NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Zang on May 21, 2019, 17:17:03

Title: Nikon 80-200mm f4.5 non-N vs f4
Post by: Zang on May 21, 2019, 17:17:03

Hi there,

Do you think is there noticeable picture quality difference between the two in favor for the later?

Thanks,
Zang

Title: Re: Nikon 80-200mm f4.5 non-N vs f4
Post by: Birna Rørslett on May 21, 2019, 19:01:59

Depending upon the actual specimens of each design, the picture quality might well go in favour of the older lens. The f/4 zoom lens does handle slightly better though, as its zooming and focusing are less loose.

Title: Re: Nikon 80-200mm f4.5 non-N vs f4
Post by: Zang on May 21, 2019, 19:07:31

Quote from: Birna Rørslett on May 21, 2019, 19:01:59

Depending upon the actual specimens of each design, the picture quality might well go in favour of the older lens. The f/4 zoom lens does handle slightly better though, as its zooming and focusing are less loose.

Thanks Birna! Your statement surprises me a bit as the whole rest of the Internet is telling differently :) People are telling f/4 is noticeably better. Please don't understand me wrong, I know expert opinions are not like parliament voting :)

Title: Re: Nikon 80-200mm f4.5 non-N vs f4
Post by: Birna Rørslett on May 21, 2019, 19:19:06

I have owned old non-AI 80-200/4.5 that was super sharp, and my first 80-200/4 was rather bland. My current copies of the two are rather similar, except for the handling as already mentioned.

Title: Re: Nikon 80-200mm f4.5 non-N vs f4
Post by: Zang on May 21, 2019, 19:38:39

I got f/4.5 in excellent condition for 55usd equivalent a few months ago. I have found a posting for f/4 that is claimed to be like new for 75usd and was tempted to acquire it. I am a bit reluctant with picking up and dealing with sellers (the rate of having issues of different kinds with used items sold online is 85% in my case). If the two versions have no IQ difference, I would pass it.