Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm

The Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm f/4 is an early autofocus telephoto zoom from Nikon, introduced in 1986 as part of the company's first generation of body-driven AF Nikkor lenses.

Its 70-210mm range covers a useful stretch from short telephoto through to longer-distance shooting, making it a good fit for portraits, events, travel and subjects where you need a bit more reach.

A particularly useful feature is the constant f/4 maximum aperture. Unlike variable-aperture zooms, the maximum aperture stays at f/4 throughout the entire 70-210mm zoom range.

It's also an interesting lens historically. Nikon launched it alongside the F-501 in April 1986, when the company was moving its F-mount SLR system into body-driven autofocus.

Best for

• Nikon 35mm film photography
• Portraits
• Events
• Travel
• Telephoto photography
• Nikon F-mount systems
• Photographers wanting a constant-aperture telephoto zoom
• Older autofocus Nikon SLR setups
• Adapted or compatible digital use

What to expect

The 70-210mm range starts around classic portrait territory and extends to a useful 210mm telephoto reach.

Unlike a 70-210mm f/4-5.6 lens, this particular version maintains a constant f/4 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range.

Autofocus needs a little more explanation on this one. The lens comes from Nikon's early body-driven autofocus system, introduced with cameras such as the F-501. The focusing motor is in the compatible camera body rather than inside the lens.

That means AF does not work on every Nikon digital camera. Nikon DSLRs with the appropriate mechanical AF drive can autofocus it, while bodies without that drive require manual focusing.