A 70-210mm f/4 E with a 13 element design appeared as an inexpensive alternative to the 80-200mm f/4 in 1981.
Its performance must be regarded as inferior to that of the 80-210mm f/4, but only due to a slightly less contrasty rendition.
The lower price was made possible by employing simpler mechanics so that it was not recommended for a pro's daily workout. On the other hand it cost about 50% of the comparable Nikkor-zoom.
Page 144, chapter on Nikkor lenses, the "Nikon Compendium", by Hillebrand and Hauschild.
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