Nikkor 80-200 4.5 AI Zoom

68degrees · Apr 6, 2018

I have one of these and it is in mint condition, very sharp, very versatile however the zoom/focus ring is so loose that i must hold focus and zoom with one hand because any incline and the ring will move. This cant be the way it came from the factory can it? I just spoke to a guy who has one in the box, never used and he described it as moving very easily.

Have any of you had or have this lens and can say that the zoom/focus ring will stay put?

Ap507b · Apr 6, 2018

My example is very loose. I don't use the lens much at all, more of a primes user & it was an impulse buy off ebay because it was cheap, but the few times I have used it, this has never caused me any problems The Series E 70-150 is quite renowned for a similar problem & I think that people use some tape to add a bit of friction?

68degrees · Apr 6, 2018

Ap507b said:
My example is very loose. I don't use the lens much at all, more of a primes user & it was an impulse buy off ebay because it was cheap, but the few times I have used it, this has never caused me any problems The Series E 70-150 is quite renowned for a similar problem & I think that people use some tape to add a bit of friction?

ok thank you, i had tape on my at one point. It sort of worked but it was so cludgy. I read in Tomosys book Nikon Repair that he advises to take apart and put shims under the felt pads. He alluded that it was almost as enormous task as packing with grease which doesnt work he said.. I wonder why nikon had such a breakdown in quality on such an otherwise great lens. Normally nikkor lenses are nice and smooth and without slop.

ac12 · Apr 6, 2018

Yes it was that light and smooth when new.
That light smooth zoom ring was GREAT when I shot sports. I could follow zoom and follow focus very easily.
So no it was NOT a breakdown in quality.
In fact, I am trying to find similar very light drag zooms, but none is as light and smooth as the 80-200 f/4.5 zoom.

Besides tape, you could send it in for a CLA and tell the tech that you want a thicker grease in the zoom mechanism to stiffen the zoom, or use a thicker felt pad to increase the friction of the zoom/focus ring.

68degrees · Apr 7, 2018

light and smooth is ok but this lens is slicker than ice cube in teflon pan

Born2Late · Apr 7, 2018

That seems to be normal, mine is the same way.

Jesper · Apr 10, 2018

From what I understand this is the way it is supposed to be. Mine is very loose as well but there is no play in it. Quick to focus and zoom but it requires a hand on it at all times. Not for tripod use but great hand held when you get used to it.

MartinCrabtree · Apr 10, 2018

I have a 50-135 f3.5 that was like that. Sent it for a service and it came back smooth but will stay put. The technician told me there's a felt ring in there that wears and he replaced it. May be the same with the 80-200.

68degrees · Apr 10, 2018

MartinCrabtree said:
I have a 50-135 f3.5 that was like that. Sent it for a service and it came back smooth but will stay put. The technician told me there's a felt ring in there that wears and he replaced it. May be the same with the 80-200.

nice info. Thanks. is that the reason you sent it in for service?

MartinCrabtree · Apr 11, 2018

A CLA and to install a chip for use on my F5 and digitals.

Nikkor 80-200 4.5 AI Zoom

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