Nikon AF 70-210mm f/4-5.6 : Specifications and Opinions

Reviews

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Fritz Panter

sent on 21 Marzo 2025

Pros: Decent sharpness and contrast, reliable AF, price, push-pull zoom (yes, I regard this an advantage, mine is zooming very smooth and does not creep), build quality

Cons: Not a fast lens, not stabilized (obviously), vignetting and CA on full format

Opinion: I acquired this lens together with a Nikon D70 at a very good price. I did not expect much from the lens and decided to give it a try on my D600. I was surprised about its performance. Up to 150 mm it was really sharp and contrasty even wide open (except for the corners) and at 210 mm performance was still decent. Despite its age, AF on a D600 is precise without any microadjustment, and AF speed is good enough. Vignetting and CA were higher compared to my Sigma 70-200 EX APO (but keep in mind that the latter is a much heavier and pricier enthusiast lens). Considering its ridiculously low price (typically less than 50 EUR used), I decided to keep it and use it with the D70. With this camera, the lens balances very well, and the vignetting and aberrations are almost non-existent on the 6 Mpixel APS-C camera. If the lens would be stabilized, it would be the perfect (fortunately, I am a rather steady shooter and can live without it). There are obviously better lenses out there, but I like the smooth handling and general output of the lens - hence it really deserves my vote of "8".

The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Franco F.

sent on 12 Marzo 2023

Pros: Cost , construction,

Cons: Fragility button for automatic diaphragms.

Opinion: Optics that produce soft images. Sometimes too soft. Today it is at ridiculously low prices. If you are aware that you are not going to use a blade, you will realize that it is worth more than it costs. As has already been said, good for portrait, landscapes, street where there is no need for a responsive autofocus.

Erwin

sent on 20 Giugno 2022

Pros: Color rendering, excellent sharpness, ridiculous price, easily available

Cons: Pump zoom, which is not necessarily a counter... af a noisy hair that (occasionally) loses fire

Opinion: I use it on nikon d300 and I must say that it was love from the first shot.... paid 50 eurini with warranty in the store is a good zoom even from "hunting".... We also gladly play with portraits and from my point of view it is amazing used for the B / W in the old way ... orange filter and go. It's heavy but you get used to it quickly... for me it deserves a 9 abundant

Darp

sent on 14 Giugno 2018

Pros: Good build quality, price, general yield

Cons: Opening, soft at 210mm, barrel lengthening

Opinion: Although perplexed about buying a zoom I decided to take this 70-210mm AF f4-5.6 (not D) for the cost on the used in order to bridge the lack of focal lengths over the 100mm, after trying the same on D700; The build quality is good and the weight/dimensions all in all contained, AF not very fast but precise enough; The yield is not uniform on the whole excursion, in particular to the extremes at full opening is soft and at F8 begins to notice already difraction, is a close lens of a 1/3 stop at least over the entire focal range and is quite sharp from 105m to 135mm closed F 4.5 C On a nice bokeh; At the chromatic level it responds with neutral colors and well balanced and a good contrast, with minimal chromatic aberrations even at TA where it presents mild AC; In general to what you can find used I consider it an interesting optic with a good value for money, also useful as "stage holes" in your photographic kit.

Valterio

sent on 02 Novembre 2017

Pros: Well built, excellent material quality, good sharpness .... and still stylish despite its years.

Cons: Given the cost you can find it today as you find fault with it!

Opinion: Purchased on the advice of my friend photographer I usually serve, I enjoy it a lot on both the D610 and the D300. I'm nothing but a "technical" and I'm not doing refined discourse, but frankly I find it more than discreet in the range (not very wide) of the focal points it offers. Also discreet for the macro.

Salvatore Guida

sent on 03 Novembre 2015

Pros: Construction, compactness, price, excellent sharpness and overall quality

Cons: speed autofocus, "only" 210mm

Opinion: I started with a D80, an old and 18-55 lens inherited this from my father. I am going to replace the D80, I replaced the 18-55, I bought so many other optical (sometimes sold as well) but this will not replace it for a very long time. And 'well-built, it is sharp, the autofocus is slow but I do not mind and above can be replaced only with new optical that would not add much, indeed. Highly recommended for those on a budget and have a high quality canvas.

user36759

sent on 18 Aprile 2014

Pros: Compact and solid, good quality both optical and constructive

Cons: Minimal focus distance a bit long for my taste

Opinion: Well built and balances well with both pro bodies and amateur bodies. I found no distortion and the color rendering is neutral. The construction is great, and optically good although nothing exceptional. The zoom is pumped, so over time it tends to stretch when facing down. The size is small, and you can take it everywhere. It has no real flaws, except that, in my opinion, of all af non D: the wheel of the diaphragm block is too exposed and could break. Better the stick on version D. It is located around 100 euros used, it is worth a try.