> I just bought a Nikon FM, 50mm f 2.0, and
> MD-12. I'm now looking for a telephoto or
> maybe a zoom,
My first *real* camera was an FM, with an MD-11
and a 50mm/f1.4. I got a Sigma 80-200mm/f3.5
soon afterwards -- it ended up in two pieces.
> and have a few questions. I would love a
> 180mm 2.8 but can't afford one. Im thinking
> about a fixed 200, or zoom 80 - 200. How
> is the AI 200mm f4? There is a AI and AIS
> version, are they just different versions
> of the same lens?
I've never used the 200mm but, with the
exception of the old non-AI version, they
have a good reputation.
> I'm also thinking about a 80 - 200, and they
> made two different models that would be suitable
> for me. There is a f4.5 AI and a f4.0 AIS.
> Could someone elaborate on the strengths,
> weaknesses, and differences of these two lenses ?
> Will either zoom be *almost* as sharp as the fixed
> 200 ?
I replaced the dead Sigma with the 80-200mm/f4 AIS.
It was very sharp, had negligible distortion, and
the improvement in contrast over the Sigma and the
50mm/f1.4 was astonishing. After I developed the
first roll of film I shot with it, I could tell
frames shot with it from the frames shot with the
50mm with the negatives held at arms length.
Wide open at 200mm, there's a bit of light fall-off
in the corners and the edges aren't quite as sharp
as the center (I suspect that the 200mm/f4 would be
a bit better there). Stopped down to f8, the 80-200mm
is just as good as my 180mm/f2.8 AF-N.
-Don
