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Nikon 80-200mm focus shifts image left to right

A

Antoine Fabi

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Hi,

Just bought a brand new Nikon 80-200 f2.8.

At 200mm, when i change focus direction, the image shift a lot from left to right (or right to left). Unusable for cine application.

I wonder if it is normal for this particular lense.

Have you experimented the same ?

Thanks

Antoine
 
It's normal.

I sold that lens super quick.

Stephen
 
Yeah its normal for the image to shift when doing a quick change in direction on the focus ring. I really like my 80-200mm Nikon and I've got some really awesome shots with it. But for cinema application it isn't the best but it can be used. You just have to be cool with the focus.

This http://vimeo.com/2126901

and this http://vimeo.com/1784212

Were shot mainly using that lens.
 
Oh... :(

Is it normal that it shifts a lot ?

Just trying to figure if mine is "normal"...

Antoine
 
Andrew,

In the snowboard video, how did you manage to avoid the left/right shift when following the guys ?

Very nice videos BTW.

Antoine
 
Antoine,

There have been three versions of the Nikon 80-200 f.2.8 made since 1988. By the problem you described, I'd guess you bought the Nikon AF 80-200 f/2.8D ED version, which was first sold in 1997 and is still in production. Yes, when you rack focus on that version there is a well-documented image shift, which is more noticeable at longer focal lengths.

I own and regularly use the two other versions of 80-200 Nikon has made since 1988 - the AF-s 80-200 f/2.8 D ED-IF (made from 1999-2004), and the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 AF (made from 1988 to 1992).

The AF-s version of the lens has nowhere near as much image shift as the version you have when you rack focus. The older AF version doesn't shift at all when you rack focus - at least my lens doesn't. The AF version is a push/pull to zoom mechanism rather than a twist to focus ring like the other two versions.

Optically all three versions are excellent and nearly identical in their results. The AF-s version is more prone to lens flaring when shooting into bright objects or the sun, but the AF version hardly flares at all.

My advice to you would be:

1) Use your current lens as a variable prime, not zooming during shots. Most cinematographers don't so a lot of zooming anyway - they use zooms a variable primes.

or

2) Sell your current version and buy one of the AF versions if you feel you need to zoom a lot during shots. The AF push/pull version has the added advantage of being lighter than the other two versions. It weighs about 3 pounds, as opposed to 4 pounds for the AF-s version. I never use support rods with the AF version, but always use short support rods with the AF-s version.

I bought my AF version and AF-s version used from B&H. The AF was just $600 used in excellent condition, and the AF-s was $1050 used in good condition.

Hope all this helps you understand your issues with your version of the lens, and the other options in a Nikon 80-200 that would probably serve your needs better - they have mine.
 
Hey thanks very much Steve!

Even if i use this lense as a variable prime, it shifts so much when i change the direction of the focus... :(

I was really upset, even my good old Canon FD 80-200mm f4L doesn't shift at all.

So, i'll have a serious look at the AF and AF-s versions.

Antoine
 
Absolutely Antoine...

Sorry for the reference to zooming. I knew the image shift happens when focusing, but somehow I got sidetracked into talking about zooming and using it as a variable prime - long day :-)

To clarify, the image shift problem with the version of the lens you have has been well-documented. The older AF version does not have the problem but is optically just as good as both the newer versions. The AF-s version does image shift slightly when you rack focus.

If you know someone who has either of those other versions borrow it from them and test it out. As mentioned, for lightness, optics, simplicity, and lack of image shift when focus is racked, the AF version is my favorite of the three versions. When you rack focus on the AF version the image doesn't move at all. I never use either the AF or AF-s version with a matte box or follow focus. I use screw on filters and simply eye focus both lenses.

Some of the best RED One footage I've shot in the past two years of owning my REDs has been with a Nikon 80-200 on the camera - TV footage, stock footage, etc.
 
Last edited:
Ah!

Searching for a good old AF !

Thanks very much Steve!
 
image shift

image shift

Antoine Fabi said:
Hi,




Just bought a brand new Nikon 80-200 f2.8.

At 200mm, when i change focus direction, the image shift a lot from left to right (or right to left). Unusable for cine application.

I wonder if it is normal for this particular lense.

Have you experimented the same ?

Thanks

Antoine
Click to expand...

Antoine,
We are rehousing the 70-200 The ruby long zoom lens .Will be cine style. this lens will not have image shift.
Stuart
FocusOptics
 
Hi Stuart,

Will it be PL or Nikon mount ?

Antoine
 
Antoine Fabi said:
Andrew,

In the snowboard video, how did you manage to avoid the left/right shift when following the guys ?

Very nice videos BTW.

Antoine
Click to expand...

My lens does shift a little but only when I change the direction on the focus ring fast. So if I'm cool with it I never see it. But if your hunting for focus then yes you will see the image shift a little.
 
This is why I chose the Nikkor 70-200mm. This lens is a beaut!
 
Really a new 70-200mm Nikkor, wow. The ruby lens does look sweet.
 
Steve Gibby said:
As mentioned, for lightness, optics, simplicity, and lack of image shift when focus is racked, the AF version is my favorite of the three versions. When you rack focus on the AF version the image doesn't move at all. I never use either the AF or AF-s version with a matte box or follow focus. I use screw on filters and simply eye focus both lenses.

Some of the best RED One footage I've shot in the past two years of owning my REDs has been with a Nikon 80-200 on the camera - TV footage, stock footage, etc.
Click to expand...

Does anyone know if using an Optitek Nikon Pro Lock Mount I could mount an AF-S version of this lens without additional support? It sounds like the AF-S is ideal, but too heavy to mount without support? Keeping the setup light is vital for me.

Is the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D the one with image shift problems? It only weighs 2.85lbs?
 
Tom L said:
Does anyone know if using an Optitek Nikon Pro Lock Mount I could mount an AF-S version of this lens without additional support? It sounds like the AF-S is ideal, but too heavy to mount without support? Keeping the setup light is vital for me.

Is the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D the one with image shift problems? It only weighs 2.85lbs?
Click to expand...

I haven't tested out the Optitek mount yet - Jacek will be sending me one to test sometime soon. It appears to be very solid and strong - and user comments confirm that. Whether it is strong enough to use a Nikon 80-200 AF-S without lens support will remain to be seen.

Yup, as you know, lighter = more mobility. Love that mobility :thumbsup:

The AF-D version of the Nikon 80-200 is the one with the image shift. My AF-S version has a very tiny amount of image shift, and my AF (push/pull) version has no image shift whatsoever.
 
If you are in 1:1 mode and you rotate the focus ring at 85mm on the RED PRO ZOOM 18-85, you also see a clear left-right movement.
 
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