... I followed Jason Odell-birding lesson, without his lesson I wouldn’t use this lens fully potential. I don’t think to have the newest version does not make a magnificent difference. Both lenses have there own uniqueness.

Carnpo Loc: North Carolina

Imam shooting some film again. Picked up a nice F4 last year. Interested in selling the old lens? Cheap?

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"I currently use a Nikon ED AF 80-200mm 1:2.8 (1988 made in Japan)..." Which version of the "One-Touch" 80-200mm f/2.8 do you have CDS? Is it the one with the cheap plastic (Full/Limit} switch which is prone to breaking or the very old (built like a Swiss Watch) Four Position limiter (3m 10ft - M; Full; oo - 3mm 10ft; oo - 5m - 15ft). If you have the older vintage version it is virtually useless for Sport/Action owing to it's helicoid gearing... it takes like forever to pull from infinity to close focus... While the newer One-Touch with the cheap fragile Limit Switch focuses lighting fast... it is identical in focus speed to the Two Ring with Tripod Foot.

I have both version which I picked up for a song.... about $250 each... both are in mint condition and I only use the older version now for portraiture... its focus is amazingly accurate and its razor sharp even wide open at f/3.2 and greater... the newer version of the One Touch would be ideal for Sports/Action however it is lame wide open at portraiture distance... Serious Back Focus issues that can't be corrected in AF Fine Tune...

Best advice? Look seriously at the AF 70-210mm f/4 Nikkor (1986-1988)... I have two copies of this jewel which is awesome in the studio... It has far better acuity than the 1st generation AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G IF ED VR I.

The f/4 constant aperture is currently selling for several hundred dollars in good condition... even more in mint condition. Why? It truly is 210mm at portraiture distance... and razor sharp throughout it's entire range.
It is a workhorse in my studio and feather light at 767g (measured)... Love it! That said its focus gearing is such that you'll not like it for Sports Action... As always you pays your money and takes your choice...

Below is an example of the iconic AF 70-210mm f/4 stellar abilities...

Hope this helps CDS.
All the best on your photographic journey...
.

AF 70-210mm f/4 Nikkor on a Nikon D810

(Download)

Miamark Loc: Florida

CDS wrote:

I currently use a Nikon ED AF 80-200mm 1:2.8 (1988 made in Japan) with a Nikon D610 & D750.It was initally used on my Nikon F4 which is now resting in the old photography box.
Im thinking of replaceing it with a TAMRON - 70-200MM F/2.I LD , which I think will have a faster focus response.
The question is , am I trading a better focus for less quality glass, or is the galss the same. The one thing I do know is the Nikon is very heavy wih out a tripod mount.
Any thoughts?

I had the Nikon 80-200 lens and recently sold it. Mine did not have a tripod collar and I never used it on a tripod. It was a big mistake on my part. I used it all over the world on film and digital cameras and it consistently gave me great results. I can’t speak to the Tamron but the Nikon lens is great.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Thomas902 wrote:

"I currently use a Nikon ED AF 80-200mm 1:2.8... (show quote)

Thomas, excellent quality as usual. The lens really helps on the quality too! Invest in good glass!

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

CDS wrote:

I currently use a Nikon ED AF 80-200mm 1:2.8 (1988 made in Japan) with a Nikon D610 & D750.It was initally used on my Nikon F4 which is now resting in the old photography box.
Im thinking of replaceing it with a TAMRON - 70-200MM F/2.I LD , which I think will have a faster focus response.
The question is , am I trading a better focus for less quality glass, or is the galss the same. The one thing I do know is the Nikon is very heavy wih out a tripod mount.
Any thoughts?

I have both of these; give me the Nikon for IQ, but the Tamron for price. The Tamron gets a little "hazy" at the long end. could recomend the Tamron for a student or anyone just starting out, but not for image quality.