Nikon D200, AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-50mm f/3.3-4.5s

Cameras and Lenses: Image making with a vintage full-frame FX AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-50mm f/3.3-4.5s, mounted on an equally vintage 10.2MP CCD APS-C DSLR, the Nikon D200.

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The AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-50mm f/3.3-4.5s (most often mentioned just as a "f/3.3-4.5") is a wide-angle to standard zoom lens introduced by Nikon in 1987 (to 1995) as part of the initial wave of autofocus lenses for Nikon F-mount camera bodies. The lens is notable for being Nikon's widest autofocus zoom lens at the time of its release, and serves well as an affordable, lightweight walk-around zoom. Even without modern coatings as found on lenses today, the 24-50mm f/3.3-4.5s is often praised for its classic rendering and, in some cases, surprising sharpness.

The lens was introduced as an update to the earlier Zoom-Nikkor 25-50mm f/4 Ai-S (1981 to 1985). Construction is a simple 9-element in 9 group design with a variable aperture, 7 rounded aperture blades with a rotating zoom design, a distance scale display window, and a manual focusing ring at its furthest end. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.6 meters, measures 68mm in diameter x 41mm in length, takes 62mm filters, and weighs 375 grams.

The front rotates when focusing, which can be inconvenient when using polarizer filters, and on some units, the zoom barrel can feel a bit wobbly.

The lens, as well as others from the series, are classic non-SWM (Silent Wave Motor) lens, where autofocusing is dependent on the internal focus motor from inside the camera body. They are, however, compatible with higher-end Nikon DSLR cameras, including the D7000-series, D200, D300, D500, and D850.

The f/3.3-4.5s was later replaced by the AF Nikkor 24-50mm f/3.3-4.5D (1995-2006), an improved version of the non-D model featuring a physical aperture ring and a chip to transmit focus distance information for enhanced 3D Matrix Metering.

On the Nikon D200, the lens is equivalent to a 36-75mm zoom on a full-frame camera, a very versatile standard or mid-range zoom with focal lengths from wide-angle to portrait telephoto. The lens is equally versatile for all-day shooting, crops and close-ups, street photography, travel, and environmental portraits.

Images, on the Nikon D200, are almost filmic, vibrant, with punchy colors and strong greens and reds, especially at low ISOs. With the AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-50mm f/3.3-4.5s, center sharpness is acceptable wide open, with the images improving significantly when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8.

Nikon D200, AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-50mm f/3.3-4.5s

The Nikon D200, a 10.2MP DSLR released in 2005, is renowned for its robust, professional-grade magnesium alloy body and the unique, film-like color rendering of its CCD sensor. While the camera lacks modern features as found on its modern counterparts, its excellent ergonomics, a robust die-cast magnesium alloy chassis that provides exceptional rigidity and durability, and user-friendliness make it a great, affordable model for learning photography and for vintage enthusiasts.

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