My Favorite Nikon Lens

Nikon 80-200mm 2.8D ED AF

The Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF lens is one of the best investments I ever made. Nikon has since upgraded the lens twice, but the optics remain the same in the newest version as this one. I use it for portraits, sports and anywhere a fast lens is needed. The optics are great, I get sharp images in all light situations. Works great for head shots and studio work too. It remains sharp all the way down to 2.8. I like to mount it on my tripod and shoot in the 80-110mm range, however for the majority of the time I’m hand holding it. It works best with a full frame digital camera or all regular film cameras too. More than half of the images I have ever taken were shot with this lens.

Here are a few images I’ve taken with this awesome lens:

Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4

For many of the higher end pro Nikon lenses, the quality is the best in the industry and are built to last! I purchased mine new in the year 2000 and unlike camera bodies, which depreciate in value each year, this lens holds its value. Some places like Amazon are still carrying this model for the same amount I paid for it 10 years later! How about that for an investment! And if you purchase this lens used, expect to spend anywhere from $700-$900 for a good used version.

If you’re planning on getting this lens make sure that it works with your current Nikon camera body.  I know it will not work with the Nikon D40 or D60, so check the compatibility before purchasing. Don’t get me wrong, the newer version focuses a little faster and has some nice extra features, like VR, but the quality of the pictures you will take are the same as this one and for half the cost! I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to pay an extra $1000 for an almost identical lens. I’d save that money and spend it towards another lens! Plus this lens works best for anything that moves, which VR doesn’t really help much there, something others will not tell you.

I searched various sites online today for a new version of this lens and Amazon was on of the few places I was able to find it. You can get the lens here at Amazon. Or a used version on eBay, they also sell new ones, but for any new camera equipment its not worth buying it on eBay since the cost is always the same at a more well known online store like Amazon or your local camera retailer. For eBay I only purchase used or hard to find items.