I am considering purchasing a Nikon 80-200 2.8 lens and am wondering if somebody could tell me what the difference is between the afs- and non-afs versions of this lens.
Also, I’m looking at about 3 different used copies of the 2 touch version of this lens and they are all non-afs. Am I going to wind up wishing I had gone with the afs version?
The biggest difference is AFS motor which is a Silent Wave Motor used for focussing. As a result, focussing is much faster and quieter on AFS lenses. Besides that, optical quality is same, in fact non-AFS is rated higher by many people.
praveenk25 wrote:
The biggest difference is AFS motor which is a Silent Wave Motor used for focussing. As a result, focussing is much faster and quieter on AFS lenses. Besides that, optical quality is same, in fact non-AFS is rated higher by many people.
The AFs is a thing of beauty... I have it! And focusing can't be beat. As far as sharpness goes - pretty much all of the 80-200 versions are tack sharp. One thing I have noticed with the 80-200 is that it does suffer a little from ghosting - but mostly when pointed towards strong light sources such as the sun - one reason why the hood is so huge.
If I had a choice and were going to purchase an 80-200 again, I would definately go for the AFs just for the fast and silent focusing alone.
Either one is an excellent choice. I have used both and I currently own the AFS.
The MTF on the AFS version is the highest of the 80-200's. It is reported as the best of the lot (my biased opinion would agree). I have yet to see an MTF on the 70-200 AFS but really, it's so close my guess is you wouldn't notice a difference except in a controlled comparison possibly.
The motor on a body has something to do with speed. The stronger the motor the faster the focus. Compare an F70 to say a F90 or F100 for example. If you remove that variable and compare a non afs and a afs 80-200 on the same body, the AFS is 20% faster.
A neat feature is being to override the AF without having to switch to manual focus mode.
I personally love the AFS. If it came down to a question of quality alone, MTF numbers aside, I would say there is little practical difference.
On the D70 (I see you have one) I would prefer the AFS for the speed.
Ken Rockwell on the 80-200AFS - but remember that this is probably the sharpest zoom Nikon has ever made and it works like a dream. Don't let my whining distract you. It is one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used, zoom or not, period. It consistently delivers fantastic results that continue to impress me even after using this lens for five years.
*He however does suggest the 80-200 two touch because of it's quality and price. The AFS although a wonderful lens can be almost twice as much if you find one.
I love my 80-200 AF, especially since lenses in Australia are way overpriced... ordering from t-dimension from HK on EBay... I got it NEW for around $1000 AU... a bargain!
I am very happy with 80-200 everyones praise and comments about it all are true
DO NOT get the old one touch version of this lens good thing your looking at two-touch
and yes compared to AFS, my experience of AFS is the 24-85 AFS is also SWM also is alot quieter and faster... it is a noticeable difference between the lenses
check out ebay for new grey market stuff before going 2nd hand or www.bhphoto.com even, good luck
