This lens is almost identical to the 200mm f/4 AI. The only significant difference is with a dual program camera like the FA giving different program exposure settings depending on lens focal length. The AI-s lens has a lug that triggers the high-speed program on the FA; the AI version of this lens does not and leaves the FA in the regular program mode that I prefer. Like the AI this lens is great. It has great optical and mechanical performance in a light, compact package. It has a built-in telescoping hood and takes common 52mm filters. The 200mm was positioned as an inexpensive, light alternative to the bulky and expensive 180mm f/2.8 ED. And oddly the 200mm is just as sharp as the 180/2.8.
Specifications
It has five elements in five groups.
It is 2.7" (68mm) around by 5" (126mm) long and weighs only 19 oz. (530g).
It has a nine-bladed diaphragm that stops down to f/32; one stop more than the $1,700 80-200 f/2.8 AFS.
This 200mm is extremely well made, far better than the AF lenses mechanically.
Close focus is 7 feet or 2m.
