Nikon Ai-S Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 ED - Nikon F Mount

The Nikon Ai-S Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 ED is a legendary manual focus telephoto zoom. Released in the early 1980s, it was a flagship lens featuring professional-grade construction and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass to ensure high contrast and resolution even at f/2.8. It uses a one-touch design where a single large ring controls both focal length and focus. This lens is prized by collectors and cinematographers for its mechanical feel and classic rendering. Used copies should be checked thoroughly for 'zoom creep,' as the heavy internal elements can cause the push-pull mechanism to slide easily when tilted. SDS verifies the smoothness of the focus action and the cleanliness of the aperture blades, which must be free of oil. The tripod collar should be checked for secure locking. As an Ai-S lens, it features the characteristic lug on the mount for aperture indexing on compatible Nikon bodies. Check for internal dust or 'snow' which can sometimes occur in older ED lenses.