J Sullivan
> I'm thinking of picking up a second hand nikon 200mm f4 Ai-s lense. For
> about the same price I've also got the option of an 80-200 f4.5 Ai zoom
> which i understand is quite nice. What i'm after is optimal image
> quality at around 200mm & I'm shooting predominantly scenics so speed's
> not crucial. Anyone have experience with either/both these lenses?
The 200mm f4 AI/AIS compact is a good lens, especially stopped down
a bit. The older 80-200mm f4.5 is an excellent zoom, but weakest near
the long end (the 200mm prime is a bit better there...). The 180mm AF
Nikkor is the best in this FL area, though the MF is close in performance
for distant work, as are any of the 80-200mm f2.8 Nikkors. Also good,
and about equal to the 200mm prime are the 80-200mm f4 and the
70-210mm f4 E-Series. Of course, the 200mm f2 isn't bad either...;-)
Hope This Helps
David Ruether - http://www.fcinet.com/ruether