Nikon 70-210mm f/4-5.6 AF Nikkor Telephoto Zoom

[Jwilmot]

I am thinking of buying this lens as an interm untill I can afford a better lens that goes to 300mm. I currently only have the kit lens for the D70s.

After reading a lot of reviews and understanding the pros and cons of this lens my question is how much would it be worth used but in very good/new condition?

Any help would be apreciated,

Johnathan

[cyclohexane]

A photographer with my cousin's high school yearbook had one of those. I wasn't particularly impressed with it, but I had already bitten the bullet and bought the 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR. I think rootrider had the lens you're asking about, and liked it quite a bit. Personally, I'd recommend the 70-210mm f/4 AF from 1986, as it uses the optical formula of the Nikon Series E 70-210mm f/4 AI, which I've used and liked. Optically quite good, light fall-off gone at f/8 on film, decent size. I don't really need one so I don't own one, but it'd be a good lens to look at too. Only issues I've heard of are the thin focusing ring and slow AF speed, but I wouldn't know as I can't recall having used the AF version.

For used prices, I suggest looking at KEH. Their prices are pretty fair, but usually a little more than eBay- but the risk involved is reduced as they're a reputable dealer. I'd definitely recommend buying anything rated "EX" or above, and recommend with quaifications anything rated "BGN". I've had success with "BGN" lenses, but the outside of the lens looked just that... LOL

[rootrider]

I did really like the lens. Keep in mind I used it on a digital camera so the light falloff was pretty much nonexistant. I liked the 'usability' of the push-pull zoom for that size a lens, I liked the image quality, bokeh, color, etc.

What I didn't like was the rotating front lens element, lack of a decent hood, AF speed, and the small maximum aperture. It's resolving power wasn't nearly as good as my 80-200, but I think the look of the photos was just as good or better in many cases.

But I was able to look all the negatives aside considering the price. I paid a little under $130 total for a used copy of the f/4-5.6 AF from KEH and I couldn't have been happier with the value I received. With my moderate level of experience now, I'd say that you'd be hard pressed to find a Nikon mount 70-200 type telephoto for under $500 that can compete well with the 70-210 on a digital slr.

[Jwilmot]

Thank you for your input.

I decided to get the lens and was able to get it on Ebay for $82.50. I should have it in the mail by the end of the week. Lets hope it is in as good a condition as the person says it is.

Thanks again,

Johnathan

[Nikonfreak]

That's a heck of a deal. Nice.

Definitely let us know how the lens works out for you.

Julio

www.pbase.com/loansharkx