Nikkor 200mm f1:2

[justbernt]

I'm trying to find out more about this lens. I have an offer to buy it, and it's a real beauty, but I can't find out anything about it on line. Not at Nikon, not on eBay, etc. etc.

Does anybody know about this lens?

 

[mawz]

I'm assuming that's the (very rare) AI-S version, not the more common AF-S VR.

There's info on it available here: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/180200mmnikkor/200mma.htm

 

[Pinholemaster]

http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=2150

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[justbernt]

I'm assuming that's the (very rare) AI-S version, not the more common AF-S VR.

There's info on it available here: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/180200mmnikkor/200mma.htm

Yes, I too found this article on line. In fact, I contacted the man who took the photos and presumably the owner of that lens. He directed me to look at KEH.com., where they list a similar lens, but regrettably, without a photo. The difficulty is that the one I have looks slightly different from the one on the above site. Mine does not show any lens info on the front of the lens. No writing at all on the front, only on the barrel where the dial markings are.

The serial number of mine is 201673. I'm wondering if there was a different model made, perhaps after the one shown in the artice which is 177274?

Does anyone know the geneology of this model?

 

[HerrBremerhaven]

According to The Complete Nikon System by Peter Braczko, there were four manual focus versions of this lens. The first was never officially in production, though likely a few are in circulation. The second variation (first production) comprises 176111 through 178500. Next version came around 1982, and last version in 1985.

There are a couple differences in the last version. On the last, a built in protective filter was added to replace the 122mm filter thread at the front, with the addition of a slide-in gelatin filter. The pictures on the MIR site are all from the first production version, and not the later two versions.

It is a lens I always wondered about using, though I think I will continue to be happy with my 180mm f2.8. The difference is that 180mm has a 72mm front thread, so you can imagine the lens size difference to go up to a 122mm front thread on the 200mm f2.0.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
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[Dan Fromm]

Gordon, Modern Photography that used to published a test of a 200/2 in the 5/81 issue, and reported on the 180/2.8 in the 9/85 issue. They found that from f/2.8 to f/22 the 180/2.8 had higher resolution and contrast across the field. If one needs f/2 and 200 mm on a Nikon, the 200/2 is the lens, otherwise I think a 180/2.8 would be a better choice. 10% shorter, a lot lighter, and considerably better. No doubt the original poster has his reasons for wanting one.

Cheers,

Dan

 

[jbj]

"The serial number of mine is 201673. I'm wondering if there was a different model made, perhaps after the one shown in the artice which is 177274?

Does anyone know the geneology of this model?"


According to the serial number:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html

it was made between '86 and '05

 

[Paul Sorensen]

If you scroll down on this page: http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html you will see a listing which covers your serial number and a linked photo. No review or other text, but full specs, which might come in handy.

It would appear from their info that the one you are looking at was one of the very last made.

Paul.