Hey Guys,
I just wanted your opinion on something. My 4 year old AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 D developed a problem with the M/A ring. It wouldn't stay locked in the A position and would stop autofocusing. I sent it back to Nikon USA under the extended warranty to fix this problem and clean the internal dust out that it has accumlulated. I just got it back and M/A ring now locks as it should and the dust is gone (nearly). I'm happy with that aspect of the repairs, but it seems to me like something heavy is loose inside the lens. I mounted it on my D300 and it focuses fine and I took a few test pics that look okay at 100%. I just don't remember it being that loose. For instance if I point the lens straight down and then point it straight up, I hear a clunking sound coming from the lens as something inside it changes position. It is much louder if I move the lens side to side quickly. Maybe I'm just being sensitive to it since it just came out of the shop. Can any of you with confirm whether or not yours does this? Thanks, -Steve Roberts

I get a little bit movement inside, but its not something that I've ever noticed shooting. (or handling the lens.) It is possible that they left something loose when they were putting it back together.

Thanks for your reply. I might send it back, hopefully a few others will comment on this to help me decide.

I bought this lens brand new about 1.5 yrs. ago. Out of the box it had that clunking noise. If I put my finger on the very edge of the front element metal 'retainer?' and then moved the lens up and down, the clunking noise was reduced quite a bit.
I sent the lens back to Nikon and when I got it back, it seemed significantly 'tighter' with less clunking noise, but after a few months it makes the same noise.
AT ALL TIMES though, the lens was sharp and focused fine AND still does, so I just ignore it and take pictures.
My 85mm f1.4 AFD also makes a (somewhat lighter) clunking noise when I lightly shake it fore and aft, BUT the lens works fine. I think it is just normal play in the mechanism to facilitate fast smooth focusing.

I asked the guys at Nikon about it and they replied with the following:

"Thank you for your email. This is normal for the 80-200mm f/2.8D lens in particular - when turning the lens in your hand, it feels like an element may be loose inside. This does not affect the image quality or durability. The auto focus should not have a grinding or scraping noise. I suggest taking some test shots just to make sure the lens is in good working order."

I guess I won't worry about it, but I'm still pretty sure it wasn't this loose before the repair. Sounds like it's still within specifications however. Thanks to those who replied. -Steve R.