Nikon 70-210mm f/4-5.6 Review

Another option to having a more compact Nikon kit would be a 2 lens option.  I already have a very good copy of the Nikon 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5, but it lacks in the longer end.  Doing research brought me to the conclusion that I needed to check out the 70-210mm f/4-5.6

Reviews everywhere give it rave reviews in IQ and AF capability(although it is claimed that the "D" version focus' faster than the non-D).  Can it live up to what others have said about it?  Let's find out!!

Testing was done on a Nikon Df.

210mm | 1/500 | f/8 : ISO 900

IQ

Initial testing of the 70-210mm f/4-5.6...is a little mixed at the moment.  I think I need more time with it and some analytical testing.  By that I mean I need to run it through some very controlled tests. There were times that images taken were blurry, then another shot with he exact same exposure  and focal length settings would yield an in focus shot.

It very well could be that my hand holding technique is off.   More testing will be done to determine the cause.  It is possible that there are focusing issues, so testing will be done on the D700 and D300.

116mm | 1/500 | f/5.6 | ISO 320

Handling

Another push-pull zoom and same experience as we found with the 35-135 we reviewed earlier.  Again, I kind of like it.

On the Df, I use the lens aperture ring to change the value instead of the control dial.

There is no VR on this lens, so when shooting at the longer focal lengths, you'll want to make sure you keep your focal lengths in the realm of  the hand holding rule.

70mm | 1/1250 | f/4 | ISO 200

Weight/Size

While a bit on the heavy side(it is an all metal constructed lens) it balanced well on the Nikon Df.  It fits nicely into the side pocket of the Lowepro Transit 250 AW attached to the Df.

210mm | 1/250 | f/8 | ISO 320

Auto Focus

Auto focus was acceptable for this lens.  On the slower side, but I expected as much for a lens of this age and design.  It focus' accurately and the slower AF is better than no AF at all.  I'm not going to complain about it!  :D

110mm | 1/320 | f/8 | ISO 200

Conclusion

This is a dandy of an old lens and for the sub $100 price tag, it will be able to perform its job admirably and to our needs.  I envision this being used when I want to run with the Df and only take one lens.

210mm | 1/250 | f/5.6 | ISO 250

210mm | 1/250 | f/11 | ISO 1250

210mm | 1/250 | f/11 | ISO 1100

210mm | 1/250 | f/5.6 | ISO 450